[Effect of curved cutter stapler in the ultra low anterior resection for low rectal cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the curative effect of curved cutter stapler (Contour, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc) in the ultra low anterior resection for low rectal cancer.


METHODS
Clinic data of 56 patients with low rectal cancer from Dec. 2005 to Sep. 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. After total mesorectal excision (TME) and lateral lymph node dissection (LLD) in 56 cases, the rectal (anal) remnant was cut and closed with curved cutter stapler (Contour), and preserved for ultra low colo-rectal (anal) anastomoses with 33 mm straight intraluminal stapler.


RESULTS
There was no operational death and the mean hospitalization time was (11.2+/-3.2) days. The incidence rate of postoperative complications in 1 month was 3.57% (2/65). Both of the cases were anastomotic leakage. One was cured by surgical drainage, the other combining with rectal vaginal fistula was cured by transverse colostomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Curved cutter stapler has the advantages of complete cutting, safe closure and low anastomotic leakage rate in the process of ultra low anterior resection for low rectal cancer.
Han
Fang-Hai
FH
Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Zhang
Zhao-da
ZD
Zhou
Zong-Guang
ZG
Liu
Xu-Bao
XB
Hu
Wei-Ming
WM
Jia
Wei
W
Zhou
Xiang
X
Lu
Hui-Min
HM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013523:Surgical Equipment