ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate J-pouch coloanal anastomosis after low anterior resection for the middle and low rectal carcinoma. Methods From January 1998 to July 2002, 120 patients undergoing low anterior radical resection for the middle or low rectal carcinomas were divided into groups of coloanal anastomosis and that of 5 cm colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis. WT5”HZResults These two groups were well matched for gender, age and histologic stage. There were no significant differences in operative time, hospital stay, complications, postoperative recurrence rate and postoperative survival time between the two groups as founded by an average follow-up of 18 months. The mean distance from the inferior edge of the tumor to the dentate line was (3 6?1 5) cm in the J-pouch group, significantly less than that in coloanal anastomosis group of (5 2?1 9) cm, ( P =0 000). Defecation frequency, urgency and incontinence were significantly improved at 3 months and 12 months after operation in the J-pouch group ( P 0 05). Conclusion J-pouch coloanal anastomosis after low anterior resection for the middle and low rectal carcinoma significantly improves the short-term bowel function after operation.