QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER ABDOMINO-PERINEAL RESECTION IN RECTAL CANCER PATIENTS – A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) remains a vital surgical option for rectal cancer, especially in cases involving very low tumors or patients with compromised sphincter control. Although sphincter-preserving surgeries are increasingly preferred, APR continues to be necessary in certain clinical scenarios. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) among rectal cancer patients following APR, focusing on key functional areas.