title: Intersphinteric resection for rectal cancer: role in fecal continence and Quality of Life.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of fecal incontince and its impact on life-quality after intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twentyeight patients (18 males and 10 female) underwent intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer between 2006 and 2008. The presence of fecal incontinence was evaluated by Wexner score pre-operatory and 3, 6 and 12 months after ileostomy closure; Quality of Life was evaluated by Fecal Incontinence Quality Of Life (FIQL) score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Wexner score was significatively (p<0.01) higher in the post-operative period (14,07 ± 1.94, 13.36 ± 2.3 and 12.29 ± 2.3 at 3.6 and 12 months) than the pre-operative one (0.72 ± 0.71). Post-operative life-quality specifically related to fecal incontince was worse than in the pre-operative period (FIQL: 10.84 ± 2.52 at 12 months vs 16 preoperative period).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Wexner score results show a significative worsening in fecal incontinence after intersphincteric resection, even if this condition seems to improve during the follow-up. These results agree with literature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer is associated, in the short term (12 months), with a significative state of fecal incontinence. This state has a significative impact on life-quality. However a longer follow-up probably might show an improvement in life-quality parameters.
authors.forename: Mariano Cesare
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Giglio
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Persico
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quarto
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Benassai
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Luglio
authors.forename: Rachele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tarquini
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Celentano
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sollazzo
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bucci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Intersphincteric resection incontinence.