A 60-year-old woman undergoes low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. After ileostomy reversal, she complains of urgency, clustering of bowel movements (8-10 times/day), and occasional faecal incontinence. What is this clinical syndrome called?
- A Pelvic sepsis syndrome
- B Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) ✓
- C Diversion colitis
- D Short bowel syndrome
Correct answer: B. Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS)
Explanation
Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common sequela after sphincter-preserving rectal surgery, characterised by urgency, clustering, fragmentation, and incontinence due to loss of rectal reservoir capacity and altered motility. Diversion colitis occurs in defunctioned bowel. Short bowel follows massive resection. Pelvic sepsis presents with pain and sepsis, not functional bowel symptoms.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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