Low anterior resection syndrome

The goal of this clinical study is to gain further insights into the treatment of patients with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) symptoms after rectal resection. The main question is: Can LARS symptoms and quality of life be improved by implementing an intensified follow-up program? Researchers will compare the results of the intervention group with the results of a control group in which patients do not receive an intensified follow-up program to determine whether the intervention works. Participants will undergo an intensified follow-up program which consists of several follow-up visits and medical treatment, pelvic floor muscle training and gynaecological and urological co-treatment in case of LARS symptoms and urinary or sexual complaints.

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd and 3rd most common cancer in respectively women and men, of which about 40% is located in the rectum. The gold standard treatment for rectal cancer (RC) is a low anterior resection, combined with chemoradiotherapy. However, this treatment will negatively impact different aspects of bowel function and the patients' quality of life. These bowel symptoms often remain prevalent, even at 12 months after RC treatment.
The aim of this study is to identify the factors contributing to persistent bowel symptoms and their long-term impact on quality of life following treatment for rectal cancer 12 month post-surgery or post-stoma closure. These insights are crucial in developing an effective care approach, as they assist us in determining when specific evaluations should be conducted and which treatments should be applied at different stages.

This clinical trial studies if a bowel management program with a retrograde rectal enema (RRE) for the treatment of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in rectal cancer patients is better than medical management alone. Rectal cancer treatment can include a procedure where part of the rectum with cancer is removed and the remaining part of the rectum is reconnected to the colon, this is called a low anterior resection of the rectum. LARS is a common condition that can develop after undergoing a low anterior resection of the rectum. LARS consists of any change in how the body performs defecation, the discharge of feces from the body, after undergoing a resection procedure. Patients with LARS may experience fecal urgency, incontinence, increased frequency, constipation, feelings of incomplete bowel movement, or bowel emptying difficulties. Patients may experience individual symptoms of LARS or a combination of them. A bowel management program assists patient's with identifying a specific bowel management regimen that works best for managing symptoms of LARS. A RRE consists of inserting a catheter through the anus into the rectum. The RRE is designed to assist fecal emptying. Medical management of LARS can include the use of fiber, loperamide hydrochloride, or pelvic floor physical therapy. Fiber may help relieve constipation, feelings of incomplete bowel movement, or bowel emptying difficulties. Loperamide hydrocholoride may help lessen fecal urgency, incontinence, or increased frequency. Pelvic floor physical therapy may help restore strength in the rectum possibly helping to improve symptoms of LARS. Participating in a bowel management program with a RRE may be more effective in treating LARS than medical management alone.