Clinical Trial Assessing 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist (Ramosetron) for the Treatment of Anterior Resection Syndrome

Poor functional outcomes has been reported inevitably, and up to 90% of the patients have experienced bowel habit changes after sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer. But, currently there has been no specific treatment for ARS and symptom based empirical management is tried Recently, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists can be used for treatment of IBS-D, and has been revealed to be slowing the bowel movement and improving stool consistency and urgency.

We performed the clinical trial with using ramosetron (Irribow®) for the treatment of ARS

Inclusion Criteria:

• The patients who undergo sphincter saving surgery for rectal cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• recurred rectal cancer
• rectal cancer with distant metastasis
• permanent stoma formation
• postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy
• uncontrolled medical disease
• inflammatory bowel disease
• uncontrolled constipation
• preoperative incontinence (LARS score, more than 20)
• allergic to intervention drug