[Anterior resection with colo-anal anastomosis for low rectal cancer].
Between May 1989 and April 1993 we treated 108 patients, aged 44-82 years, for rectal cancer. Of them, 7 men and 2 women underwent anterior resection with colo-anal anastomosis. In this group the average distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 6 cm. Follow-up ranged from 12-48 months. There was no operative mortality. Perioperative morbidity included wound infection in 1 patient and pelvic sepsis in another; temporary disturbances in micturition occurred in 4; 1 developed an anastomotic stricture and another intestinal obstruction; 1 died of systemic spread; another was reoperated and salvaged, but had a local recurrence 3 years after the first operation. Continence was achieved in 6, while 3 had minor impairment of control. Frank incontinence did not occur. We believe that anterior resection with colo-anal anastomosis in low rectal cancer avoids a permanent colostomy, while meeting oncological and functional criteria. We advocate this procedure in selected patients with low rectal cancer.
Surgery Dept. C, Tel Aviv--Sourasky Medical Center.
T
T
Lazuskas
S
S
Lelcuk
M
M
Michowitz
M
M
Rabau
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*