Effects of prune consumption on the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Q: What was the purpose of the study on prune consumption and LARS?

The study aimed to investigate whether consuming prunes reduces the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome after low anterior resection surgery.

Q: How was the randomized controlled trial conducted?

A prospective, double-arm, parallel, nonblinded randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021. Patients in the prune group consumed prunes daily for 2 weeks after surgery, while the no-prune group did not.

Q: What were the main findings regarding LARS incidence and quality of life?

Major LARS incidence at 3 weeks was significantly lower in the prune group than in the no-prune group. Multivariable analysis associated anastomosis level and prune consumption with LARS incidence, and quality-of-life results showed improved emotional scores and reduced constipation-related and related symptoms.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common, debilitating complication after sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer, and no curative treatment exists. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether daily prune consumption after low anterior resection reduces LARS incidence. Participants assigned to the prune group consumed prunes for 2 weeks postoperatively. Major LARS at 3 weeks was significantly less frequent with prunes, and quality-of-life results showed higher emotional scores alongside lower constipation, sleep disturbance, and appetite loss symptom scores.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Purpose and background

Methods

Trial design and participants

Results

Incidence of LARS and quality-of-life findings

Conclusion

Overall impact of prune consumption

Trial registration and publication details

Original Article Ann Coloproctol 2025;41(6):510-518 pISSN: 2287-9714 • eISSN: 2287-9722 [https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2025.00514.0073](https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2025.00514.0073) Effects of prune consumption on the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome: a randomized controlled trial Dae Hee Pyo1, Jung Kyong Shin2, Jung Wook Huh2, Hee Cheol Kim2, Seong Hyeon Yun2, Woo Yong Lee2, Yoonah Park2, Yong Beom Cho2,3,4 1Department of Surgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea 2Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea 3Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea 4Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea Purpose: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is common and devastating complication for patients with rectal cancer who have undergone sphincter-sparing surgery. Prunes are a fiber-rich fruit being effective in treating chronic constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prune consumption on the incidence of LARS. Methods: A prospective, double-arm, parallel, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021 at a single tertiary center for patients who underwent low anterior resection. Patients randomized to the prune group consumed prune daily for 2 weeks after surgery, while those in the no-prune group did not. The primary outcome was the incidence of major LARS at 3 weeks after surgery. Results: A total of 130 patients were randomized and 118 completed the study (81 men, 37 women), including 55 patients (46.6%) in the prune group and 63 patients (53.4%) in the no-prune group. LARS was confirmed in 15 patients (27.3%) in the prune group and 47 patients (74.6%) in the no-prune group (P < 0.001). The incidence of major LARS was also significantly lower in the prune group (18.2% vs. 61.9%, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that the level of anastomosis and prune consumption were significantly associated with the incidence of LARS. The prune group had higher emotional scores and lower symptom scores for constipation, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite in the quality-of-life questionnaire. Conclusion: Prune consumption significantly reduced the incidence of LARS and improved quality of life after low anterior resection. Trial registration: CRIS identifier: KCT0006085 (registered on September 1, 2019). Keywords: Rectal neoplasms; Low anterior resection syndrome; Quality of life; Prune; Dried plum Received: April 24, 2025; Revised: June 24, 2025; Accepted: July 16, 2025 Correspondence to: Yong Beom Cho, MD, PhD Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea [Email: gscyb@skku.edu](Email: gscyb@skku.edu) Co-correspondence to: Yoonah Park, MD Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea [Email: yoonah.park@samsung.com](Email: yoonah.park@samsung.com) 2025 Korean Society of Coloproctology This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 510 [www.coloproctol.org](www.coloproctol.org) Ann Coloproctol 2025;41(6):510-518 | Graphical abstract | | | --- | --- | |
Effect of prune consumption on the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome
: a randomized controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of prune consumption on the incidence of low anterior resection syndrom

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study on prune consumption and LARS?

The study aimed to investigate whether consuming prunes reduces the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome after low anterior resection surgery.

How was the randomized controlled trial conducted?

A prospective, double-arm, parallel, nonblinded randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021. Patients in the prune group consumed prunes daily for 2 weeks after surgery, while the no-prune group did not.

What were the main findings regarding LARS incidence and quality of life?

Major LARS incidence at 3 weeks was significantly lower in the prune group than in the no-prune group. Multivariable analysis associated anastomosis level and prune consumption with LARS incidence, and quality-of-life results showed improved emotional scores and reduced constipation-related and related symptoms.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky