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

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. Themedian number of defaecations was 8 (4-12)/day and 3 (2-5)/night. All patients were trained to perform TAI using the Peristeen (TM) 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.