Advancing Research Impact

Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), the LARS Collaborative conducts cutting-edge research to drive positive change. Our mission is to provide valuable insights and solutions that truly make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by LARS. Through innovative studies and collaborative efforts, we strive to advance understanding and improve care, ensuring that every patient receives the support they need.

Current & Upcoming
Research Initiatives

LARS Impact & Consequences Tool

The LARS Collaborative are working to validate a new LARS Patient Reported Outcome Measure. We are currently approaching the final stages of Phase One Validation and hope to move forward with Phase Two Validation in 2025.

Transanal irrigation

The goal of our international, multi-site study study is to assess the outcomes of an online, nurse-led, North American transanal irrigation program for LARS on quality of life and bowel function. We hypothesize that TAI, taught and supported through an online portal dedicated to LARS patients, will positively impact quality of life and improve LARS symptoms and scores. We hope that the results of this trial will allow TAI to become part of the standard armamentarium that clinicians offer patients for LARS.

LARS Cross Sectional

We are conducting a cross-sectional cohort study at Cleveland Clinic Florida to identify and characterize the burden of rectal cancer treatment sequelae in rectal cancer survivors. Using validated and robust Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), we will investigate the presence and severity of bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunction, as well as emotional and financial distress and identify specific individual factors that are associated with these sequalae. We will also assess survivors’ quality of life.

OPERa

This is a multicenter, international, prospective, longitudinal cohort study to characterize the long-term functional outcomes and quality of life following rectal cancer treatment, using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with the primary site at the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston, FL, USA.

Characterizing Early LARS

The objective of this study is to characterize the experience of early LARS within the first 3 months following ostomy closure. We will achieve this objective by interviewing patients to collect specific patient queries that patients often have about LARS within this time period. The patient queries collected as part of this study will also be used to inform the creation of a LARS-AI tool, which will aim to provide patients with real-time education and support following ostomy closure.

Our Work

Published Work

Pathway of Low Anterior Resection syndrome relief after Surgery (POLARiS) feasibility trial protocol: a multicentre, feasibility cohort study with embedded randomised control trial to compare sacral neuromodulation and transanal irrigation to optimised conservative management in the management of major low anterior resection syndrome following rectal cancer treatment

Management guidelines for low anterior resection syndrome – the MANUEL project

Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life: an international multicenter study

Contact Info

To learn more about how you can get involved, email us at getinvolved@lars-collaborative.org.

We are here to answer your questions, provide support, and connect you with resources to help you better understand and manage Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). Feel free to reach out through the following channels:

General Inquiries

For general questions or feedback, please email us at info@lars-collaborative.org.

Steering Committee Contact

If you would like to reach out to a specific member of our steering committee, please mention their name in your email, and we will forward your message to them.

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    Welcome to the LARS Collaborative, a dedicated community of healthcare providers, researchers, and individuals living with LARS (Low Anterior Resection Syndrome). Our diverse team is united by a shared mission: to address the challenges posed by LARS and its associated sequelae.

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