3. Surgical Therapy for Colorectal Cancer-Surgical Removal of Hepatic Metastasis and Low Anterior Resection of Rectal Cancer

The aim of this paper is to answer the question: do we still need a permanent colostomy and present the quality of life of patients operated on for rectal cancer. A comparative analysis of patients after abdomino-perineal resection of the rectum vs. patients after low anterior resection of the rectum with preservation of sphincters is presented. When assessing the quality of life of patients, the following issues were considered: a) function of the whole organism and general condition (physical function); b) psychological well-being (psychological function); c) professional activity, relations with relatives and friends, leisure activities (social function) and d) intimate relations (sexual function). In both groups of patients, both after abdomino-perineal resection of the rectum and after low-anterior resection, a significant deterioration in the quality of life was noted. In spite of a good general health condition in the majority of cases (over 60% in both groups), frequent are irregular stools and diarrhea. Stomy patients complain about uncontrolled passing of gas and urologic problems, while patients with preserved sphincter complain about constipation. Stomy patients significantly more often suffer depression, loneliness and even despair due to low self-esteem and feeling of unfavorable change in body appearance. This feeling is present more often in younger patients and in women. Rectal cancer may cause social dysfunction, like reluctance to resume professional activity after surgery, limitation of social contacts, change of model of rest and leisure activities towards more passive forms and forms which do not require the attendance of many people. These phenomena apply to both groups but are more prominent among stomy patients. As stomy patients are usually older, some of these alterations may be due to age. Sexual dysfunction is significantly more frequent in stomy patients. Age may be one of the causes thereof. These problems are significantly more frequent in males. In some cases of colorectal cancer, the best way of management is colostomy. Further studies are needed to elaborate more clear criteria for optimal management of patients with colorectal cancer.

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Low anterior resection syndrome: impact on quality of life and nurse-led management

Gastrointestinal Nursing ◽

10.12968/gasn.2021.19.sup4a.s15 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (Sup4a) ◽

pp. S15-S20

Author(s):

Jennie Burch

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rectal Cancer ◽

Anterior Resection ◽

Low Anterior Resection ◽

Surgical Removal ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Management Options ◽

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome ◽

Anterior Resection Syndrome

Rectal cancer is common and is often treated with surgical removal of the rectum, potentially including chemoradiation. Despite improvements in surgical technique, this treatment often results in long-term negative consequences. The most common of these symptoms involve bowel dysfunction, such as faecal incontinence, constipation and urgency, and are collectively termed low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). These often negatively impact on quality of life in a number of areas, including work, relationships and mental wellbeing. These symptoms can be eased with conservative management techniques, such as dietary modification, pelvic floor exercises and medication. If these are insufficient, patients can try specialist nurse-led interventions, including biofeedback, hypnotherapy, nerve stimulation and/or transanal irrigation. If these management options do not provide adequate quality of life, a permanent colostomy can be formed. It is important for nurses to recognise that problems can occur after treatment for rectal cancer and assist patients to overcome these problems and improve their quality of life.

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