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The article presents the results of an online Delphi survey and meetings to develop an international consensus definition of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). It states the pragmatic definition of LARS is a disordered bowel function following rectal resection which impacts quality of life. It mentions the Delphi survey, patient consultation, and consensus meeting refined priorities to eight consequences and eight symptoms.

Objective Colonic high amplitude propagating sequences (HAPS) are important for colonic transit and defaecation. HAPS frequency is reduced in slow transit constipation (STC). Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) can altered bowel function. The effects of SNS on colonic HAPS's in severe constipation are unknown. We aimed to determine, in patients with STC, whether SNS can: (1) induce colonic HAPS's, (2) improve symptoms. Method Eight patients with scintigraphically confirmed STC had a manometry catheter (16 recording sites at 7.5 cm intervals) positioned colonoscopically to the caecum. Temporary electrodes (Medtronic) were implanted in the S2 and S3 sacral nerve foramina. 14 Hz stimulation was administered and four sets of parameters (pulse width 300 or 400 μs; S2 and S3) were tested in 4 × 2 h epochs, in random order, over 2 days. Results When compared with basal, SNS to S3, significantly increased the frequency of pan-colonic HAPSs (basal: 0.06 ± 0.09 HAPS/h vs. stimulation: 0.7 ± 0.6 PS/h, P = 0.04). During the subsequent 3 week trial (continuous stimulation), 6 of 8 reported increased bowel frequency and reduced laxative usage. Conclusion SNS induces HAPSs in the colon of patients with severe constipation, suggesting promise as a potential therapy for severe refractory constipation. Acknowledgement This study was supported by Medtronic Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]