Improving the assessment and management of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Coxon-Meggy, Alexandra 2025. Improving the assessment and management of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome. MD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background and Aims -Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) is a common consequence of rectal resection for rectal cancer which has a significant impact on a person’s life. The aim of this thesis is to assess the current tools used to diagnose and identify LARS, develop a new patient reported outcome measure for LARS, and to evaluate the treatment options available. Materials and Methods - A mixture of research methods were used to address the aims of this thesis. This included literature reviews, a systematic review, a qualitative study and a trial within a cohort study which embeds a randomised controlled trial in an observational cohort study. Results The assessment tools currently available for LARS are outdated and do not provide the granularity, sensitivity or responsiveness required in clinical practice or in research. A new patient reported outcome measure, LARS ICAT, has been developed and now requires statistical validation. A multitude of treatments options are available for LARS. The evidence base is poor and further research is required, especially in the field of physiotherapy, transanal irrigation and sacral neuromodulation. Discussion -LARS can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life. A greater understanding of the symptoms and impacts can be achieved through further validation of the LARS ICAT. Upon achieving this, tailored treatment programmes can be established for patients. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of transanal irrigation and sacral neuromodulation in this group of patients, this should be done by researchers who are cognisant to the treatments and complications a patient has had, and their specific symptom profile.

Item Type:	Thesis (MD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	27 July 2026
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2026 14:28
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188462

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