Functional and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with rectal cancer after combined modality therapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and sphincter preservation Journal Article


Authors: Shibata, D.; Guillem, J. G.; Lanouette, N.; Paty, P.; Minsky, B.; Harrison, L.; Wong, W. D.; Cohen, A.
Article Title: Functional and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with rectal cancer after combined modality therapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and sphincter preservation
Abstract: PURPOSE: Locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancers treated with external beam radiation therapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and chemotherapy represent a complex group of patients in the setting of extensive pelvic surgery and sphincter preservation. We sought to define functional outcome and quality of life in this subset of patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancer patients who underwent intraoperative radiation therapy with either low anterior resection (n = 12) or coloanal anastomosis (n = 6) between 1991 and 1998. Current functional outcome and quality of life were evaluated by a detailed questionnaire. RESULTS: Median time from operation to assessment was 24 (range, 6-93) months. Using a standardized Sphincter Function Scale, incorporating the number of bowel movements per day and degree of incontinence, patients were graded as poor, fair, good, or excellent function. Of all patients, 56 percent reported unfavorable (poor or fair) function. Of the subset of patients with coloanal anastomosis or very low low anterior resection, 88 percent had unfavorable function as compared with 30 percent with standard low anterior resection. (P = 0.02; Fisher's exact probability test). A quality-of-life satisfaction score based on social, professional, and recreational restrictions demonstrated 56 percent of patients to be dissatisfied with their bowel function. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with advanced rectal cancers who require external beam radiation therapy, extensive pelvic surgery, and intraoperative radiation therapy report unfavorable functional and quality-of-life outcomes after sphincter preservation. In this setting patients being considered for coloanal anastomosis or very low anterior resection may be better served by permanent diversion.
Keywords: adult; clinical article; treatment outcome; aged; middle aged; patient satisfaction; surgical technique; cancer radiotherapy; combined modality therapy; prospective studies; quality of life; radiation beam; rectal neoplasms; rectum cancer; rectal cancer; anus sphincter; sphincter preservation; intraoperative radiation therapy; humans; human; male; female; article; functional outcome
Journal Title: Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
Volume: 43
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0012-3706
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2000-06-01
Start Page: 752
End Page: 758
Language: English
PUBMED: 10859073
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI: 10.1007/BF02238009
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 18 November 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Philip B Paty
    468 Paty
  2. Bruce Minsky
    306 Minsky
  3. Jose Guillem
    414 Guillem
  4. Alfred M Cohen
    244 Cohen
  5. Douglas W Wong
    178 Wong