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Project

Effectiveness of proprioceptive pelvic floor training for anorectal dysfunction after rectal cancer.

Mesorectal excision with or without (neo)adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is the new standard for mid and low rectal cancer surgery. However, these treatment modalities affect postoperative continence and defecation. Specific symptoms such as urgency, diarrhoea, increased stool frequency, fragmentation and fecal incontinence have been reported. They vary in severity and are unpredictable. Despite spontaneous recovery during the first postoperative year, some side effects are long-lasting, may be progressive and may therefore impair social functioning, emotional well-being and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate long-term anorectal dysfunction after rectal cancer treatment, its specific influence on patients' well-being and the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training to improve anorectal function and therefore, quality of life.
Date:1 Mar 2008 →  31 Aug 2011
Keywords:Well-being, Continence, Anorectal function, Rectal cancer
Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences