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Effects of Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer on Anorectal Function

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Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancy and its Consequences

Abstract

Regardless of whether adjuvant or neoadjuvant radiotherapy is used, pelvic irradiation adversely affects anorectal function. Although survival remains the primary goal in treatment, maintaining adequate anal continence is necessary for good quality of life. Radiation damages to the internal anal sphincter and the myenteric cells are frequently seen. Other mechanisms of continence affected by radiotherapy include decreased stool consistency, impaired rectal capacity, and decreased anorectal sensation. These adverse effects are associated with an increasing indication of sphincter-preserving operations, and demand for improved radiation techniques and more favorable postoperative functional results. Symptoms of urgency and fecal incontinence are common after anterior resection with or without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, but generally resolve within the first 2 years after surgery. In patients with persistent symptoms of fecal incontinence, conservative therapy including biofeedback should be offered.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Jose Marcio Neves Jorge MD,PhD & Angelita Habr-Gama MD, PhD

  2. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Das Clinicas U.S.P., Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Leonardo A. Bustamante-Lopez MD

Authors
  1. Jose Marcio Neves Jorge MD,PhD
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  2. Angelita Habr-Gama MD, PhD
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  3. Leonardo A. Bustamante-Lopez MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jose Marcio Neves Jorge MD,PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Chicago Medical School, NorthShore University Health System, Highland Park, Illinois, USA

    Eli Daniel Ehrenpreis

  2. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, Highland Park, Illinois, USA

    R de W Marsh

  3. Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    William Small Jr.

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Jorge, J., Habr-Gama, A., Bustamante-Lopez, L. (2015). Effects of Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer on Anorectal Function. In: Ehrenpreis, E., Marsh, R., Small Jr., W. (eds) Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancy and its Consequences. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2217-8_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2217-8_10

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