AB089. SOH26AB_0127. Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life: a comparative analysis
Colorectal Session I

AB089. SOH26AB_0127. Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life: a comparative analysis

Jose Pedro Almeida1, Ellerose O’Flaherty1, William Joyce1,2

1Blackrock Health Galway Clinic, Galway, Ireland; 2Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

Background: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) describes bowel dysfunction symptoms—including urgency, clustering, incontinence, and frequency—following sphincter-preserving rectal surgery. It affects up to 70% of patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery and significantly impacts quality of life (QoL). LARS also occurs after resections for benign disease, although its prevalence and severity in this context are less clearly defined. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and severity of LARS and its impact on QoL in patients undergoing anterior resection for benign vs. malignant disease.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed all anterior resections performed by a single colorectal surgeon at Blackrock Health Galway Clinic [2014–2024]. Of 116 patients assessed, 65 met the inclusion criteria. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from records, while LARS severity (LARS score) and QoL (SF-36) were collected directly from patients. Associations with demographic, pathological, surgical, and treatment-related factors were analysed using Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests, with statistical significance set at P<0.05.

Results: Thirty-eight patients underwent resection for benign disease and 27 for malignancy. Major LARS occurred in 8 patients (12.3%), more common in malignant than benign cases (26% vs. 3%, P=0.013). Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy [71% vs. 5%; odds ratio (OR) =45.8; P<0.0001], low or ultra-low anastomosis (50% vs. 0%; OR approximately =99; P<0.0001), and stoma formation (P=0.003) were strongly associated with major LARS. SF-36 scores did not differ between benign and malignant groups.

Conclusions: LARS represents a significant morbidity after rectal cancer surgery. Low anastomotic height, stoma formation, and neoadjuvant radiotherapy were the strongest predictors. With increasing use of total neoadjuvant therapy, LARS incidence may rise. High-risk patients should receive preoperative counselling, including discussion of permanent stoma, to optimise postoperative function and QoL.

Keywords: Anterior resection; colorectal cancer; diverticulitis; low anterior resection syndrome (LARS); quality of life (QoL)

Acknowledgments

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Footnote

Funding: None.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

doi: 10.21037/map-26-ab089
Cite this abstract as: Almeida JP, O’Flaherty E, Joyce W. AB089. SOH26AB_0127. Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life: a comparative analysis. Mesentery Peritoneum 2026;10:AB089.

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