OBJECTIVETo investigate the quality of life of rectal cancer patients after anterior resection and the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in the pathogenesis of anterior resection syndrome (ARS).

METHODSBetween November 2012 and October 2014, 90 rectal cancer patients who underwent Dixon procedure in the Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, and developed ARS postoperatively were enrolled in the study. By clinic interview and telephone follow-up, they were investigated according to the 4 questionnaires, including gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI), Wexner constipation and incontinence score(WCS, WIS), and 36-item short form health survey(SF-36). Associated clinical data and above parameters were compared between postoperative 0-6 months and 7-24 months. Expression of 5-HT in rectal mucosa was determined by immunohistochemistry preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTSThe GIQLI, WCS and WIS were significantly improved in 7-24 months group compared with those in 0-6 months group(all P<0.05). Furthermore, the SF-36 test result also showed significant improvement in the terms of physical function, physical role, vitality, social function, emotional role and health changes spheres in 7-24 months group(P<0.05). 5-HT expression in rectal mucosa(upper anastomosis 3402.95±1876.24, lower anastomosis 3045.35±1373.59 of ARS patients was significantly down-regulated compared with the preoperative expression(rectal margin mucosa 7176.60±3927.61)(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPatients with ARS experience a significant trend toward recovery in their whole long-term quality of life. The down-regulation of 5-HT expression in rectal mucosa after surgery may be related with the pathogenesis of ARS.