ABSTRACT
Objective To report the preliminary result of cylindrical abdominoperineal resection (cylindrical APR) and pelvic reconstruction with human acellular dermal matrix (HADM). Methods Cylindrical APR was performed in 13 consecutive patients with advanced very low rectal cancer between January 2008 and April 2009. The mesorectum was not dissected off the levator muscles at abdominal part of the operation, the perineal part of the operation was done in the prone position. The levator muscles were exposed circumferentiaUy. The coccyx and part of the 5th sacrum were dissected and Waldeyer" s fascia divided. The levator muscles were divided laterally on both sides from posterior to anterior. The remaining pelvic floor muscle fibers were divided just posterior to the transverse perineal muscles and the levator muscles were resected en bloc with the anus and lower rectum. The specimen was cylindrical. The pelvic defects were reconstructed with HADM. Results There was no bowel perforation, and all specimens were proved CMR negative by pathology. Perineal wounds were healed uneventfully. After 8 months" follow-up, no patient developed perineal wound breakdown, bulge or hernia. There was 1 patient developed perineal wound infection; one patient developed seroma and three with perineal pain. Five patients with short-term urinary retention recovered within 10 days. Conclusion Clinical APR and HADM pelvic reconstruction can reduce circumferential margin positive and rectum perforation rate, and made the procedure easier and safer without increasing complications.