Bowel dysfunction after minimally invasive sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer: A prospective study of prevalence, associated factors and quality of life

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate the prevalence of bowel dysfunction following sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer and its effects on quality of life.
• Conducted a prospective study involving patients who underwent minimally invasive sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.
• Evaluated factors associated with bowel dysfunction, including NACTRT and anastomotic level.
• Analyzed the relationship between LARS severity and quality of life outcomes.
• Bowel dysfunction was prevalent among patients after surgery, strongly influenced by treatment and surgical factors.
• Higher LARS severity correlated negatively with quality of life, indicating significant impairments.