ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate different operative modalities for sphincter-preserving procedures in patients of lower rectal cancer. Methods A total of 137 patients with lower rectal cancer underwent sphincter-perserving surgery between January 2003 and January 2008. In the operation, the proximal colon with satisfactory blood supply was pulled down to reestablish intestinal continuity without any tension. Results Among the 137 patients, 102 patients underwent low anterior resection by double stapling technique, 16 patients were dealed with the Parks operation, 19 patients were dealed with the modified Bacon operation. In the double-stapling technique group, the distance between the anal verge and inferior margin of the tumor was 6-8 cm in 91 patients and 5-6 cm in 11 patients whose tumors were located at posterior rectal wall. In the other two groups, the distance between the anal verge and inferior margin of the tumor was 5-6 cm. In the Parks operation, the sigmoid colon was anastomosed with the anus in all of 19 patients. In the modified Bacon operation group, the descending colon was pulled through anus in all of 16 patients. Conclusions The low anterior resection with double stapling technique can be applied to a patient if the distance from the inferior margin of the tumor to the anal verge is 6 cm to 8 cm. The Parks operation or the modified Bacon operation can be applied to a patient if the the distance from the inferior margin of the tumor to the anal verge is 5 to 6 cm, The Parks operation can be performed with the sigmoid colon being anastomosed with the anus if the length of the sigmoid colon is long enough to reach the anus, the modified Bacon operation can be performed with the descending colon being pulled through the anus by mobilization of splenic flexure or left colon if the length of the sigmoid is not long enough to reach the anus.