Management of fecal incontinence after treatment for rectal cancer

Systematic review of the management options available for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS)

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer incidence is increasing. Low anterior resection is currently the gold standard surgical management. Postoperatively, patients may present with symptoms indicative of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). LARS can be debilitating and is difficult to treat with low efficacy of treatment modalities. This systematic review aims to highlight the current evidence regarding LARS management.

METHODS

Systematic review of Medline, Cochrane and Embase used the following terms: "low anterior resection syndrome" AND "management", "low anterior resection syndrome" AND "treatment". Articles that focus solely of low anterior resection syndrome management in patients > 18 years were included. Bias risk was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale for cohort studies and the JBI critical appraisal tool for randomized controlled trials. Due to heterogeneity of methodology, no statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight articles with a total of 1914 patients were included in this review. Ninety-five per cent underwent surgery for malignancy. Treatment options included pharmacology, pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR), transanal irrigation (TAI), sacral nerve modulation (SNM), percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and "treatment programs" starting from the least invasive procedures escalating to more invasive treatments upon failure. The most common published medical therapies report Ramoestron use; however, studies are low impact. PFR showed significant improvement in LARS mostly in those with symptoms of faecal incontinence. However, long-term outcomes are inconsistent. TAI supplies pseudo-continence with its greatest benefit reported in those with incomplete evacuation. TAI has significant short-term effects on LARS but little long-term effect. TAI is also associated with a significant drop-out rate. SNM's hypothesised benefit is extrapolated from non-LARS associated FI. Results show improvements in FI but a high rate of explantation. PTNS evidence suggests little if any significant LARS improvement. A single "stepwise programme" study reported that 77 per cent did not progress further than diet and medication. Little evidence suggests benefit regarding diet or acupuncture.

DISCUSSION

There is no consensus as to the optimal treatment strategy for LARS. LARS is multifactorial and requires sensitive discussion between patient and surgeon to address the most prominent symptom. It requires physical and psychological input. No single treatment option provides superior results. Treatment is based on symptom control and patient acceptance.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation in cancer survivorship: an umbrella review

PURPOSE

This umbrella review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and summarize current systematic reviews with meta-analyses on the role of pelvic floor rehabilitation in cancer survivorship.

METHODS

Four bibliographic databases were searched from inception to August 1, 2024. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of 379 records and retrieved 24 full-text systematic reviews. Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 was used for quality assessment. Qualitative syntheses were performed to compile the effects of pelvic floor rehabilitation on bladder function, bowel function, quality of life, and other outcomes. Measures of effect sizes of these outcomes in each meta-analysis were extracted and summarized.

RESULTS

Seventeen systematic reviews with meta-analyses published between 2012 and 2024 were included in this umbrella review, containing a total of 92 primary studies. For quality assessment, four studies were evaluated as moderate quality, five as low, and eight as critically low. Populations with prostate, colorectal, and gynecological cancer were studied. Effects of pelvic floor rehabilitation on bladder, bowel, sexual function, and quality of life were reported and synthesized.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is an essential component of cancer survivorship, including following prostate, colorectal, and gynecological cancer surgery. Further high-quality primary studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to inform clinical practice and research endeavors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This umbrella review highlights the therapeutic potential of pelvic floor rehabilitation, underscores the need for its broader implementation in survivorship care, and guides future research directions to optimize outcomes for cancer survivors.

Diffuse reflection spectroscopy at the fingertip: design and performance of a compact side-firing probe for tissue discrimination during colorectal cancer surgery

Optical technologies are widely used for tissue sensing purposes. However, maneuvering conventional probe designs with flat-tipped fibers in narrow spaces can be challenging, for instance during pelvic colorectal cancer surgery. In this study, a compact side-firing fiber probe was developed for tissue discrimination during colorectal cancer surgery using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The optical behavior was compared to flat-tipped fibers using both Monte Carlo simulations and experimental phantom measurements. The tissue classification performance was examined using freshly excised colorectal cancer specimens. Using the developed probe and classification algorithm, an accuracy of 0.92 was achieved for discriminating tumor tissue from healthy tissue.

Effectiveness of Biofeedback Therapy in Patients with Bowel Dysfunction Following Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Systemic Review with Meta-Analysis

Objective

To identify, systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy in patients with bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery.

Data Sources

Four electronic databases (PubMed 1974–2021; Embase1980–2021; Cochrane databases and the trial registers) were systematically searched by reviewers from inception through March 2021.

Study Selection

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case series studies were included for adults with bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery. All participants received an intervention of biofeedback treatment. Any outcomes that can evaluate the patient’s bowel function were the primary research endpoint, while the quality of life was the second endpoint. The disagreements between the two reviewers were resolved after discussion and the third independent reviewer’s ruling. As a result, 12 of 185 studies met selection criteria and were included in the review.

Data Extraction

We designed an electronic data extraction form and data were extracted independently. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias, the MINORS scale, and the Institute of Health Economics scale.

Data Synthesis

Meta-analyses were conducted for case series only and narrative syntheses were completed. Key findings included significant improvements in bowel function as well as health-related quality of life after biofeedback therapy. (Wexner score: t=7, MD=3.33; 95% CI [2.48, 4.18]) and (Vaizey score: t=3, MD=2.46; 95% CI [1.98, 2.93]). Subgroup analysis of Wexner score: receiving electrical stimulation therapy (t=3, MD=2.36; 95% CI [1.51, 3.22]), not receiving electrical stimulation (t=4, MD=3.79;95% CI[2.66, 4.93]); not receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (t=3, MD=2.42;95% CI[1.61, 3.24]), chemotherapy and radiotherapy (t=1, MD=4.10; 95% CI [2.90, 5.30]), radiotherapy and chemotherapy on parts of patients (t=2, MD=3.46;95% CI [1.41, 5.51]), chemotherapy (t=1, MD=4.81; 95% CI [3.38, 6.24]); performing ISR (t=2, MD=3.32;95% CI [0.37, 6.27]), performing AR (t=4, MD=3.08; 95% CI [2.12, 4.04]), performing PLRAS surgery (t=1, MD=4.10;95% CI[2.90, 5.30]).

Conclusion

Although biofeedback therapy may improve intestinal function and quality of life as well as anal function reflected by ARM after surgery, patient satisfaction is still unclear. Due to the scarcity of data, good-quality research is required to delve deeper.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

CRD42020192658.

Defecation disorder and anal function after surgery for lower rectal cancer in elderly patients

AIM

This study aims to investigate the association of patient age with defecation disorders and anal function after lower rectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 141 consecutive patients with lower rectal cancer who underwent sphincter-preserving operation. The patients were classified into five categories by age thresholds at 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 years, for disaggregate analysis. Anal manometry was used for measuring the maximum resting pressure, high-pressure zone, and maximum squeeze pressure. Anal manometry was performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome scores were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after rectal surgery or stoma closure for patients with ileostomy.

RESULTS

The data of 117 patients were reviewed. No significant differences were found between the younger and elderly groups in any characteristics across the six age groups. The preoperative intra-anal pressures of the elderly patients were slightly lower than those of the younger patients; however, there was no significant difference in the course of postoperative intra-anal pressures. Defecation disorder, as measured by the Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome scores, improved significantly in elderly patients compared to younger patients.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in the course of postoperative intra-anal pressures between the elderly and younger patients. However, defecation disorders in elderly patients significantly improved compared with younger patients. Sphincter-preserving operation can be a viable treatment option for active elderly patients.

Efficacy of pelvic floor rehabilitation for bowel dysfunction after anterior resection for colorectal cancer: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Bowel dysfunction is common after anterior resection for colorectal cancer (CRC). Pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) may improve functional outcomes after surgery. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PFR for patients with bowel symptoms after anterior resection.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINHAL, PUBMED, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PEDRO and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2019. A final search was performed on 11 July 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case-control studies and case series of bowel dysfunction after CRC surgery and PFR were eligible for review. Outcome measures were bowel function changes measured by patient-reported outcomes and manometric measurement. Risk of bias assessments using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) were conducted.

RESULTS

Eleven trials met eligibility criteria: four retrospective studies and seven prospective, non-randomised controlled studies. A total of 516 participants were included, of which 455 received PFR. Functional outcomes were measured by bowel functional outcome questionnaires, patient diary, anorectal manometry and three studies measured quality of life. Faecal incontinence was improved in seven studies, and bowel frequency also decreased in five studies. The mean MINORS score was 10 (8-13) out of 16 in non-comparative groups and 18 (16-22) out of 24 in comparative groups; the NOS was 4.2 (3-7) out of 9. The overall risk of bias was high in most studies.

CONCLUSIONS

PFR appears to be beneficial for improving bowel function after anterior resection for CRC. However, the studies included had methodological limitations, so further investigation on the effectiveness of PFR is warranted.

Quality of Life After a Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer in Elderly Patients

Purpose

Fecal incontinence is a major concern, and its incidence increases with age. Quality of life may decrease due to fecal incontinence after both sphincter-saving surgery and a rectal resection with a permanent stoma. This study investigated quality of life, with regard to fecal incontinency, in elderly patients after rectal-cancer surgery.

Methods

All patients who underwent elective rectal surgery with anastomosis for rectal cancer between December 2008 and June 2012 at two Dutch hospitals were eligible for inclusion. The Wexner and the fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQoL) scores were collected. Young (<70 years of age) and elderly (≥70 years of age) patients were compared.

Results

Seventy-nine patients were included, of whom 19 were elderly patients (24.1%). All diverting stomas that had been placed (n = 60, 75.9%) had been closed at the time of the study. There were no differences in Wexner or FIQoL scores between the young and the elderly patients. Also, there were no differences between patients without a diverting stoma and patients in whom bowel continuity had been restored. Elderly females had significantly worse scores on the FIQoL subscales of coping/behavior (P = 0.043) and depression/self-perception (P = 0.004) than young females. Elderly females scored worse on coping/behavior (P = 0.010) and depression/self-perception (P = 0.036) than elderly males. Young and elderly males had comparable scores.

Conclusion

Quality of life with regard to fecal incontinency is worse in elderly females after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Patients should be informed of this impact, and a definite stoma may be considered in this patient group.

Pelvic floor muscle training for bowel dysfunction following colorectal cancer surgery: A systematic review

AIMS

To identify, evaluate and synthesize the evidence examining the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on bowel dysfunction in patients who have undergone colorectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE 1950-2014; CINAHL 1982-2014; EMBASE 1980-2014; Scopus 1823-2014; PsycINFO 1806-2014; Web of Science 1970-2014; Cochrane Library 2014; PEDro 1999-2014) were systematically searched in March 2014. Reference lists of identified articles were cross referenced and hand searched. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and case series were included if they investigated the effects of conservative treatments, including PFMT on bowel function in patients with colorectal cancer following surgery. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias of studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

Six prospective non-randomized studies and two retrospective studies were included. The mean (SD) NOS risk of bias score was 4.9 (1.2) out of 9; studies were limited by a lack of non-exposed cohort, lack of independent blinded assessment, heterogeneous treatment protocols, and lack of long-term follow-up. The majority of studies reported significant improvements in stool frequency, incontinence episodes, severity of fecal incontinence, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after PFMT. Meta-analysis was not possible due to lack of randomized controlled trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic floor muscle training for patients following surgery for colorectal cancer appears to be associated with improvements in bowel function and HRQoL. Results from non-randomized studies are promising but randomized controlled trials with sufficient power are needed to confirm the effectiveness of PFMT in this population.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation to improve functional outcome after a low anterior resection: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Impaired functional outcome is common after a low anterior resection (LAR). Pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) might improve functional outcome after a LAR. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of PFR in improving functional outcome.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched using the terms fecal incontinence, colorectal neoplasm/surgery, LAR, rectal cancer, anterior resection syndrome, bowel habit, pelvic floor, training, therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation and biofeedback. Of the 125 identified records, 5 articles were included.

RESULTS

The 5 included studies reported on 321 patients, of which 286 patients (89%) underwent pelvic floor training. Three studies included patients with anterior resection syndrome after a LAR while the remaining studies included a series of patients after a LAR. Functional outcome was mostly assessed by using the Wexner incontinence scale. Quality of life was assessed in one study, and in three studies, rectal manometry was performed. After PFR, the functional outcome was improved in four studies, as was the quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review demonstrated that PFR is useful for improving the functional outcome after a LAR. The data are extracted from studies of limited quality, but the available evidence points to the effectiveness of the procedure.

Sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence and "low anterior resection syndrome" following neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

It was the aim of this prospective study to analyze both feasibility and effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence and "low anterior resection syndrome" following neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.

METHODS

All patients who underwent sacral neuromdulation following neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer (preoperative radiochemotherapy, oncologic rectal resection with total mesorectal excision) were prospectively enrolled in the study. Only patients with failure of conservative treatment and without any evidence of residual or recurrent tumor disease were candidates for sacral neuromdulation which was performed by a two-stage procedure (diagnostic percutaneous test stimulation followed by definite implant). In addition to feasibility, primary end points included success (reduction of incontinent episodes), continence and defecation status (assessed by Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score and Altomare score), and quality of life (EQ-5D). Anal manometry was performed preoperative and at 12-month follow-up. Follow-up information was derived from clinical examination 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Nine patients (three females, six males) with a mean age of 61 years underwent sacral neuromodulation following neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. Implantation rate was 100 %. No septic morbidity was observed. After a mean follow-up of 12 months, mean Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score was reduced from 18.2 to 6.0 (p < 0.01). Incontinence episodes were significantly reduced from 7 to 0.5 (per day) and 20 to 8 (per week). Fecal urgency, fragmented defecation, and soiling were improved or resolved in two thirds. Altomare score was significantly reduced from 21.0 to 9.3 (p < 0.01). Anorectal manometry did not correlate with clinical success. Quality of life was significantly improved (EQ-5D generic: 0.42 vs. 0.74, EQ-5D-VAS score: 20 vs. 90, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results of sacral neuromodulation in patients with fecal incontinence and symptoms of "low anterior resection syndrome" are promising and enrich the therapeutic modalities if conservative management has failed.

Treatment options to improve anorectal function following rectal resection: a systematic review

AIM

Common problems after rectal resection are loose stools, faecal incontinence, increased frequency and evacuation difficulties, for which there are various therapeutic options. A systematic review was conducted to assess the outcome of treatment options aimed to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery.

METHOD

Publications including a therapeutic approach to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery were searched using the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Pedro, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsychInfo and the Cochrane Library. The focus was on outcome parameters of symptomatic improvement of faecal incontinence, evaluation of defaecation and quality of life.

RESULTS

The degree of agreement on eligibility and methodological quality between reviewers calculated with kappa was 0.85. Fifteen studies were included. Treatment options included pelvic floor re-education (n=7), colonic irrigation (n=2) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) (n=6). Nine studies reported reduced incontinence scores and a decreased number of incontinent episodes. In 10 studies an improvement in resting and squeeze pressure was observed after treatment with pelvic floor re-education or SNS. Three studies reported improved quality of life after pelvic floor re-education. Significant improvement of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale was found in three studies after SNS.

CONCLUSION

Conservative therapies such as pelvic floor re-education and colonic irrigation can improve anorectal function. SNS might be an effective solution in selected patients. However, methodologically qualitative studies are limited and randomized controlled trials are needed to draw evidence-based conclusions.