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. 2011 Oct;13(10):e335-8.
doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2011.02692.x.

Transanal irrigation improves quality of life in patients with low anterior resection syndrome

H Rosen  1 , J Robert-Yap, G Tentschert, M Lechner, B Roche
Affiliations

Transanal irrigation improves quality of life in patients with low anterior resection syndrome

H Rosen et al. Colorectal Dis. 2011 Oct.

Abstract

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.

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