Effects of preoperative chemoradiotherapy on anal sphincter functions and quality of life in rectal cancer patients

Abstract

Both total mesorectal excision and preoperative chemoradiotherapy may adversely affect the anorectal function. Careful selection of the patients who will benefit from neoadjuvant therapy and identifying the patients with a high risk of developing functional problems may help to improve functional outcomes for the treatment of rectal cancer.

Oncological outcomes of local excision compared with radical surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…After CRT+LE, Marks and colleagues reported good defecatory function in 13/14 patients and only 1/14 required a colostomy due to poor sphincter function [29]. Importantly, chemoradiotherapy treatment per se, in the absence of operative intervention, may adversely affect sphincter function [30]. Schell and colleagues have also reported the impact of low rectal cancer treatment on sphincter function [28].…”

Sphincter-preserving surgery after preoperative radiochemotherapy for T3 low rectal cancers

“…Impairment of the anal sphincter with preoperative radiochemotherapy has been an issue of concern (30). In low rectal cancer, sphincter-preserving surgery itself has some impact on anal function.…”

Effects of Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer on Anorectal Function

“…15). [27] 1994 Conventional 10 No 3 years Yes Gervaz et al [31] 2001 Conventional 45 Yes 2 years No Denhi et al [36] 2002 Conventional 28 Yes (Partially) 1 year No Nathanson et al [28] 2003 Conventional 109 No 5 years No Ammann et al [25] 2003 Conventional 28 Yes 1 year Yes Saito et al [29] 2004 Conventional 20 No 1 year Yes Pietsch et al [26] 2007 Conventional 12 No 6 months Yes Coco et al [37] 2007 Conventional 100 Yes 1 year No Canda et al [38] 2010 Conventional 31 Yes 1 year Yes Denost et al [39] 2011 Conventional 51 Yes 5 years No…”