Overview
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd and 3rd most common cancer in respectively women and men, of which about 40% is located in the rectum. The gold standard treatment for rectal cancer (RC) is a low anterior resection, combined with chemoradiotherapy. However, this treatment will negatively impact different aspects of bowel function and the patients' quality of life. These bowel symptoms often remain prevalent, even at 12 months after RC treatment.
The aim of this study is to identify the factors contributing to persistent bowel symptoms and their long-term impact on quality of life following treatment for rectal cancer 12 month post-surgery or post-stoma closure. These insights are crucial in developing an effective care approach, as they assist us in determining when specific evaluations should be conducted and which treatments should be applied at different stages.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Voluntary written informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures.
- At least 18 years of age at the time of signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF).
- Proficient in reading, comprehending, and conversing in Dutch.
- Patients scheduled for Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) or Partial Mesorectal Excision (PME) or 'Watch and wait' protocol due to rectal cancer.
Exclusion Criteria:
- The participant has undergone a different type of surgery, including a Hartmann procedure, abdominoperineal excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgery, or sigmoid resection.
- Experienced fecal incontinence prior to undergoing surgery.
- Are affected by neurological disorders affecting bowel function.
- Already underwent previous pelvic surgery, previous pelvic radiation or rectal surgery for non-cancer reasons.
- Has a permanent stoma.