Long-term electroacupuncture for low anterior resection syndrome in postoperative rectal cancer patients: case reports

Abstract

This study reports two cases of rectal cancer patients who developed low anterior resection Syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery. Both patients presented with significant bowel dysfunction, including frequent defecation, urgency, fecal incontinence, and incomplete evacuation. Current treatments for LARS are limited by variable responses, high costs, and adherence issues, highlighting the need for practical, safe therapies with minimal side effects. The patients underwent a 6-month electroacupuncture treatment targeting Baliao points. Assessments were conducted using the LARS score, Wexner fecal incontinence score, and the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale. Results indicated a marked reduction in bowel frequency, significant relief of fecal incontinence symptoms, and improvement in overall health status and quality of life. In addition, emotional and cognitive functions were enhanced. These case reports suggest that electroacupuncture may be a valuable adjunctive treatment for managing LARS and improving patient emotional status and quality of life. Further high-quality research is necessary to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this treatment fully.

Keywords: Baliao points; case report; electroacupuncture; low anterior resection; rectal cancer.

FIGURE 1

Anatomical locations of Baliao points and corresponding electroacupuncture needle placements. (A) Shows the anatomical locations of Baliao points, including Shangliao (BL31), Ciliao (BL32), Zhongliao (BL33), and Xialiao (BL34). (B) Shows positioning of electroacupuncture needles at Baliao points.

FIGURE 2

LARSS and Wexner incontinence score before and after electroacupuncture treatment in the first patient. (A) Shows LARSS scores of incontinence for flatus and liquid stools, frequency of bowel movements, clustering of stools, and urgency before and after treatment. (B) Shows Wexner incontinence scores before and after treatment, including incontinence for flatus, liquid stool, and solid stool, as well as wears pad usage and lifestyle alteration. EA, electroacupuncture.

FIGURE 3

LARSS and Wexner incontinence score before and after electroacupuncture treatment in the second patient. (A) Shows scores of incontinence for flatus and liquid stools, frequency of bowel movements, clustering of stools, and urgency before and after treatment. (B) Wexner incontinence scores before and after treatment, including incontinence for flatus, liquid stool, and solid stool, as well as wears pad usage and lifestyle alteration. EA, electroacupuncture.