Association between personality types and low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer patients following surgery

Purpose: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) has had many impacts on the lives of patients and substantial differences in emotional and social functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation analysis of different personality traits in rectal cancer patients with LARS after undergoing curative surgery. Methods: This study was designed as a prospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria included (1) participants diagnosed with rectal cancer who underwent surgical resection of malignant tumors and (2) ECOG 0–1. The primary outcome was the correlation between different personality traits and low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer patients after radical surgery. Low anterior resection syndrome incidence rates were estimated by questionnaires and personality groups by the Type A and Type D Scale-14 Personality Inventory. Results: For all 161 participants in this study, the presence of a tumor at the lower anal verge and the receipt of neoadjuvant CCRT had a statistically significant positive correlation with the LARS score at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.283, −0.374, and − 0.205, respectively), with a p value of less than 0.05. Personalities with Type A, Type D, and Type D-SI scores had a statistically significant positive correlation with LARS score at 1 month (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.172, 0.162, and 0,164, p value = 0.03, 0.04, and 0.04). Conclusion: Type A and Type D personalities are highly linked to LARS. Personalized support approaches can ultimately assist rectal cancer patients in overcoming difficulties after surgery and recovery and enhance their functional outcomes.