Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Redo Anastomosis in Patients with Rectal Cancer: An International Multicenter Comparative Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Redo anastomosis can be considered in selected patients with persistent leakage, stenosis, or local recurrence. It is technically challenging, and little is known about the functional outcomes after this seldomly performed type of surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare functional outcomes and the quality of life between redo anastomosis and primary successful anastomosis following total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. DESIGN: This study was designed as an international multicenter comparative cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in 3 tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing redo anastomosis were compared with patients with a primary successful anastomosis after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Low anterior resection syndrome score, European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) C30, and EORTC QLQ-CR29 questionnaires were used to assess outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 170 patients were included; 52 underwent redo anastomosis and 118 were controls. Major low anterior resection syndrome occurred in 73% after redo anastomosis compared with 68% following primary successful anastomosis (p = 0.52). The redo group had worse EORTC QLQ-CR29 mean scores for fecal incontinence (p = 0.03) and flatulence (p = 0.008). There were no differences in urinary (p = 0.48) or sexual dysfunction, either in men (p = 0.83) or in women (p = 0.76). Significantly worse scores in the redo group were found for global health (p = 0.002), role (p = 0.049) and social function (p = 0.006), body image (p = 0.03), and anxiety (p = 0.02). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by the possible response bias. CONCLUSIONS: Redo anastomosis is associated with significantly worse quality of life compared with primary successful anastomosis. However, major low anterior resection syndrome was comparable between groups and should not be a reason to preclude restoration of bowel continuity in highly motivated patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B565.