Long-term Quality of Life and Function after Anterior Resection
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the Long-term Quality of Life and Function after Anterior Resection
IRAS ID
223604
Contact name
Julie Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Norfolk & Norwich University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Colorectal cancers are a leading cause of cancer related death in the UK. Low rectal cancers are now managed with reconstructive surgery (anterior resection) avoiding the need for a permanent stoma (colostomy) bag. However, the long-term function is often impaired, with significant impact on quality of life in up to 50% of patients (low anterior resection syndrome). Furthermore, this procedure is accompanied by a high rate of leak from the join (anastomosis), with anastomotic leak (AL) rates of 8-10%. These may be detected clinically by a significant anastomotic leak in the early post-operative period, or later on Xray tests performed before reversal of a covering (temporary) ileostomy stoma bag. The impact of these leaks on long term function is unknown.
We aim to assess the difference in long-term quality of life between cases who had an anastomotic leak compared to a matched comparison cohort. AL cases will be identified from prospectively maintained databases of colorectal cancer cases who underwent anterior resection between January 2003 to December 2016 at the NNUH. The comparison group will be case-matched patients, matched by surgical tecnhnique (laparoscopic versus open), exposure to neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, and by sex. The study: comparison ratio will be 1:3.
Postal invitations will be sent to patients, with widely-used quality of life questionnaires: EORTC QLQ-C30/CR29, LARS score and EQ-5D-5L. On receipt of the returned questionnaire, the patient will complete their participation in the study.
We expect this study to demonstrate patients surviving long-term after anterior resection surgery and who have had anastomotic leak have a poorer long-term function and quality of life.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0374
Date of REC Opinion
19 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion