Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer and anorectal sphincter dysfunction: Review of the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to review the current medical literature regarding deterioration of anorectal function in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Methods: We reviewed the current literature including research studies, electronic database PUBMED-MEDLINE, published research results and metanalysis papers from high-volume institutes, collecting and comparing the different results. Pathophysiology as well as emerging solutions for treating anorectal sphincter dysfunction were researched in order to provide an insight of this complex issue.