Scarless two-stage delayed coloanal anastomosis: a technique description

Introduction: In current clinical practice, immediate coloanal anastomosis (ICA) remains the standard technique for restoring the gastrointestinal tract following coloproctectomy for low rectal cancer. This anastomosis still requires a temporary diverting stoma to decrease the postoperative morbidity, which remains significantly high. As an alternative, some authors have proposed a two-stage delayed coloanal anastomosis (TS-DCA). This article reports on the surgical technique of TS-DCA. Methods: The case described is of a 53-year-old woman, without any particular history, in whom colonoscopy motivated by rectal bleeding revealed an adenocarcinoma of the low rectum. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor ~ 1 cm above the puborectalis muscle, graded cT3N +. The extension workup was negative. Seven weeks after chemoradiotherapy, a coloproctectomy with total mesorectal excision (TME) was performed. A TS-DCA was chosen to restore the digestive tract. Conclusion: Two-stage delayed coloanal anastomosis is a safe and effective alternative for restoring the digestive tract after proctectomy for low rectal cancer. Recent data seem to show a clear advantage of this technique in terms of morbidity. (AU)

Clinical profile and outcomes of patients undergoing a Turnbull-Cutait transanal pullthrough procedure with Delayed Coloanal Anastomosis (DCAA) at the Philippine General Hospital

RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES@#The Turnbull-Cutait transanal pullthrough procedure with delayed coloanal anastomosis has been widely used before the advent of intestinal stapling devices. It is a viable option for rectal reconstruction for benign and malignant conditions, and is able to maintain intestinal continuity without the use of a temporary diversion. It has also been used in salvage operations for pelvic sepsis, failed anastomosis, and tumor recurrence that will otherwise require a permanent ileostomy. This study will describe the technique, as well as the outcomes of patients who underwent the procedure.@*METHODS@#This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted to report the outcomes of patients who underwent the Turnbull-Cutait transanal pull-through with delayed coloanal anastomosis at the Philippine General Hospital from January 2008 to December 2013. Eleven patients were identified using an institutional retrospective database. Clinical data and outcomes were collected using a standard form.@*RESULTS@#Ten of the 11 patients had an unremarkable postoperative course. One patient had an anastomotic dehiscence. The mean operative time was 229.9 minutes for the 1st stage and 28.2 minutes for the second stage, with a mean blood loss of 463.6 cc for both stages. The mean interval between the two stages was 7.9 days, with an average postoperative length of stay of 8.27 days. The average follow-up was 4.5 years. Functional outcomes were acceptable (average Wexner score 5.63), except for one patient who had an anastomotic dehiscence. No perioperative mortality was noted.@*CONCLUSION@#Turnbull-Cutait trans-anal pullthrough procedure with delayed coloanal anastomosis appears to be a safe procedure. The study suggests that it is an alternative strategy in rectal cancer in providing a sphincter-saving surgery, with the establishment of gastrointestinal continuity, and without the need for a proximal diversion. Stoma-less surgery has a notable health economic impact especially in developing countries because it eliminates the costs associated with the use of stoma appliances.

Resección anterior del recto ultrabaja laparoscópica con anastomosis coloanal en cáncer del recto bajo / Laparoscopic Ultralow Anterior Rectal Resection with Coloanal Anastomosis in Low Rectum Cancer

RESUMEN Introducción: La resección anterior del recto ultrabaja laparoscópica con anastomosis coloanal evita la realización una colostomía definitiva. Objetivo: Determinar las indicaciones, describir la técnica quirúrgica y mostrar los resultados a largo plazo obtenidos en la realización de este proceder en el tratamiento del cáncer del recto bajo. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y prospectivo de 53 pacientes con cáncer del recto bajo en el período comprendido entre octubre 2007 y noviembre 2018 en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Todas las resecciones fueron llevadas a cabo por un grupo dedicado a la cirugía colorrectal, en todos los casos se realizó la excisión total del mesorrecto. Resultados: Se operaron mediante esta técnica 53 pacientes, 30 masculinos y 23 femeninos con un promedio de edad de 57 años (rango 23-81) y de ellos 42 (79,2 por ciento) después de terapia neoadyuvante. El promedio de tiempo quirúrgico fue de 195 min (rango 90-360) y las pérdidas hemáticas estimadas, de 72 mL. La incidencia de morbilidad mayor fue de 16,9 por ciento (9/53) y la media de estadía hospitalaria de 6,3 días. La media del periodo de seguimiento fue de 40 meses (rango 1-132) con una recidiva local de 9,4 por ciento (5/53) y una supervivencia global a los 5 años de 80,3 por ciento. Conclusiones: La resección anterior del recto ultrabaja laparoscópica con anastomosis coloanal es una técnica segura con excelentes resultados en cuanto a recidiva local y supervivencia global(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Laparoscopic ultralow anterior rectal resection with coloanal anastomosis prevents the performance of a definitive colostomy. Objective: To determine the indications, describe the surgical technique and show the long-term outcome of performing this procedure in the treatment of cancer of the lower rectum. Method: A descriptive and prospective observational study of 53 patients with low rectal cancer was carried out in the period between October 2007 and November 2018, at the National Center for Minimum Access Surgery. All resections were carried out by a group dedicated to colorectal surgery. In all cases, the total mesorectal excision was performed. Results: 53 patients (30 males and 23 females), with an average age of 57 years (range 23-81) and 42 (79.2 percent) after neoadjuvant therapy were operated using this technique. The average surgical time was 195 min (range 90-360) and the estimated blood loss was 72 mL. The incidence of major morbidity was 16.9 percent (9/53) and the average hospital stay was 6.3 days. The mean follow-up period was 40 months (range 1-132), with a local relapse of 9.4 percent (5/53) and a 5-year overall survival of 80.3 percent. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ultralow anterior resection of the rectum with coloanal anastomosis is a safe technique with excellent outcomes in terms of local relapse and overall survival(AU)

A combination treatment of transanal total mesorectal excision and Turnbull-Cutait abdominoperineal pull-through procedure for a low rectal cancer

ABSTRACT Surgical treatment for low rectal cancer has changed dramatically during the preceding several decades, and the optimal surgical approach remains incompletely developed. Transanal total mesorectal excision is likely the most promising approach for the dissection of the distal part of the mesorectum in a manner that allows for a technically easy and oncologically safe operation. Long after it was first described, the Turnbull-Cutait abdominoperineal pull-through procedure has recently been reintroduced in surgical practice for the treatment of patients with complex anorectal conditions. The current report describes a case of distal rectal cancer involving successful surgical treatment with a combination of the two aforementioned methods and patient discharge without a diverting stoma.

RESUMO tratamento cirúrgico para o câncer de reto baixo mudou drásticamente durante as últimas décadas, mas uma abordagem cirúrgica de excelência ainda continua incompletamente desenvolvida. A excisão total do mesorreto por via transanal parece ser a abordagem mais promissora para a dissecção da parte distal do mesorreto de forma a assegurar uma cirurgia oncológicamente segura com uma técnica simples. Muito depois de sua descrição, o pull-through abdominoperineal de Turnbull-Cutait tem sido reintroduzido na prática cirúrgica para o tratamento de pacientes com enfermidades anorretais complexas. Este relato descreve um caso de câncer de reto baixo que se beneficiou de um tratamento cirúrgico bem sucedido a partir da combinação das duas técnicas supracitadas com o paciente recebendo alta hospitalar sem ostomia de proteção.

Scheduled maturation in low colorectal and coloanal anastomoses / Maturação programada em anastomoses colorretais baixas e coloanais

Introduction: Anastomotic dehiscence is the main complication after low colorectal and coloanal anastomoses. The techniques commonly used are the double-stapling and hand-sewn anastomoses, both are made with immediate maturation. These techniques do not prevent pelvic sepsis in many patients and are not feasible in all cases. Objective: The study aim is to report the technical details and results with the use of scheduled maturation anastomosis in ten patients. Surgical technique: The scheduled maturation anastomosis is done in two steps. The first step is the closure of colonic stump in a way that keeps the mucosa layer in everted position. The second step is the union of the colon and rectum ends by transanal access. All the sutures are made with 2/0 polyglactin. A diverting stoma must be done in all cases. After 30 days, begins spontaneous opening of the anastomosis. Results: Ten patients underwent this technique. There were two cases of stenosis that were treated with digital dilatation in office. All patients had their diverting ostomy closed. Conclusion: The scheduled maturation anastomosis is feasible in difficult cases and may prevent pelvic sepsis in low colorectal and coloanal anastomoses.

Introdução: A deiscência anastomótica é a principal complicação após anastomoses colorretais baixas e coloanais. As técnicas comumente usadas são o duplo grampeamento e a anastomose manual, ambas são feitas com maturação imediata. Estas técnicas não impedem a sepse pélvica em muitos pacientes e não são exequíveis em todos casos. Objetivo: O estudo mostra os detalhes da técnica e os resultados do uso da anastomose com maturação programada em dez pacientes. Técnica cirúrgica: A anastomose com maturação programada é feita em duas etapas. A primeira fase é o fechamento do coto cólico com pontos que mantém a mucosa evertida. A segunda fase é a união das extremidades do cólon e reto pela via transanal. Todas as suturas são feitas com poliglactina 00. Um estoma para derivação deve ser feito em todos os casos. Após 30 dias, inicia-se a abertura espontânea da anastomose. Resultados: Dez pacientes foram submetidos a esta técnica. Ocorreram dois casos de estenose que foram tratados com dilatação digital em consultório. Todos pacientes tiveram fechamento de sua ostomia de derivação. Conclusão: A anastomose com maturação programada é factível em casos difíceis e pode prevenir a sepse pélvica em anastomoses colorretais baixas e coloanais.

Colon Stricture After Ischemia Following a Robot-Assisted Ultra-Low Anterior Resection With Coloanal Anastomosis

Four consecutive cases of a colonic stricture following a da Vinci robot-assisted ultra-low anterior resection (LAR) with coloanal anastomosis and diverting ileostomy for the treatment of rectal cancer are reported. The colonic strictures developed after early proximal colonic ischemia without anastomotic site leakage or disruption. All patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiation therapy. During the postoperative recovery period, patients developed colonic ischemia, presenting with a high, spiking fever, but without any symptoms of peritonitis. Patients were treated with conservative management (antibiotic therapy) and discharged after two weeks when in good condition. Several months after discharge, all four patients developed a long-segment colonic stricture from the anastomosis site to the distal colon. Management of the colon strictures, including the anastomotic site, involved colonic dilation with a Hegar dilator in an outpatient clinic for several months. The ileostomies in three patients could not be closed.

Efficacy of Imatinib Mesylate Neoadjuvant Treatment for a Locally Advanced Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Surgery is the standard treatment for a primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST); however, surgical resection is often not curative, particularly for large GISTs. In the past decade, with imatinib mesylate (IM), management strategies for GISTs have evolved significantly, and now IM is the standard care for patients with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic GISTs. Adjuvant therapy with imatinib was recently approved for use, and preoperative imatinib is an emerging treatment option for patients who require cytoreductive therapy. IM neoadjuvant therapy for primary GISTs has been reported, but there is no consensus on the dose of the drug, the duration of treatment and the optimal time of surgery. These are critical because drug resistance or tumor progression can develop with a prolonged treatment. This report describes two cases of large rectal malignant GISTs, for which a abdominoperineal resection was initially anticipated. The two patients received IM preoperative treatment; we followed-up with CT or magnetic resonance imaging to access the response. After 9 months of treatment, a multi-disciplinary consensus that maximal benefit from imatinib had been achieved was reached. We determined the best time for surgical intervention and successfully performed sphincter-preserving surgery before resistance to imatinib or tumor progression occurred. We believe that a multidisciplinary team approach, considerating the optimal duration of therapy and the timing of surgery, is required to optimize treatment outcome.

Rectal Involvement of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder and is essentially a disorder of capillary, venous, and lymphatic malformations. Hematochezia is the most common symptom associated with intestinal hemangiomatosis and remains one of the life-threatening emergencies in KTS. We reported one patient of KTS presented with rectal bleeding and severe anemia who was successfully managed by sphincter-saving operation.

Intersphincteric Resection and Coloanal Anstomosis for Very Low Lying Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Ultralow anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis (hand-sewn) has commonly been used for preserving the anal sphincter in patients with low-lying distal rectal cancer. Preoperative chemoradiation therapy is a contributing factor to preserve the anal sphincter. Intersphincteric resection has been introduced and has begun to be applied to distal rectal cancer for anal sphincter preservation. The aim of this study was to report on patients who underwent intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis for very low-lying rectal cancer. METHODS: Intersphincteric resection was performed in 21 patients with very low-lying rectal cancer (within 4 cm from the anal verge) between December 2004 and May 2008. All patients received colonic J pouch anal anastomosis and loop ileostomy. The patients were selected prospectively and followed up for the function of bowel movement and recurrence. RESULTS: Mean tumor distance from anal verge was 2.8 cm (range 2~4 cm). No postoperative mortality was encountered. One patient developed ischemic colitis of colonic J-pouch after high doses of tomotherapy. Subsequently he received abdominoperineal resection and permanent colostomy. One patient underwent diverting colostomy for severe incontinence after ileostomy takedown. The other cases reported good anorectal function such as frequency of bowel movement and fecal incontinence. There were two local recurrences during a mean follow-up period of 11.6 months. CONCLUSION: Based on a single surgeon's experiences, postoperative morbidity and anorectal function after intersphincteric resection with coloanal anastomosis seems acceptable.

Comparison of a Straight, a Coloplasty, and a Colonic J-pouch Anastomosis after a Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Colonic pouches have been used to improve the reservoir function of the neorectrum after a ultra-low anterior resection for treatment of rectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and the functional outcome between a straight anastomosis, an anastomosis using coloplasty, and that using a colonic J-pouch in patients who had undergone an ultralow anterior resection. METHODS: From 2004 through 2006, 60 patients underwent a coloanal straight (straight group: n=23), coloplasty (coloplasty group: n=19), or colonic J-pouch (J-pouch group: n=18) anastomosis to the anal canal after a total mesorectal excision of the rectal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of those patients for clinical outcomes according to the reservoir type. The median follow-up interval was 23.7 (4.4-40.9) mo. RESULTS: The anastomotic leakage rate was higher in the coloplasty group (21.1%) than in the straight group (8.7%) or in the J-pouch group (0%), but the difference was not significant (P=0.1). The mean number of bowel movements per day was significantly lower in the coloplasty group (3.6) and in the pouch group (3.1) than in the straight group (6.2) (P=0.015). No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups regarding other functional outcomes, including use of antidiarrheal drugs (P=0.971), gas incontinence (P=0.256), fecal incontinence (P=0.544), use of pads (P=0.782), difficulty of evacuation (P=0.496), and use of enemas (P=0.712). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction with a coloplasty or a colonic J-pouch in patients undergoing a low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis after rectal cancer surgery seems to decrease the number of daily bowel movements compared to a straight anastomosis. However, the anastomotic leakage rate of coloplasty group was higher than that of the straight-anastomosis group.

A Comparison of the Oncologic Results after Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection and Ultra-low Anterior Resection with Hand-sewn Coloanal Anastomosis for Treating Distal Rectal Cancer / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been regarded as the standard procedure for the treatment of distal rectal cancer since Miles first described it in 1908. But because of the better understanding of the patterns of spreading tumor, the pelvic physiology, the development of stapling devices and introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME), the rate of sphincter preserving surgery has been increasing. The aim of this study is to compare the oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic APR and ultra-low anterior resection with handsewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA) for treating distal rectal cancer. METHODS: Between January 2003 and October 2007, 95 patients who were followed up for more than 2 years after curative laparoscopic APR or CAA for distal rectal cancer were included in this study. The clinical characteristics, pathologic findings, postoperative complications and oncologic results were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 31 APRs and 64 CAAs. The median follow-up period was 43 (5~79) months. The mean distance between the lower margin of the tumor and the anal verge was 2.1+/-1.2 cm in APR and 3.7+/-1.4 cm in CAA (p<0.001). There were 2 (6.5%) local recurrences and 8 (25.8%) systemic recurrences after APR and 3 (4.7%) local recurrences and 10 (15.6%) systemic recurrences after CAA, respectively (p=0.641, p=0.161). The 3-year disease-specific survival rate was 86.7% in APR and 93.5% in CAA (p=0.407). The 3-year disease free survival rate was 73.7% in APR and 80.1% in CAA (p=0.161) but there were no significant differences in the oncologic results according to the stages between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The operative procedures are changing toward sphincter preservation. Laparoscopic ultra-low anterior resection and hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis is oncologically as safe as laparoscopic APR for treating lower rectal cancer. However, APR should be considered the standard treatment for distal rectal cancer when it invades the anal sphincter or the levator ani.

Sphincter Preserving Operation by Coloanal Anastomosis: Long Term Survival

PURPOSE: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) was the conventional operation for the last 100 years, however it decreased recently for the improvement of sphincter preserving operations, especially of hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA). The aim of this study is to evaluate oncological results for the CAA. METHODS: From January 1992 to August 2000, 107 consecutive patients with rectal cancer within 7 cm from anal verge who underwent a curative resection were evaluated retrospectively by operations (APR, CAA, and stapled low anterior resection, LAR). No temporary stoma was made for CAA and LAR. RESULTS: The mean age is 57.4 and the distance from the anal verge was 4.12 cm (+/-1.55) for 65 males and 4.13 cm (+/-1.67) for 42 females (p>0.05). The age, gender, tumor location, size, resection margin, and stage were not statistically significant according to the operations. The CAA increased from 8% (early) to 64% (late), and the APR decreased from 59% (early) to 16% (late). The 5 year survival rate was 70.1% (84.3% for Dukes B and 40.8% for Dukes C). Survivals were not statistically significant according to the type of operation. The local recurrence rate was 7.4% (13.8% for stapled low anterior resection, 7.0% for APR, and 2.8% for CAA). Of the patients with a CAA, 54% had received preoperative radiation therapy (45~55 Gy). In the late period, tumors located within 5 cm from the anal verge with fat or perirectal lymph nodes involved received preoperative radiation, and the sphincter-preserving rate was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: CAA is an effective technique, with a safe oncologic result, for sphincter preservation in very low rectal cancer.

Functional and Oncologic Outcome of Coloanal Anastomosis in Low Lying Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Sphincter preservation is one of the main goal in the treatment of rectal cancer, but surgical management of cancer of the lower third of the rectum continues to evolve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic safety and to assess the functional results of coloanal anastomosis following ultra low anterior resection (CAA/ uLAR) in distal rectal cancer. METHODS: Thirty-six patients underwent coloanal anastomosis following ultralow anterior resection between January 2000 and February 2005. Main operative techniques were total mesorectal excision with autonomic nerve preservation. Colonic J pouch was made 6 cm in length. All patients were followed up for fecal incontinence and frequency of bowel movement after diverting ileostomy closure. All patients were evaluated for local or systemic recurrences. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58.7 (34~82) years. The median follow-up period was 24.5 (6~55) months. The types of anastomosis were straight anastomosis (n=25), colonic J pouch formation (n=10) and coloplasty (n=1). The twenty-nine patients of thirty-one patients underwent diverting ileostomy were performed ileostomy repair. The twenty-two patients had frequency after ileostomy repair. There is no statistical correlation of reservoir type and frequency (P=0.604). But the relationship between adjuvant radiation and frequency is statistically correlated (P=0.012). Postoperative complications were anastomotic leakage (n=5), but mostly radiological minor leakage, transient paralytic ileus (n=2), and anastomotic stenosis (n=1). The local recurrence rate is 3% and systemic recurrence occurred in 5 patients (14%), most patients were in Astler-Coller stage C. CONCLUSIONS: Ultralow anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis in low lying rectal cancer did not seem to affect recurrence. This procedure has poor functional outcome in early period but normal continence and acceptable frequency of bowel movements can be obtained at 1 year after operation.

Sphincter Preserving Method for Distal Rectal Cancer: Treatment Experience of Ultra-low Anterior Resection and Hand Sewn Coloanal Anastomosis

PURPOSE: As the oncologic safety of coloanal anastomosis (CAA) has been proven by many other authors, the incidence of CAA following a ultra-low anterior resection has increased. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcomes and complications for patients who underwent an ultra-low anterior resection and CAA for distal rectal cancer. METHODS: 57 patients underwent CAA following an ultra-low anterior resection between July 1997 and November 2003. 44 patients, who were followed up for more than 6 month after diverting ileostomy repair were evaluated for recurrence pattern, complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 32.0+/-22.8 (8~83) months. The mean age of the patients was 54.3+/-10.4 (23~74) years. The types of anastomosis were straight CAA (n=20) and J pouch CAA (n=37). The mean tumor size was 4.1+/-1.9 (2~8) cm, the mean distal resection margin was 1.3+/-0.9 (0.2~4) cm. Six months later, the anastomosis distance following diverting ileostomy repair was measured at 3.24+/-0.6 (2~4) cm from the anal verge. The complications were multiple fistulas (n=3), fistula with anal stenosis (n=1), local recurrence with anal stenosis (n=1), anal stenosis (n=7). Anal incontinence (Kirwan grade III) was noted in 14 patients, and bowel movements more than 6 times per day were observed in 16 patients. Overall recurrence occurred in 6 patients (13.6%). The 5-years survival rate was 84.4%, and the 5-year disease-free survival was 68.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Although CAA in patients with rectal cancer provides excellent long-term survival, a low risk of recurrence, in tolerable function, complications, and poor functional outcomes have been observed with CAA; therefore, the choice of this method should be considered carefully.

Clinical Results of Coloanal Anastomosis in Radiation-induced Rectovaginal Fistula

PURPOSE: Generally speaking, permanent colostomy has been frequently used as a treatment for radiation-induced rectovaginal fistula. In order to administer an operation accurately, at least two-staged operations have been performed. If anastomosis were to be performed between normal, healthy tissues after removal of irradiation-damaged tissues definite operation could be performed in one stage. We reviewed clinical records to evaluate postoperative recurrence and anal functions in patients who underwent coloanal anastomosis without diverting colostomy as one step due to radiation-induced rectovaginal fistula. METHOD: From Sep. 1994 to Jun. 2000 we did a retrospective study with clinical data of 8 patients who underwent operations due to radiation-induced rectovaginal fistula in Yongdong Severance Hospital. RESULTS: The mean age was 49 years (range 31-61). All patients concurrently received irradiation and induction chemotherapy due to primary, gynecologic malignancies. The total dosage of exposure to radiation was 8,400 cGy in 6 of 8 cases and 8,940 cGy in the remaining 2 cases. TAH with BSO had been undergone before concurrent chemoradiation in 2 cases. The median duration from diagnosis to operation was 29 months (range 16-131) in cases without previous colostomy (n=7) and 7 months in cases with colostom y (n=1). Before the operation, previous surgery had been undergone in 2 cases due to rectovaginal fistula. No recurrences were noted for gynecologic malignancies. The mean distance of fistula opening from anal verge was 3.9 cm (range 2.0-7.0). For 7 out of 8 cases, patients underwent LAR with handsewn coloanal anstomosis and the remaining patient underwent anterior resection. No diverting colostomy was performed for all cases. During the median follow-up period of 25 months (range 7-71), two patients developed anal stenosis. One patient experienced postoperative recurrence for the follow-up period. In terms of sphincter function (n=6) (f/u period>12 months), there were 1 urgency, 1 gas incontinence and 1 night staining. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study is a small scale research in terms of the number of subjects involved, one-staged, handsewn coloanal anastomosis after LAR without colostomy may be proved to be helpful for the patients with radiation-induced rectovaginal fistula. If case selection performed properly, unnecessary operation can be avoided and psychologic resistance can be reduced by this procedure.

Ultralow Anterior Resection and Coloanal Anastomosis for Distal Rectal Cancer Functional and Oncologic Results

PURPOSE: Coloanal anastomosis (CAA) following ultralow anterior resection became more popular techniques for preservation of anal sphincter in distal rectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a functional and oncologic safety of patients who underwent ultralow anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis for distal rectal cancer. METHODS: Forty-eight patients underwent coloanal anastomosis following ultralow anterior resection between January 1988 and January 1998. Main operative techniques were total mesorectal excision with autonomic nerve preservation. Colonic J pouch was made 8 cm in length with GIA 95. All patients were followed up for fecal or gas incontinence, frequency of bowel movement and local or systemic recurrences. RESULTS: Mean tumor distance from anal verge was 4.0 cm. Postoperative complications were transient urinary retention (N=7), anastomotic stenosis (N=3), anastomotic leakage (N=3), rectovaginal fistula (N=2), cancer positive margin (N=1; patient refuses reoperation). Overall recurrences occurred in 7/48 (14.5%). Local recurrence (N=1) and systemic recurrence (N=1) in Astler-Coller stage B2, local recurrence (N=1), systemic recurrence (N=2) and combined local and systemic recurrence (N=2) in Astler-Coller stage C2. Mean frequency of bowel movement were 6.1 per day at 3 month, 4.4 at 1 year and 3.1 at 2 years. Kirwan grade for fecal incontinence were 2.7 at 3 months, 1.8 at 1 year and 1.5 at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: With careful selection of patients and good operative techniques, CAA can be performed safely in distal rectal cancer. Normal continence and acceptable frequency of bowel movements can be obtained at 1 year after operation without compromising the rate of local recurrence.