SP5.8 - A survey of the actual incidence of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in our patients and its effect on their quality of life Free

Following rectal surgery, bowel function is often affected and leads to a constellations of symptoms called Low Anterior Resection syndrome (LARS). Whilst several risk factors have been identified from previous studies, the most important question is how these symptoms impact the quality of life (QOL) of our patients. The aim of our study was to gain an overview of LARS among our patients, identify risk factors, quantify how it affects their daily lives and recommend preventive and management options.

We contacted all patients who had undergone anterior resections 01/10/2020-01/10/2023 via a telephone consultation carried out by a single doctor. Using the LARS questionnaire which has been internationally validated, we quantified the severity of LARS symptoms and effects on QOL in our patients.

A total 36 patients were included in the study. We found 75% patients had no LARS, 25% had minor LARS; no patients had major LARS. 15 patients experienced tenesmus, 11 urgency, 11 accidental leakage of stool, 10 inability to control flatus and 8 frequency. Only 8.33% reported their symptoms affecting their QOL; in this group, accidental leakage of stool was the common symptom. We found no correlation between the incidence of LARS and post-operative time period. None of our LARS patients had had pre-op radiotherapy; only 10% patients who had post- op chemo developed LARS.

In our cohort of Anterior resection patients, most had no LARS; none had major LARS. Though some patients had some symptoms, QOL was affected in only 8.33%. Those who had symptoms were directed to our LARS clinic in Lower GI physiology for further management.