Comparison of quality of life in sphincter-conserving vs non-conservative surgery for rectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death worldwide with an incidence of 10.2%. The treatment of CRC has changed over the past 25 years. Two surgical procedures are used: abdominoperineal resection (AR) and low anterior resection (LAR) and ultra-low (ULAR). The recurrence rate and quality of life are similar. Objective: To compare quality of life for rectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with abdominoperineal resection vs conservative resections: low anterior (LAR) and ultra-low (ULAR) in UMAE Puebla. Methods: A comparative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in CRC patients treated during 2015-2019 in a 3rd level hospital in Puebla. Two groups were formed: those managed with RA, and those managed with LAR/ULAR. The EORT QLQ CR-29 and EuroQol scale was applied. Descriptive statistics and Man-Whitney U were applied for comparisons. Results: A total of 26 patients were recruited: 18with AR and 18 with LAR/ULAR. A mean QoL was recorded in the RAP group of 73.72 (SD 16.92, minimum 31.46, maximum 95.09) and in the RAB/RAUB group of 56.22 (SD 6.29, minimum 47.51, maximum 68.96), with a value of p=0.005. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the quality of life of patients of CRC patients operated by AR, LAR and ULAR (non-conservative and conservative approach).