QUALITY-OF-LIFE MEASUREMENT AFTER RECTAL EXCISION FOR CANCER - COMPARISON BETWEEN STRAIGHT AND COLONIC J-POUCH ANASTOMOSIS

Background: The patients in this study formed part of a multicentre ra ndomized trial comparing the straight and colonic pouch anastomoses af ter rectal excision for cancer. The trial reflected an advantage of th e pouch group regarding frequency, urgency and incontinence. We hypoth esized that such differences in bowel function would be reflected in a general quality of life score. Methods: Forty-five patients were rand omized. The Nottingham Health Profile was used to measure health-relat ed quality of life before and 1 year after surgery. Results: There was no difference in quality of life score when the two groups were compa red. When calculating the relative change after surgery, there was an improvement in both groups regarding the total score of the Profile (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The Nottingham Health Profile was effective i n showing an improvement in quality of life in both groups after surge ry. The observed difference in clinical bowel function was not, howeve r, reflected in an improved quality of life score as measured by the P rofile.