Our Summary

This study was conducted to understand the occurrence of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), a condition causing bowel problems after rectal surgery, following different types of colorectal surgery, and how it affects the patients’ quality of life. The research included adult patients who had undergone colorectal surgery at the researchers’ medical center between January 2016 and March 2019.

After sending out a questionnaire to the patients, they received 119 responses. The results showed that LARS was most common after rectal surgery, but was also surprisingly high after right-sided colectomy, a procedure where the right part of the colon is removed. The scores were lower after left-sided colectomy, a surgery where the left part of the colon is removed.

The researchers found that the quality of life was lowest after rectal surgery but was higher after left colectomy compared to right colectomy. The type of surgery did not significantly affect the LARS scores. However, they noticed higher LARS scores after right-sided colectomy compared to left-sided colectomy, and both had a similar impact on the patients’ quality of life.

The researchers suggested that Colorectal Resection Syndrome (CORS) would be a more appropriate name for LARS, to better reflect the bowel problems experienced by patients after colorectal surgery, regardless of the specific type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is LARS and how does it relate to colorectal surgery?
  2. Is there a difference in LARS scores and quality of life between right-sided and left-sided colectomy?
  3. What is the proposed name change from LARS to CORS and why?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about colectomy is to make sure to follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated to help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, it is important to communicate any changes in bowel habits or symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure proper management and support after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone colorectal surgery, including rectal surgery, right-sided colectomy, and left-sided colectomy, may be recommended colectomy if they experience symptoms of Colorectal Resection Syndrome (CORS) or Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). These symptoms may include bowel dysfunction, fecal incontinence, urgency, and altered quality of life. Patients with severe and persistent symptoms that significantly impact their daily functioning may be candidates for colectomy to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Timeline

  • Before colectomy: Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues that have not responded well to other treatments. They may undergo various tests and evaluations to determine the need for a colectomy.
  • Colectomy surgery: The patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove all or part of the colon. The type of colectomy (right-sided, left-sided, or rectal) depends on the location and extent of the disease.
  • After colectomy: Patients may experience symptoms of colorectal resection syndrome (CORS), which includes functional bowel complaints such as increased frequency of bowel movements, urgency, and incontinence. Quality of life may be impacted due to these symptoms.
  • Follow-up care: Patients may receive ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare providers to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life post-colectomy. Additional treatments or interventions may be recommended based on individual needs.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the likelihood of experiencing symptoms similar to LARS after a colectomy?
  2. How does the location of the colectomy (right-sided vs. left-sided) impact the risk of developing LARS?
  3. What can be done to manage or minimize the symptoms of LARS after a colectomy?
  4. How will LARS or CORS affect my quality of life in the long term?
  5. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make to help alleviate symptoms of LARS or CORS?
  6. Are there any medications or treatments available to help manage symptoms of LARS or CORS?
  7. How frequently should I follow up with you after the colectomy to monitor for any signs of LARS or CORS?
  8. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients experiencing symptoms of LARS or CORS after colorectal surgery?
  9. What are the potential risks or complications associated with LARS or CORS after a colectomy?
  10. How can I best communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms related to LARS or CORS with you in the future?

Reference

Authors: Meurs J, Dumoulin X, De Sutter N, Smolders Y, Van Den Broeck S, Komen N. Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis. 2023 Jun 27;38(1):180. doi: 10.1007/s00384-023-04471-0. PMID: 37369860