title: Regular finger dilation for preventing anastomotic stenosis after low anterior resection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the usefulness of performing regular finger dilation (RFD) of the anastomosis to prevent stenosis after low anterior resection (LAR).
  
  
  METHODS
  Defecatory function was assessed in 22 patients who had undergone LAR more than 6 months earlier. The patients were divided into an RFD group, comprising 15 patients who had undergone regular RFD, and a non-RFD group, comprising 7 patients who had dropped out of our follow-up with RFD. The physiological and clinical findings in relation to defecatory function were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The type and size of the stapler and anal manometric parameters were similar. The RFD group had significantly better defecatory function in terms of bowel movement and sensation of incomplete evacuation (P < 0.01, respectively) with a significantly wider anastomotic diameter and higher evacuation rate (P < 0.01, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings demonstrate that RFD is useful for preventing anastomotic stenosis and achieving favorable defecatory function after LAR. Therefore, a prospective randomized study should be scheduled.
authors: Department of Surgery 1, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.
authors: Toshihiko
authors: T
authors: Yagyu
authors: Tetsuhisa
authors: T
authors: Yamamoto
authors: Hidetaka
authors: H
authors: Mochizuki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000517:prevention & control; D004106:Dilatation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies