Quality of life in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Although nonstoma patients generally fare better than do stoma patients, they also suffer from physical impairments induced by sphincter-saving procedures (e.g., impaired bowel and sexual function). These impairments may become more prevalent as ultralow anastomosis is more frequently applied, resulting in bowel and sexual dysfunction and related psychologic distress. Well-designed studies are needed that examine whether quality-of-life benefits are to be gained by use of ultralow anastomosis compared with colostomy.