title: Clinical outcomes and quality of life after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate clinical outcomes and quality of life in terms of anal, urinary, and sexual function, after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital, Switzerland.
  
  
  METHODS
  43 patients with low rectal cancers.
  
  
  METHODS
  27 were not given adjuvant radiotherapy and 16 had preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy 1.6 Gy twice daily for 13 days.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anal, urinary, and sexual function postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  23 patients reported normal defaecation (53%), 9 had incontinence of flatus (21%), 5 had occasional minor soiling (12%), 2 had frequent major soiling (5%), 4 had a total faecal incontinence (9%), and 3 had urinary incontinence (7%). Sexual dysfunction was reported by 9 of the 13 sexually active men and 2 of the 11 sexually active women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite their reported faecal, urinary and sexual dysfunction most patients were satisfied with their quality of life. Counselling at the time of operation is highly recommended as a means of contributing to personal satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Nigel A M
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Chatwin
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ribordy
authors.forename: Jean C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Givel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011788:Quality of Life; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome