Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

[Star_Survivor]

Wow, I wish I had found this forum when I was diagnosed with rectal cancer! I was diagnosed with stage 1 adenocarcinoma of the rectum in 2006. I was treated with low anterior resection (LAR) with the tumor being very close to the sphincter muscle. I had a temporary ileostomy at the time which was reversed in late 2006. I have never been diagnosed with it, but my research of symptoms sounds like I have low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). I tolerate it pretty good, but I have some bad days as well. My questions for everyone is that I have poor gall bladder function and it looks like I will eventually need to have it removed. I know that after that surgery people often suffer from dumping syndrome. Has anyone had to have a cholecystectomy after LAR? Did it worsen the LARS symptoms? I'm sure I can wait a little while on the gall bladder surgery, but not sure how long. Thanks for any input.

[Jachut]

I have no idea but I do have many people I know who have never had a problem after a gall bladder op - no diarrhoea, no dumping. Its totally possible you wont either. There's got to be loads of people here who dont have gall bladders.

[alphagam]

I didn't have an LAR, but the longer I waited to have my gallbladder removed, the worse the diarrhea became. Had both gallbladder and appendix removed in April. The first couple of days I didn't stray far from the toilet, but since then I gave not had ONE problem at all. Both gallbladder and appendix were infected, but I had no pain, so just didn't do anything. Wish I had done it much sooner!

[Star_Survivor]

Thanks for the input! I I'm sure I will opt for the surgery, It may be part of the problem with the LARS. Maybe having it out will improve the symptoms.

[Bev G]

My gall bladder was removed when I had my liver resection. There was nothing wrong with it, but my surgeon said if it ever became a problem they could have serious difficulty getting it out because I had very major surgery getting the liver tumor out (ie tons of scar tissue). About 10% of people have chronic diarrhea after cholecystectomy (raises hand )

Best wishes, and welcome to the board.

Bev