A scoping review of risk prediction models for low anterior resection syndrome in patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer

To conduct a scoping review of risk prediction models for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, with the aim of providing references for clinical nursing practice and future research. A scoping review methodological framework was applied. Relevant literature was systematically retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP Information, covering the period from database inception to December 2025. A total of 17 studies encompassing 20 prediction models were included. Logistic regression was the primary modeling technique. The most frequently reported predictors were neoadjuvant therapy, tumor location, body mass index (BMI), age, and anastomotic leakage. Notably, 14 of the 17 included studies were conducted in China, indicating substantial geographical concentration of the current evidence. Existing risk prediction models for LARS after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer demonstrate relatively good predictive performance; however, their overall quality is low and the risk of bias remains high. Given that most included studies were conducted in China, the generalizability of the existing models to non-Chinese populations remains uncertain. Prospective, multicenter, and large-sample studies should be actively conducted, and radiomic data should be appropriately incorporated to improve model generalizability and clinical applicability.