SP 8.12 Assessment of the Reliability of the POLARS Score in Predicting Major LARS Symptoms in Robotic Low Anterior Resection
Matthew Oxenham, Neha Karthikeyan, Michail KlimovskijAbstract
Aims
Low anterior resection for rectal cancer can be complicated by the development of bowel dysfunction known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The POLARS score has been used to predict the likelihood of LARS following laparoscopic anterior resection. Studies have shown that LARS is less likely in robotic procedures compared to laparoscopic. We aimed to determine if the POLARS score is reliable in predicting LARS in robotic low anterior resection.
Methods
All patients in this single centre who underwent robotic low anterior resection (<15cm from anal verge) between January 2024 and April 2025 were included. Patients who had a stoma at the time of follow up were excluded. All patient’s POLARS scores were compared with post-operative LARS questionnaires. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for the POLARS score at predicting major LARS symptoms.
Results
19 patients met the inclusion criteria of which 6 were female (32%) and 13 male (68%). There was a 58% response rate. The mean POLARS score was 24.3 with scores being split into three categories. Post-operatively 4 patients had no LARS (0-20); 5 had minor LARS (20-30) and 2 had major LARS (>30). The sensitivity of predicting major LARS was 50%. The specificity of POLARS was 100% and negative predictive value was 90%.
Conclusion
POLARS appears to be specific but not sensitive at predicting major LARS symptoms in robotic low anterior resection. High POLARS scores should not necessarily be overlooked when considering the surgical approach to low rectal cancer.