Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a collection of symptoms that can occur as a result of a low anterior resection for bowel cancer. Transanal irrigation (TAI) can be used to manage these symptoms. This article describes a retrospective audit of 15 patients who were using TAI to manage symptoms of LARS. The aim of the audit was to ascertain whether the use of TAI improved outcomes for these patients. The data suggest that TAI has reduced both the frequency of bowel movements and episodes of faecal incontinence. Those patients using higher volumes of water seem to have experienced more benefit than those patients using lower volumes of water. These findings are consistent with current literature around TAI for LARS and suggest research into optimum volume of water would be beneficial.

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is an established treatment in the management of all types of bowel dysfunction. The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) recommends that TAI is initiated by a suitably trained health professional; however, it must then be established how that health professional becomes suitably trained. Much has been published about how TAI works, including its benefits and risks and the types of equipment available. However, no definitive competencies have been agreed among experts in this area. The Northern Region Irrigation Professional Group have recently developed a framework of evidence-based competencies for transanal irrigation. This article discusses the process of development and describes the evidence base and benefits behind the competencies.