The first Dutch experience with a nurse-led outpatient clinic for the prevention and treatment of LARS after colorectal surgery: promising results of a standardized treatment protocol

Tech Coloproctol. 2025 Dec 30;30(1):13. doi: 10.1007/s10151-025-03250-z.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes in patients with colorectal disease after receiving treatment in a multidisciplinary, nurse-led low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) outpatient clinic post surgery.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted that included all patients with colorectal disease referred to the LARS outpatient clinic at VieCuri Medical Centre between January 2021 and December 2024. A standardized treatment protocol was implemented, complemented by a nurse-led component that enabled early symptom detection and provided accessible, intensive patient contact and follow-up. The structured five-phase protocol ranges from preoperative counseling and conservative management to multidisciplinary care and, if necessary, invasive interventions. Bowel function and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-treatment using validated instruments, including the LARS score, Wexner score, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and QLQ-C29 questionnaires.

Results: A total of 96 patients were included. Median LARS scores decreased from 38.0 to 13.0 (p < 0.001), with 76% of patients transitioning from major to no LARS. Wexner scores improved from 11.0 to 2.0 (p < 0.001), and global QoL increased from 66.7 to 83.3 (p < 0.001). Pharmacological treatment was administered to 93% of patients, most commonly psyllium and loperamide. In addition, 85% were referred to a dietitian, 50% to pelvic floor physiotherapy, and 26% to a psychologist or sexologist. Transanal irrigation was introduced in 14% of cases. Only one patient required sacral neuromodulation, and one opted for a permanent stoma. The median follow-up consisted of three in-person and three telephone consultations per patient.

Conclusions: A multidisciplinary, nurse-led LARS clinic significantly improved bowel function and QoL in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). These findings support the implementation of structured, individualized care pathways for LARS management.

Keywords: Bowel dysfunction; Colorectal cancer; Low anterior resection syndrome; Multidisciplinary approach; Nurse-led care; Quality of life.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / nursing
  • Postoperative Complications* / prevention & control
  • Postoperative Complications* / therapy
  • Practice Patterns, Nurses'*
  • Proctectomy* / adverse effects
  • Proctectomy* / nursing
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome