Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Jan 13, 2026
Date Accepted: Apr 2, 2026
Reducing low anterior resection syndrome after low rectal cancer surgery using an integrated intra-anal balloon training and reminder device: a feasibility study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common postoperative complication in patients with low rectal cancer, presenting with symptoms such as fecal urgency, incontinence, and bowel frequency. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can alleviate LARS, but its effectiveness is limited by poor accuracy and low compliance during home-based training, due to a lack of real-time feedback and monitoring devices.
Objective:
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a novel integrated balloon biofeedback device for home-based PFMT on training accuracy, compliance, quality of life, and LARS reduction in patients after sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer.
Methods:
Methods:
A non‑randomized controlled trial was conducted among 164 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent temporary ileostomy. Participants were assigned by surgical date to an intervention group (n=82) using an adjustable-pressure balloon device with real‑time waveform feedback via a mobile application, or a control group (n=82) performing PFMT without equipment. Both groups performed home‑based PFMT for three months after ileostomy. Outcomes including PFMT accuracy, compliance, LARS score and incidence, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ‑C30) were assessed one month after stoma reversal.
Results:
Results:
Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significantly higher PFMT accuracy and compliance (both P<0.001). LARS scores (19.67 vs. 26.05) and incidence rates (45.1% vs. 72.0%) were significantly lower in the intervention group, with a markedly reduced proportion of major LARS (20.7% vs. 54.9%, P<0.01). Quality‑of‑life scores were also significantly better in the intervention group.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
The integrated balloon biofeedback device improved the accuracy and compliance of home‑based PFMT, reduced the incidence and severity of LARS, and enhanced quality of life in patients after low rectal cancer surgery. These findings support further development and clinical implementation of the device, though larger studies with longer follow‑up are needed to confirm long‑term efficacy.
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