title: Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with colonic J-pouch reconstruction for mid and low rectal cancers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Results of laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision and colonic J-pouch reconstruction are few. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes after this procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with mid or low rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with construction of a colonic J pouch, performed by a single surgeon. The patients were evaluated prospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From March 1999 to January 2002, 44 patients underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with colonic J-pouch reconstruction. There were 21 men and 23 women of median age 65.5 years. The median operating time was 180 min and median blood loss 80 ml. There was no conversion to an open procedure. The median distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge was 4 cm. No procedure-related death occurred. Four patients developed significant complications that required reoperation. With a median follow-up period of 15 months, no port-site recurrence was noted. Five patients developed distant metastases, and two had local recurrence in the pelvis. Bowel function was satisfactory at 6, 12 and 18 months after ileostomy closure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with colonic J-pouch reconstruction is safe, with a reasonable operating time. Early results suggest satisfactory oncological control and functional outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China. wwctsang@pacific.net.hk
authors.forename: W W C
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: M K W
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D039021:Colonic Pouches; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000209:etiology; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome