title: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: Current Management and Future Directions.
abstract: Outcomes for rectal cancer surgery have improved significantly over the past 20 years with increasing rates of survival and recurrence, specifically local recurrence. These gains have been realized during a period of time in which there has been an increasing emphasis on sphincter preservation. As we have become increasingly aggressive in avoiding resection of the anus, we have begun accepting bowel dysfunction as a normal outcome. Low anterior resection syndrome, defined as a constellation of symptoms including incontinence, frequency, urgency, or feelings of incomplete emptying, has a significant impact on quality of life and results in many patients opting for a permanent colostomy to avoid these symptoms. In this article, we will highlight the most recent clinical and basic science research on this topic and discuss areas of future investigation.
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
authors: Timothy J
authors: TJ
authors: Ridolfi
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Berger
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
authors: Kirk A
authors: KA
authors: Ludwig
keywords: LAR syndrome; low anterior resection; rectal cancer