Sigmar Stelzner1, Juliane Kupsch2, Sören Torge Mees2. 1. Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, Städtisches Klinikum Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Friedrichstr. 41, 01067, Dresden, Deutschland. sigmar.stelzner@klinikum-dresden.de. 2. Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, Städtisches Klinikum Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Friedrichstr. 41, 01067, Dresden, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With improvement of the oncological prognosis and more sphincter-preserving procedures for rectal cancer of the lower third, the functional sequelae of anterior rectal resection become more and more predominant and are summarized under the term low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this narrative review the causes, associated factors, prevalence, diagnostics and treatment strategies are presented based on an evaluation of the international literature. RESULTS: The central role of the rectum in the physiology of defecation and continence explains the frequency of symptoms following anterior rectal resection. In an unselected patient population a major LARS is to be expected in approximately 40% and a minor LARS in approximately 20%. The most important factor is the length of the remaining rectal stump. The diagnosis of LARS is made clinically and can be quantified by scores, especially by the LARS score. Treatment options range from patient counselling to stoma construction and a symptom-related, stepwise approach is generally accepted. CONCLUSION: While the evidence for the causes, the quantification and determination of associated factors of LARS is good, the treatment options are based either on experience or on only few studies.
BACKGROUND: With improvement of the oncological prognosis and more sphincter-preserving procedures for rectal cancer of the lower third, the functional sequelae of anterior rectal resection become more and more predominant and are summarized under the term low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this narrative review the causes, associated factors, prevalence, diagnostics and treatment strategies are presented based on an evaluation of the international literature. RESULTS: The central role of the rectum in the physiology of defecation and continence explains the frequency of symptoms following anterior rectal resection. In an unselected patient population a major LARS is to be expected in approximately 40% and a minor LARS in approximately 20%. The most important factor is the length of the remaining rectal stump. The diagnosis of LARS is made clinically and can be quantified by scores, especially by the LARS score. Treatment options range from patient counselling to stoma construction and a symptom-related, stepwise approach is generally accepted. CONCLUSION: While the evidence for the causes, the quantification and determination of associated factors of LARS is good, the treatment options are based either on experience or on only few studies.
Authors: Catherine L C Bryant; Peter J Lunniss; Charles H Knowles; Mohamed A Thaha; Christopher L H Chan Journal: Lancet Oncol Date: 2012-09 Impact factor: 41.316
Authors: C Keane; N S Fearnhead; L Bordeianou; P Christensen; E Espin Basany; S Laurberg; A Mellgren; C Messick; G R Orangio; A Verjee; K Wing; I Bissett Journal: Colorectal Dis Date: 2020-02-10 Impact factor: 3.788
Authors: Larissa K Temple; Jennifer Bacik; Salvatore G Savatta; Lester Gottesman; Philip B Paty; Martin R Weiser; José G Guillem; Bruce D Minsky; Michelle Kalman; Howard T Thaler; Deborah Schrag; W Douglas Wong Journal: Dis Colon Rectum Date: 2005-07 Impact factor: 4.585
Authors: T Juul; N J Battersby; P Christensen; A Z Janjua; G Branagan; S Laurberg; K J Emmertsen; B Moran Journal: Colorectal Dis Date: 2015-10 Impact factor: 3.788