Intersphinteric resection for rectal cancer: role in fecal continence and Quality of Life.

AIM: Aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of fecal incontince and its impact on life-quality after intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twentyeight patients (18 males and 10 female) underwent intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer between 2006 and 2008. The presence of fecal incontinence was evaluated by Wexner score pre-operatory and 3, 6 and 12 months after ileostomy closure; Quality of Life was evaluated by Fecal Incontinence Quality Of Life (FIQL) score.

RESULTS: Wexner score was significatively (p<0.01) higher in the post-operative period (14,07 ± 1.94, 13.36 ± 2.3 and 12.29 ± 2.3 at 3.6 and 12 months) than the pre-operative one (0.72 ± 0.71). Post-operative life-quality specifically related to fecal incontince was worse than in the pre-operative period (FIQL: 10.84 ± 2.52 at 12 months vs 16 preoperative period).

DISCUSSION: Wexner score results show a significative worsening in fecal incontinence after intersphincteric resection, even if this condition seems to improve during the follow-up. These results agree with literature.

CONCLUSIONS: Intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer is associated, in the short term (12 months), with a significative state of fecal incontinence. This state has a significative impact on life-quality. However a longer follow-up probably might show an improvement in life-quality parameters.