title: Fecal Incontinence and Quality of Life in Adults With Rectal Cancer After Lower Anterior Resection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI) and its impact on health-related quality of life in rectal cancer patients following low anterior resection surgery for colorectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive, cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer and underwent low anterior resection were recruited from a 1264-bed hospital in southern Taiwan. Potential participants were mailed a questionnaire survey. They were followed up 8 to 16 months postoperatively. Some clinical data were collected via retrospective review of their medical records.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaires were mailed to 172 patients, and 71 with colorectal cancer underwent low anterior resection and agreed to participate and completed questionnaires in the research, reflecting a return rate of 41%. Data were collected on demographic characteristics and disease-related variables. Participants were asked if they had experienced FI during the past week. Fecal incontinence health-related quality of life was measured using the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Index. Completion of the questionnaire required approximately 15 minutes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More than half of the 71 participants (n = 45; 63.4%) experienced incontinence of flatus, 42.3% (n = 30) reported incontinence of liquid stool, and 14.1% (n = 10) stated that they experienced incontinence of solid stool. Based on mean CCIS scores, 35.2% (n = 25) experienced moderate to severe FI. One-third wore pads to contain FI and 21.1% changed daily activities because of FI. Nearly two-thirds reported FI during the week prior to completing the research questionnaire. The average Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Index cumulative score was significantly lower in the FI group (2.62 ± 0.61) than in the without-FI group (3.32 ± 0.77; P < .001), as were all subscale mean scores (all P < .01-.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fecal incontinence is prevalent among persons undergoing low anterior resection for colorectal cancer. Persons with FI report poor health-related quality of life compared to persons who retained fecal continence. Health care providers should assess these patients for FI and treat or refer those who experience this common problem.
authors.affiliation: Yu-Hua Lin, PhD, RN, Department of Nursing, I-Shou University, Taiwan, Republic of China. Hsin-Pao Chen, BSc, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China. Kuang-Wen Liu, BSc, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yu-Hua
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Hsin-Pao
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Kuang-Wen
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires