A survey of postoperative function after rectal anastomosis with circular stapling devices.
Seventy-five patients, who had previously undergone anterior resection or sigmoid colectomy using a circular stapling device, were interviewed and examined. Their postoperative bowel, sexual and bladder function was noted. 22 patients had anastomoses more than 10 cm from the anal verge (Group A); 32 between 5-10 cm (Group B); 21 below 5 cm (Group C). The lower anastomoses were associated with less perfect function but only 2 patients were incontinent. Some impairment of sexual function was noted in one-third of patients in Group B and one half of patients in Group C. Changes in bladder function were rare.
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology; D000368:Aged; D004032:Diet; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology*; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology*