title: Prospective, randomized trial comparing sigmoid vs. descending colonic J-pouch after total rectal excision.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the bowel function of sigmoid vs. descending colonic J-pouches after ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, randomized trial was conducted from March 1998 to September 1999. Ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing ultralow anterior resection for cancers arising from 3 to 10 cm from the anal verge were recruited. Forty-eight patients were males; the mean ages (standard error of the mean) for patients with sigmoid and descending colon pouches, respectively, were 65.2 (3.1) years and 62.3 (3.1) years. A total of 46 patients were randomly assigned to each group. Two patients from each group were excluded; abdominoperineal resection was performed for two patients in the sigmoid pouch group and one patient in the descending pouch group. One patient in the descending pouch group had a transanal resection of a benign polyp. Dukes staging and use of postoperative chemoradiotherapy were statistically similar in both groups. All patients underwent a standardized ultralow anterior resection. A defunctioning loop ileostomy was used routinely. Anorectal physiology and bowel function questionnaires were performed at six weeks after ileostomy closure and again at 6 and 12 months after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median follow-up was 12 (range, 7 to 25) and 12 (range, 6 to 25) months, respectively, for sigmoid and descending pouch groups. Median tumor and anastomotic heights, time to ileostomy closure, operative time, and postoperative stay were statistically similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in stool frequency, incontinence, urgency, use of pads and antidiarrheals, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and anorectal physiology results between groups (P > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pouches made from sigmoid or descending colon give similar bowel function after ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Heah
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Seow-Choen
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Eu
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D003106:Colon / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors