Publication Name	World Journal of Gastroenterology
Manuscript ID	116405
Country	China

Category	Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Manuscript Type	Observational Study
Article Title	Longitudinal evolution of low anterior resection syndrome in ultra-low rectal cancer: A trend analysis of a propensity-matched cohort
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Han-Shuo Wang, Yu-Xin Lin, Si-Rui Xu, Li-Ya Wang, Xiao-Dong Wang and Ming-Jun Huang
Funding Agency and Grant Number	Funding Agency Grant Number Clinical Research Incubation Project of West China Hospital of Sichuan University 2021HXFH052 1·3·5 Projects for Artificial Intelligence of West China Hospital of Sichuan University ZYAI24067
Corresponding Author	Xiao-Dong Wang, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. wangxiaodong@wchscu.cn
Key Words	Rectal cancer; Low anterior resection syndrome; Tumor location; Propensity score matching; Longitudinal studies
Core Tip	Parallel recovery trajectory: After propensity score matching, the ultra-low and non-ultra-low rectal cancer groups shared a similar rate of functional improvement throughout the first postoperative year. Persistently higher risk: Despite the similar recovery pace, the ultra-low group consistently faced a significantly higher overall risk of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), attributable to a worse initial functional baseline. Clinical implication: These findings establish tumor height as a critical, independent determinant of LARS, underscoring the need for tailored counseling and proactive management strategies for patients with ultra-low tumors.
Citation	Wang HS, Lin YX, Xu SR, Wang LY, Wang XD, Huang MJ. Longitudinal evolution of low anterior resection syndrome in ultra-low rectal cancer: A trend analysis of a propensity-matched cohort. World J Gastroenterol 2026; In press

Received	2025-11-11 12:24
Peer-Review Started	2025-11-11 12:24
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-01-08 09:24
Return for Revision	2026-01-08 09:24
Revised	2026-01-20 11:55
Publication Fee Transferred	2026-01-22 14:11
Second Decision by Editor	2026-02-10 02:46
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-02-10 08:51
Articles in Press	2026-02-10 08:51
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ISSN	1007-9327 (print) and 2219-2840 (online)
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