Low anterior resection syndrome

Low anterior resection syndrome is a complication of lower anterior resection, a type of surgery performed to remove the rectum, typically for rectal cancer. It is characterized by changes to bowel function that affect quality of life, and includes symptoms such as fecal incontinence, incomplete defecation or the sensation of incomplete defecation (rectal tenesmus), changes in stool frequency or consistency, unpredictable bowel function, and painful defecation (dyschezia).[1] Treatment options include symptom management, such as use of enemas, or surgical management, such as creation of a colostomy.[2]