Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative radiotherapy had an influence on the anal function of patients having an intersphincteric resection (ISR).
Methods: We evaluated a long-term outcome and postoperative anal function in 22 patients having undergone ISR for low rectal cancer.
Results: There was no significant difference between the irradiated and nonirradiated group in the postoperative complications and oncological outcome. After a median follow-up of 6 .8 years, the number of bowel movements per 24 hours in patients with and without radiation was 4 .5 and 2 .7, respectively. Poor anal function assessed by Wexner incontinence score and Kirwan classification were significantly associated with preoperative radiotherapy.
Conclusion: Preoperative radiotherapy was identified as a risk factor with the greatest negative impact on anal function after ISR.