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.