The impact of COVID-19 on colorectal cancer in regional Northern Australia and changes to treatment related to distance to care: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges in the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer (CRC). It was proposed in regional Northern Australia that the distance to services could further impact cancer outcomes, leading to delayed diagnosis. The authors compared the outcomes of patients prior and during the pandemic; with a focus on whether patients were presenting in the emergency setting with more advanced disease.

Using sacral nerve modulation to improve continence and quality of life in patients suffering from low anterior resection syndrome.

Background: Sphincter preserving surgery for the treatment of rectal cancer is very often feasible, avoiding a permanent colostomy. It is well recognized that a large proportion of patients will experience altered bowel habit following low anterior resection (LAR). Faecal incontinence is a common symptom associated with LAR syndrome.

Prevalence of low anterior resection syndrome at a regional Australian centre.

Background: With decreasing indication for abdominoperineal resection and an increase in sphincter preserving surgery, there is a growing population of patients who suffer from low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The aim of this study is to use the LARS score to determine the prevalence of LARS at a regional centre in Australia and determine the effect of short- and long-course neoadjuvant therapy, anastomotic technique and interval from surgery will also be assessed.

Methods: Patients who had undergone an anterior resection (high, low or ultralow) at a regional centre over an 11-year period were identified.

A meta-analysis of the prevalence of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome and systematic review of risk factors.

Aim: To summarize the reported prevalence and causative factors of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) from studies using the LARS score.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Ovid Medline and the Cochrane database. Searches were performed using a combination of MeSH (medical subject headings) terms and key terms.