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Transanal irrigation improves quality of life in patients with low anterior resection syndrome
Author(s) -
Rosen H.,
RobertYap J.,
Tentschert G.,
Lechner M.,
Roche B.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2011.02692.x
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , stoma (medicine) , surgery , nursing
Aim Transanal irrigation (TAI) has been reported to be a cheap and effective treatment for the ‘anterior resection syndrome (ARS)’. This study aimed to evaluate its effect on the quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from ARS. Method In a prospective study involving two colorectal centres, 14 patients (11 male; median age 68 (45–80) years) were included in the study. The median duration of ARS was 19 (9–48) months. The median number of defaecations was 8 (4–12)/day and 3 (2–5)/night. All patients were trained to perform TAI using the Peristeen™ System under the guidance of a stoma nurse. Anal physiology was performed, quality of life (QOL) was estimated by the SF‐36 and Rockwood (ASCRS) questionnaires and continence by the Cleveland Incontinence Score. Results At the last follow up the median time of using TAI was 29 (15–46) months. The median volume of water used for the irrigation was 900 (500–1500) ml. There was a significant decrease in the number of defaecations during the day (baseline, 8 [4–12]; last follow up, 1 [1–2]) and at night (baseline, 3 [2–5]; last follow up, 0 [0–0]). The Cleveland Incontinence Score fell from 17 [15–20] (baseline) to 5 [4–9] (last follow up) and the mental component of the SF‐36 and all domains of the Rockwood QOL instrument improved. Conclusion Transanal irrigation is an effective treatment of anterior resection syndrome and results in a marked improvement of the continence score and QOL.