Quality of life and anorectal function after transanal surgery for rectal cancer. A literature review

Aim: The aim of the study is analyze the results after Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) and Trans-Anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) for rectal cancer in terms of Quality of Life (QoL) and anorectal function. MATERIAL OF STUDY: The authors have conducted a review of the literature through the PubMed database using the following keywords: "quality of life", "rectal cancer", "transanal surgery", "TEM" and "TAMIS". RESULTS: Six and five studies were included on TEM and TAMIS, respectively, for a total of 619 patients with a follow up of up to five years. QoL and anorectal function were evaluated by questionnaires and anorectal manometry in four out of eleven studies. At postoperative evaluation, patients reported temporary changes from 3 weeks to 36 months) but no long-term effects on anorectal function and QoL. There were no differences in the postoperative functional outcome between surgery with rigid (TEM) or soft (TAMIS) devices. Some of the studies reported postoperative changes at manometry that were not clinically confirmed by the questionnaires. DISCUSSION: During TEM and TAMIS the risk of pelvic autonomic nerves damage, that may compromise urinary and sexual function and the risk of permanent sphincter damage with the need to perform a stoma, are very low. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life and anorectal function after TEM or TAMIS for the treatment of rectal tumors are good with no postoperative sequelae at mid-term follow up.