Diseases of the colon and rectum
-
Low anterior resection syndrome has a significant impact on the quality of life in rectal cancer survivors. Previous studies comparing laparoscopic to open rectal resection have neglected bowel function outcomes. ⋯ Bowel dysfunction affects a majority of rectal cancer patients for a significant time after the operation. In this secondary analysis of a randomized trial, surgical approach does not appear to influence the likelihood or severity of low anterior resection syndrome. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B794.