Purpose Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is common and devastating complication for patients with rectal cancer who have undergone sphincter-sparing surgery. Prunes are a fiber-rich fruit being effective in treating chronic constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prune consumption on the incidence of LARS.
Methods A prospective, double-arm, parallel, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021 at a single tertiary center for patients who underwent low anterior resection. Patients randomized to the prune group consumed prune daily for 2 weeks after surgery, while those in the no-prune group did not. The primary outcome was the incidence of major LARS at 3 weeks after surgery.
Results A total of 130 patients were randomized and 118 completed the study (81 men, 37 women), including 55 patients (46.6%) in the prune group and 63 patients (53.4%) in the no-prune group. LARS was confirmed in 15 patients (27.3%) in the prune group and 47 patients (74.6%) in the no-prune group (P<0.001). The incidence of major LARS was also significantly lower in the prune group (18.2% vs. 61.9%, P<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that the level of anastomosis and prune consumption were significantly associated with the incidence of LARS. The prune group had higher emotional scores and lower symptom scores for constipation, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite in the quality-of-life questionnaire.
Conclusion Prune consumption significantly reduced the incidence of LARS and improved quality of life after low anterior resection.
Trial registration: CRIS identifier: KCT0006085 (registered on September 1, 2019).
Purpose Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer is technically challenging due to the precision required for mesorectal excision. Articulated instruments were developed to improve precision and oncological safety over conventional instruments. This study compares their perioperative outcomes.
Methods A retrospective cohort study of 432 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection between August 2022 and February 2024 applied propensity score matching to minimize selection bias. Primary endpoints were circumferential resection margin (CRM), distal resection margin (DRM), and harvested lymph nodes count. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications.
Results Following propensity score matching, 84 matched pairs were analyzed. Most patients achieved CRM negativity (>1 mm), with CRM ≥10 mm in 67.9% of the articulated group and 59.5% of the conventional group (P=0.613). Median (interquartile range, IQR) lymph nodes harvests were comparable (20 [14–26] vs. 18 [14–22], P=0.147). The articulated group had a significantly longer DRM (30.0 mm [IQR, 18.0–40.0 mm] vs. 24.0 mm [IQR, 12.0–34.2 mm], P=0.008) and the median operation time (111.0 minutes [IQR, 95.8–125.2 minutes] vs. 99.5 minutes [IQR, 72.0–119.8 minutes], P=0.009). Estimated blood loss, open conversion rates, and postoperative complications, including leakage (7.1% vs. 8.3%, P>0.999) and surgical site infections, (15.5% vs. 9.5%, P=0.383), showed no significant differences.
Conclusion Articulated laparoscopic instruments demonstrated comparable safety and feasibility to conventional instruments but offered no significant clinical or oncological benefits beyond a longer DRM. Larger studies are needed to evaluate their value in laparoscopic rectal surgery.
Purpose Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) manifests with evacuation disorder symptoms and continence problems. However, no prior study has focused on evacuation disorders in patients with LARS. This study investigated the prevalence of evacuation disorders and their association with the LARS score.
Methods This study included patients with defecation per anus at the time of the survey, which was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021. These patients had undergone anus-preserving surgery for rectal tumors between 2014 and 2019 at a tertiary university hospital. The severity of evacuation disorders and LARS was evaluated using the Constipation Scoring System and the LARS score, respectively. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of evacuation disorders, defined as evacuation difficulty, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and abnormally long time on the toilet. The secondary endpoints were the associations between these symptoms and the LARS score.
Results Of 332 eligible patients, 238 (71.7%) completed the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of evacuation disorders was 48.3%. The rates of feeling incomplete evacuation, evacuation difficulty, and prolonged time on the toilet were 45.6%, 15.5%, and 8.4%, respectively. Patients with minor or major LARS had a significantly higher prevalence of evacuation disorders than those with no LARS, particularly regarding feeling incomplete evacuation.
Conclusion Evacuation disorders were present in 48.3% of patients following anus-preserving surgery. Greater severity of LARS was associated with a higher prevalence of evacuation disorders, especially a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Patients should be informed about the potential for both evacuation disorders and continence-related symptoms following anus-preserving surgery.
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the α1 adrenergic receptor antagonist silodosin in preventing lower urinary tract symptoms after rectal cancer surgery.
Methods We conducted a 2-arm, double-blind, single-center randomized controlled trial. The study included 150 patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical surgery between 2019 and 2022. On the first postoperative day, the urinary catheter was removed for all patients. Of these, 100 patients were administered silodosin, while 50 patients (control group) receive placebo (glucose tablet). Urinary dysfunction (urinary retention, infection, dysuria) and other complications were monitored.
Results Among the 150 patients, 84 (56.0%) were male and 66 (44.0%) were female. Surgical procedures included abdominoperineal resection in 33 patients, partial mesorectal excision in 45, and total mesorectal excision in 72. A laparoscopic approach was used in 69 patients, while the remaining 81 underwent open surgery. Urinary tract symptoms developed in 10 patients (6.7%): 7 (7.0%) in the silodosin group and 3 (6.0%) in the control group (P=0.92). In the silodosin group, there was 1 case (1.0%) of urinary retention, 3 cases (3.0%) of urinary tract infection, and 3 cases (3.0%) of dysuria. In the control group, there was 1 case (2.0%) each of urinary retention, urinary tract infection, and dysuria (all P=0.92).
Conclusion Early urinary catheter removal on the first postoperative day was safe in both groups. The use of the oral α-antagonist silodosin did not provide additional benefits in preventing lower urinary tract symptoms in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03607370
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Rectal cancer is one of the most common carcinomas and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although significant advancements have been made in the treatment of rectal cancer, the deterioration of quality of life (QoL) remains a challenging issue. Various tools have been developed to assess QoL, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) scale, the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Factors such as the lower location of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemoradiotherapy, and chemotherapy are associated with a decline in QoL. Furthermore, anastomotic leakage following rectal cancer resection is an important risk factor affecting QoL. With the development of novel treatment approaches, including neoadjuvant therapies such as chemoradiotherapy and total neoadjuvant therapy, the rate of clinical complete remission has increased, leading to the emergence of organ-preserving strategies. Both local excision and the “watch-and-wait” approach following neoadjuvant therapy improved functional outcomes and QoL. Efforts to improve QoL after rectal cancer surgery are ongoing in surgical techniques for rectal cancer. Since QoL is determined by a complex interplay of factors, including the patient's physical condition, surgical techniques, and psychological and social elements, a comprehensive approach is necessary to understand and enhance it. This review aims to describe the methods for measuring QoL in rectal cancer patients after surgery, the key risk factors involved, and various strategies and efforts to improve QoL outcomes.
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Purpose This study assessed the long-term outcomes and quality of life in patients who underwent sacral neuromodulation (SNM) due to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS).
Methods This single-center retrospective study, conducted from 2005 to 2021, included 30 patients (21 men; median age, 70 years) who had undergone total mesorectal excision with stoma closure and had no recurrence at inclusion. All patients were diagnosed with LARS refractory to conservative treatment. We evaluated clinical and quality-of-life outcomes after SNM through a stool diary, Wexner score, LARS score, the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire, and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire.
Results Peripheral nerve stimulation was successful in all but one patient. Of the 29 patients who underwent percutaneous nerve evaluation, 17 (58.62%) responded well to SNM and received permanent implants. The median follow-up period was 48 months (range, 18–153 months). The number of days per week with fecal incontinence episodes decreased from a median of 7 (range, 2–7) to 0.38 (range, 0–1). The median number of bowel movements recorded in patient diaries fell from 5 (range, 4–12) to 2 (range, 1–6). The median Wexner score decreased from 18 (range, 13–20) to 6 (range, 0–16), while the LARS score declined from 38.5 (range, 37–42) to 19 (range, 4–28). The FIQL and EQ-5D questionnaires demonstrated enhanced quality of life.
Conclusion SNM may benefit patients diagnosed with LARS following rectal cancer surgery when conservative options have failed, and the treatment outcomes may possess long-term sustainability.
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Purpose Despite advances in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anal sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, bowel dysfunction is still unavoidable and negatively affects patients’ quality of life. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to investigate the changes in bowel function with follow-up time and the effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on bowel function following low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Methods In this study, 171 patients with upper or middle rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection between 2012 and 2018 were included. Bowel function was assessed longitudinally with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument and Wexner scores every 6 months after restoration of bowel continuity. Patients with at least 2 follow-up visits were included.
Results Overall, 100 patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Urgency, soilage, and fecal incontinence were noted within 24 months in the patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. After 2 years of follow-up, significant bowel dysfunction and fecal incontinence were observed in the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group. Low tumor level and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were associated with delayed bowel dysfunction.
Conclusion Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in combination with low tumor level was significantly associated with delayed bowel dysfunction even after 2 years of follow-up. Therefore, careful selection and discussion with patients are paramount.
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Purpose The aim of this study was to validate the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score questionnaire in the Vietnamese language among Vietnamese patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.
Methods The LARS score questionnaire was translated from English into Vietnamese and then back-translated as recommended internationally. From January 2018 to December 2020, 93 patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery completed the Vietnamese version of the LARS score questionnaire together with an anchored question assessing the influence of bowel function on quality of life. To validate test-retest reliability, patients were requested to answer the LARS score questionnaire twice.
Results Ninety-three patients completed the LARS score questionnaire, of whom 89 responded twice. The patients who responded twice were included in the analysis of test-retest reliability. Fifty-eight patients had a “major” LARS score. The LARS score was able to discriminate between patients who were obese and those who were not (P<0.001) and between the LAR and AR procedures (P<0.001). Age and sex were not associated with higher LARS scores (P=0.975). There was a perfect fit between the quality of life category question and the LARS score in 56.2% of cases, and a moderate fit was found in 42.7% of cases, showing reasonable convergent validity. The test-retest reliability of 89 patients showed a high intraclass correlation coefficient.
Conclusion The Vietnamese version of the LARS score questionnaire is a valid tool for measuring LARS.
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Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(5):427-434. Published online June 3, 2022
Purpose Oncological outcomes following rectal cancer surgery have improved significantly over recent decades with lower recurrences and longer overall survival. However, many of the patients experienced low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This study identified the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of LARS.
Methods This cross-sectional study involved patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer and had undergone sphincter-preserving low anterior resection from January 2011 to December 2020. Upon clinic follow-up, patients were asked to complete an interviewed based questionnaire (LARS score) designed to assess bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.
Results Out of 76 patients, 25 patients (32.9%) had major LARS, 10 patients (13.2%) had minor LARS, and 41 patients (53.9%) had no LARS. The height of tumor from anal verge showed an association with the development of major LARS (P=0.039). Those patients with less than 8 cm tumor from anal verge had an increased risk of LARS by 3 times compared to those with 8 cm and above (adjusted odds ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–9.13).
Conclusion Results from our study show that low tumor height was a significant risk factor that has a negative impact on bowel function after surgery. The high prevalence of LARS emphasizes the need for study regarding risk factors and the importance of understanding the pathophysiology of LARS, in order for us to improve patient bowel function and quality of life after rectal cancer surgery.
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Purpose This study was performed to investigate the convergent validity, discriminative validity, and reliability of the Brazilian version of the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score in a population with low educational and socioeconomic levels.
Methods The LARS score was translated into the Portuguese language by forward- and back-translation procedures. In total, 127 patients from a public hospital in Brazil completed the questionnaires. The convergent validity was tested by comparing the LARS score with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core Module 30 (QLQ-C30) and with patients’ self-reported quality of life. For the discriminative validity, we tested the ability of the score to differentiate among subgroups of patients regarding neoadjuvant radiotherapy, type of surgery, and tumor distance from the anal verge. The test-retest reliability was investigated in a subgroup of 36 patients who responded to the survey twice in 2 weeks.
Results The LARS score demonstrated a strong correlation with 5 of 6 items from the EORTC QLQ-C30 (P<0.05) and good concordance with patients’ self-reported quality of life (95.3%), confirming the convergent validity. The score was able to discriminate between subgroups of patients with different clinical characteristics related to LARS (P<0.001). The agreement between the test and retest showed that 86.1% of the patients remained in the same LARS category, and there was no significant difference between the LARS score numerical values (P=0.80), indicating good reliability overall.
Conclusion The Brazilian version of the LARS score is a valid and reliable instrument to assess postoperative bowel function in a population with low educational and socioeconomic levels.
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Malignant disease, Rectal cancer, Functional outcomes,Colorectal cancer
Purpose Proctectomy for the treatment of rectal cancer results in inevitable changes to bowel habits. Symptoms such as fecal incontinence, constipation, and tenesmus are collectively referred to as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Among the several risk factors that cause LARS, anastomotic leakage (AL) is a strong risk factor for permanent stoma formation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of LARS and AL in patients with rectal cancer based on the LARS score and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) defecation symptom questionnaires.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer since January 2010. Patients who completed the questionnaire were classified into the AL group and control group based on medical and imaging records. Major LARS and MSKCC scores were analyzed as primary endpoints.
Results Among the 179 patients included in this study, 37 were classified into the AL group. After propensity score matching, there were significant differences in the ratio of major LARS and MSKCC scores of the control group and AL group (ratio of major LARS: 11.1% and 37.8%, P<0.001; MSKCC score: 67.29±10.4 and 56.49±7.2, respectively, P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that AL was an independent factor for major LARS occurrence and MSKCC score.
Conclusion This study showed that AL was a significant factor in the occurrence of major LARS and defecation symptoms after proctectomy.
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Purpose Patients who undergo radical surgery for rectal cancer often experience low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Symptoms of this syndrome include frequent bowel movements, gas incontinence, fecal incontinence, fragmentation, and urgency. The aim of this study was to investigate the convergent validity, discriminative validity, and reliability of the Korean version of the LARS score questionnaire.
Methods The English LARS score questionnaire was translated into Korean using the forward-and-back translation method. A total of 146 patients who underwent radical surgery for rectal cancer answered the Korean version of the LARS score questionnaire including an anchor question assessing the impact of bowel function. Participants answered the questionnaire once more after 2 weeks.
Results The Korean LARS score questionnaire showed high convergent validity in terms of high correlation between the LARS score and quality of life (perfect fit 55.5% vs. moderate fit 37.6% vs. no fit 6.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). The LARS score also showed good discriminative validity between groups of patients differing by sex (29 for males vs. 25 for females; P = 0.014), tumor level (29 for ≤8 cm vs. 24 for >8 cm; P = 0.021), and radiotherapy (32 for yes vs. 24 for no; P = 0.001). The LARS score also demonstrated high reliability at test-retest with no difference between scores at the first and second tests (intraclass correlation coefficient: Q1 = 0.932; Q2 = 0.909, Q3 = 0.944, Q4 = 0.931, and Q5 = 0.942; P < 0.001, respectively).
Conclusion The Korean version of the LARS score questionnaire has proven to be a valid and reliable tool for measuring LARS in Korean patients with rectal cancer.
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Benign GI diease,Benign diesease & IBD,Complication,Surgical technique
Purpose Stapled anastomotic techniques to the distal rectum have gained widespread acceptance due to their procedural advantages. Various modifications in the stapling techniques have evolved since their inception. The triple-staple technique utilizing stapled closure of both the proximal colon and distal rectal stump provides a rapid and secure colorectal anastomosis. The aims of this study were to determine the safety and efficacy of the triple-staple technique and to compare the clinical outcomes with a historical control group for which the conventional double-staple technique had been performed.
Methods One hundred consecutive patients operated on by a single surgeon were included in the study; 50 patients who underwent a double-staple (DSA) procedure and 50 patients undergoing triple-staple anastomosis (TSA).
Results The most common indication for surgery in both groups was rectal cancer followed by diverticular disease and distal sigmoid cancer. There was no significant difference in number of patients requiring loop ileostomy formation in the groups (TSA, 56.0% vs. DSA, 68.0%; P = 0.621). The mean operating time for the TSA group was significantly shorter compared to that of the DSA group (TSA, 242.8 minutes vs. DSA, 306.1 minutes; P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in complication rate (TSA, 40% vs. DSA, 50%; P = 0.315) or length of hospital stay between the two groups (TSA, 11.3 days vs. DSA, 13.0 days; P = 0.246). Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak, prolonged ileus, bleeding, wound infection, and pelvic collection.
Conclusion The triple-staple technique is a safe alternative to double-staple anastomosis after anterior resection and effectively shortens operating time.
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Purpose The aims of this study were to identify the clinical characteristics of an anastomotic sinus and to assess the validity of delaying stoma closure in patients until the complete resolution of an anastomotic sinus.
Methods The subject patients are those who had undergone a resection of rectal cancer from 2011 to 2017, who had a diversion ileostomy protectively or therapeutically and who developed a sinus as a sequelae of anastomotic leakage. The primary outcomes that were measured were the incidence, management and outcomes of an anastomotic sinus.
Results Of the 876 patients who had undergone a low anterior resection, 14 (1.6%) were found to have had an anastomotic sinus on sigmoidoscopy or a gastrografin enema before their ileostomy closure. In the 14 patients with a sinus, 7 underwent ileostomy closure as scheduled, with a mean closure time of 4.1 months. The remaining 7 patients underwent ileostomy repair, but it was delayed until after the follow-up for the widening of the sinus opening by using digital dilation, with a mean closure time of 6.9 months. Four of those remaining seven patients underwent stoma closure even though their sinus condition had not yet been completely resolved. No pelvic septic complications occurred after closure in any of the 14 patients with an anastomotic sinus, but 2 of the 14 needed a rediversion due to a severe anastomotic stricture.
Conclusion Patients with an anastomotic sinus who had been carefully selected underwent successful ileostomy closure without delay.
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We experienced 3 cases of manometry-induced colon perforation. A 75-year-old man (case 1) underwent anorectal manometry (ARM) 3 years after radiotherapy for prostate cancer and a laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer. A 70-year-old man (case 2) underwent ARM 3 months after conventional neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and a laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. A 78-year-old man (case 3) underwent ARM 2 months after a laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer. In all cases, a colon perforation with fecal peritonitis occurred. All were treated successfully using prompt and active operations and were discharged without any complications. ARM with a balloon, as a measure of rectal compliance, should be performed 2 months or longer after surgery. If a perforation occurs, prompt and active surgical intervention is necessary due to the high possibility of extensive fecal peritonitis.
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For several decades, the low anterior resection (LAR) with total mesorectal excision (TME) has been the gold standard for treating patients with rectal cancer. Up to 90% of patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery will have changes in bowel habits, so-called 'anterior resection syndrome.' This study examined patients' continence after a LAR for the treatment of rectal cancer.
Methods
This prospective study was performed between September 2014 and August 2015 at the National Cancer Institute and included 30 patients who underwent anorectal manometry preoperatively and at 3 and 4 months after a LAR, but 10 were excluded from further evaluation for various reasons. Wexner score was recorded preoperatively and 4 months after LAR (1 month after ileostomy repair).
Results
Postoperatively, 70% of patients complained of some degree of soiling (incontinence to liquid stool), and 30% experienced urgent defecation. Four months after surgery, these symptoms had somewhat abated. The anal resting pressure and the maximum squeezing pressure did not change significantly. Rectal capacity and compliance were reduced in all patients. The majority of patients demonstrated manometric anorectal changes and clinical anorectal function disorders during the first 4 months after surgery. The Wexner scores and the manometric findings showed no correlation.
Conclusion
Many patients undergoing a LAR with TME for the treatment of rectal cancer experience some degree of incontinence postoperatively. Anorectal manometry may be used as an additional tool for evaluating problems with continence after a LAR. No correlation between the Wexner score and the manometric findings was observed.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes by comparing hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) with open surgery for sigmoid colon cancer.
Methods
Twenty-six patients who underwent a hand-assisted laparoscopic anterior resection (HAL-AR group) and 52 patients who underwent a conventional open anterior resection during the same period were enrolled (open group) in this study with a case-controlled design.
Results
Pathologic parameters were similar between the two groups. The incidences of immediate postoperative leukocytosis were 38.5% in the HAL-AR group and 69.2% in the open group (P = 0.009). There were no significant differences between the two groups as to leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrits (P = 0.758, P = 0.383, and P = 0.285, respectively). Of the postoperative recovery indicators, first flatus, sips of water and soft diet started on postoperative days 3, 5, 7 in the HALS group and on days 4, 5, 6 in the open group showed statistical significance (P = 0.021, P = 0.259, and P = 0.174, respectively). Administration of additional pain killers was needed for 1.2 days in the HAL-AR group and 2.4 days in the open group (P = 0.002). No significant differences in the durations of hospital stay and the rates of postoperative complications were noted, and no postoperative mortality was encountered in either group.
Conclusion
The patients with sigmoid colon cancer who underwent a HAL-AR had a lower incidence of postoperative leukocytosis, less administration of pain killers, and faster first flatus than those who underwent open surgery. Clinical outcomes for patients' recovery and pathology status were similar between the two groups. Therefore, a HAL-AR for sigmoid colon cancer is feasible and has the same benefit as minimally invasive surgery.
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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.
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Neoadjuvant Imatinib in Locally Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): The EORTC STBSG Experience Piotr Rutkowski, Alessandro Gronchi, Peter Hohenberger, Sylvie Bonvalot, Patrick Schöffski, Sebastian Bauer, Elena Fumagalli, Pawel Nyckowski, Buu-Phuc Nguyen, Jan Martijn Kerst, Marco Fiore, Elzbieta Bylina, Mathias Hoiczyk, Annemieke Cats, Paolo G. Casa Annals of Surgical Oncology.2013; 20(9): 2937. CrossRef
PURPOSE The aim of our study was to identify risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage (AL) after an anterior resection (high anterior resection+low anterior resection) for rectal cancer. METHODS Between January 1998 and December 2007, 356 patients underwent an anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Early anastomotic leakage (EAL) was defined as leakage identified during hospitalization. Late anastomotic leakage (LAL) was defined as leakage identified in outpatients. RESULTS AL (EAL+LAL) occurred in 30 patients (8.4%, mean time: 15.4 days). Among of them, EAL occurred in 20 patients (5.6%, mean time: 5.1 days), and LAL occurred in 10 patients (2.8%, mean time: 36.0 days). In the univariate analysis, the size of the tumor, the tumor level from the anal verge, and the level of anastomosis were significantly associated with AL. In EAL, the size of the tumor, the tumor level from the anal verge, the level of anastomosis, the operation type, and the value of serum albumin on day 3 after the operation were risk factors. In LAL, the tumor level from the anal verge and the level of anastomosis were risk factors. In the multivariate analysis, tumor size >7 cm (AL: P<0.001, EAL: P<0.001) and tumor level from the anal verge < or =8 cm (AL: P=0.014, EAL: P=0.001) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION AL and EAL after an anterior resection for rectal cancer were related to the size of the tumor and the level of the tumor from the anal verge.
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Distribution of Lymph Node Metastases Is an Independent Predictor of Survival for Sigmoid Colon and Rectal Cancer Jung Wook Huh, Young Jin Kim, Hyeong Rok Kim Annals of Surgery.2012; 255(1): 70. CrossRef
PURPOSE Obese patients are generally believed to be at increased risk for surgery compared to those who are not obese. It was the purpose of this study to compare the short-term outcomes of a laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) in obese and non-obese patients. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 79 patients who had undergone a laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer between September 2002 and January 2008. The degree of obesity was based on the Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m2). We divided the 79 patients into two groups: the high BMI (BMI> or =25) and the low BMI (BMI <25) groups. The parameters analyzed included age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification score, operative time, estimated blood loss, conversion rate, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and oncologic characteristics. Statistics included the t-test and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was assessed at the 5% level (P<0.05 being statistically significant). RESULTS There were no significant differences between the low BMI (n=55) and the high BMI (n=24) groups in age and gender. The high BMI group had significantly more conversion to an open procedure (20.8% vs. 3.6%, P=0.0244). The high BMI group and the low BMI group had no differences in blood loss, complications, hospital stay, and oncologic characteristics, but the high BMI group had a longer operative time (244.2 min vs. 212.0 min, P=0.0035). CONCLUSION A laparoscopic LAR in obese patients had a higher conversion rate and a longer operative time, but there were no differences in postoperative complications and oncologic characteristics. A further study based on many experiences is needed to clarify the influence of the surgeon's experience on the operative time and the conversion rate, and long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the oncologic safety of a laparoscopic LAR in obese patients.
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Laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections in the obese: a systematic review Alastair Fung, Nora Trabulsi, Martin Morris, Richard Garfinkle, Abdulaziz Saleem, Steven D. Wexner, Carol-Ann Vasilevsky, Marylise Boutros Surgical Endoscopy.2017; 31(5): 2072. CrossRef
Periodic colonoscopic checkup is needed for patients suffering from colorectal cancer, based on the property that a colorectal neoplasm often recurs synchronously or metachronously. Surgical management appropriate to the occasion should be taken in recurrent colorectal cancer.
Particularly, recurring colorectal cancer closely above the prior anastomosis for a low anterior resection should be eliminated by using an abdomino-perineal resection, including the preceding anastomotic site or a new anastomotic creation. Under the latter instance, ample possibility exists for postoperative anastomotic stenosis or leakage by reason of insufficient blood supply to the segment between the earlier anastomosis and the later one.
The authors report two cases of re-anastomosis for colorectal cancer just above a previous anastomosis taken by a low anterior resection for rectal cancer. In a 52-year-old male with a history of neoadjuvant concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) and low anterior resection for rectal cancer located at 6 cm from the anal verge, a new adenocarcinoma was detected 7 cm from the previous anastomotic site and 3 cm from the anal verge. Considering anal sphincter preservation, the re-anastomosis was made at the upper part of the preceding anastomosis. The patient experienced no surgical complications, such as anastomotic stenosis or leakage and functional defecation difficulty. In another patient, a 50-year-old male with a low anterior resection and adjuvant CCRT for rectal cancer 8 cm from anal verge, a new adenocarcinoma was detected in the colon. The new adenocarcinoma was located 10 cm from the anal verge and 8 cm from the previous anastomosis. The same surgical management was applied to this case, with the same postoperative result.
PURPOSE After the final report of Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy (COST) study group, the application of laparoscopic surgery in colon cancer a spread widely.
However, laparoscopic surgery in the rectum is still regarded as a complicated procedure to start due to technical difficulties and a steep learning curve. The aim of this study was to show the safety and technical feasibility of a laparoscopic low anterior resection at an early time on the learning curve in comparison with open low anterior resection. METHODS The learning curves of one colorectal surgeon in open and laparoscopic low anterior resections were retrospectively compared. The compared factors were clinicopathologic characteristics, operation time, and the factors associated with postoperative recovery, morbidity and mortality. RESULTS There were no significant differences in age or sex between two groups. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopy group (P<0.001) In the view point of postoperative recovery, the laparoscopy group showed significant advantages in hospital stay (P<0.001), the passage of flatus (P<0.001), the number of analgesics used (P=0.03), and the removal of foley catheter (P=0.001). There were no conversions in the laparoscopy group, and the complication rate was lower in the laparoscopy group (10.7% vs. 17.6%). There was no postoperative mortality in either group. CONCLUSIONS Even though the operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopy group, a laparoscopic low anterior resection appears to have some benefits in postoperative recovery and morbidity. In terms of surgical outcomes, a laparoscopic low anterior resection can be performed safely even in early times on the learning curve.
PURPOSE This study reviews our experience with a step- by-step management approach of increasing aggressiveness and evaluates the treatment outcome for intraluminal hemorrhage. METHODS The study group was comprised of patients who had experienced intraluminal hemorrhage after a low anterior resection with the double stapling technique from 1999 to 2003. The choice of management was selected according to our step-by-step management protocol, and the outcomes were evaluated for each step, lincluding mortality and complications. RESULTS Nine patients (6 males and 3 females, mean age 55 years) were identified, the mean volume of packed RBC transfusion was 2 pints, and the mean distance of the anastomotic site from the anal verge was 6 cm. The median stapler size was 31 mm. The first step was cold saline irrigation and drainage; four of 9 patients were controlled.
The second step was retention enema with topical hemostatics; one of remaining 5 patients stopped bleeding.
The third step was colonoscopic hypertonic saline injection around the bleeding site with direct colonoscopic electrocauterization, two of remaining 4 patients were controlled. The last step was suturing the bleeding site through the anus, the remaining 2 patients stopped bleeding.
One of the 9 patients developed leakage from the anastomotic site after the last step management, three of the 9 patients had long standing ileus, and one of the 9 patients developed acute renal failure after a massive transfusion. There were no postoperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS It is safer and easier to control bleeding with step-by-step management system of increasing aggressiveness.
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.
Yun, Min Young , Choi, Sun Keun , Bae, Sun Young , Hur, Yun Suk , Lee, Kun Young , Kim, Sei Joong , Ahn, Seung Ick , Hong, Kee Chun , Shin, Suk Hwan , Kim, Kyung Rae , Woo, Ze Hong
PURPOSE The anorectal function after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer recovered progressively by 6 12 months after the operation, but the mechanisms and the recovery process are not well understood. The aim of this study was to correlate postoperative anorectal function after low anterior resection with physiologic parameters. METHODS Sixty-seven patients who underwent a low anterior resection for rectal cancer were studied. The control group was consisted of normal persons. Anorectal physiologic studies were conducted for 6 months postoperatively by using defecographys, anorectal manometry and electomyogram of pudendal nerve. RESULTS The postoperative anorectal function was gradully improved with time. Defecograms showed that the resting, squeezing, and straining anorectal angles were not significantly increased. Anorectal manometry showed that the threshold volume and the urgency volume were not significantly decreased but the maximal tolerable volume was decreased remarkably. The maximal resting pressure significantly decreased but the maximal squeezing pressure were not. The pudendal nerve electromyograms were not significantly different between the two groups. The patients were divided by based on the anastomosis level. The short anastomosis group showed more impairment in the urgency volume and the maximal resting pressure than that of the long anastomosis group. CONCLUSION The neorectal volume and the level of anastomosis were important for changes in the anorectal function after a low anterior resecton. Gradual improvement of symptoms resulted from a resected rectal adapted to a neorectal volum.
PURPOSE Regarding laparoscopic colon cancer resection, the surgical society is currently waiting for the long-term oncologic result of multi-center randomized trials with over thousands patients. For rectal cancer surgery, however, laparoscopic approach is in much debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer, based on the early results of our initial experiences. METHODS Nineteen patients (M:F=10:9, median age 55 years) underwent laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer among the 71 malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum resected laparoscopically between October 1997 and February 2001. All clinical data were prospectively collected. During the initial period, rectosigmoid lesion was the only indication. With the development of a new roticulating stapler for distal rectal transection, the indication was extended to the lesions of the upper and middle third of the rectum. The operation parameters (operation time, blood loss), tumor parameters (stage, resection margins, and number of resected lymph nodes), and postoperative clinical course (bowel function recovery, hospital stay, and complication) were evaluated. RESULTS The tumors located in the rectosigmoid (n=13), upper third of the rectum (n=4), and the middle third of the rectum (n=2). Four cases were converted to an open procedure. The reasons for conversion were bladder invasion (1), tumor located too low (1), inappropriate distal resection margin (1), and tumor fixation to the sacrum (1).
Median operation time was 210 minutes. Median blood loss was 400 ml. Median times to passage of flatus and oral feeding were 2 days and 3 days after surgery, respectively. Median length of the distal resection margin was 3 cm. Median number of harvested lymph nodes were 22. TNM stages were as follows; 0:I:II:III:IV=1:2:6:9:1. Two anastomotic leaks occurred in the converted patients. There were no major postoperative complications in other patients. There was no operative mortality. Median time to hospital discharge was 13 days. During a median follow-up period of 15 months, one patient developed distant metastases. There were no local/port sites recurrences. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic anterior resection is a safe alternative to conventional surgery for rectal cancer. Long- term follow-up is mandatory to evaluate the oncologic safety.
PURPOSE The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the risk of local recurrence such as patients who were treated for Dukes stage B and C low rectal cancer by abdominoperineal resection (APR) or low anterior resection (LAR). METHODS From 1985 to 1995, 81 patients with low rectal cancers which were within 3~8 cm from the anal verge were treated by curative resection, 38 by APR and 43 by LAR. The present study examined clinical and tumor characteristics, type of intervention as potential predictors of local recurrence. Retrospective data were analysed by univariate Chi-square tests. RESULTS Local recurrence was diagnosed in 17 of 81 patients with a median follow-up period of 24 months. The local recurrence rate was 23.6% (9 of 38) after APR and 18.6% (8 of 43) after LAR. There was no difference in local recurrence between patients who had APR and LAR (P=0.58).
Also we could not find any significant differences among age (< or =65 vs >65 years, P=0.53), sex (M vs F, P=0.57), sized of tumors (< or =5 vs >5 cm, P=0.32), distance from anal verge (< or =5 vs >5 cm, P=0.57), Dukes stage (B vs C, P=0.22), histological grade (well and moderate vs poorly, P=0.17), distance from distal resection margin (< or =2 vs >2 cm, P=0.35). CONCLUSIONS The tumor factors such as Dukes' stage were more critical for pelvic recurrences than other patient factors.
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.
PURPOSE Low anterior resection, irrespective of anastomotic technique, may be associated with frequent bowel movement and other bowel management difficulties. The aim of this study was to access the anorectal function after low anterior resection of the rectal cancer. METHODS We studied 28 patients who had mid and low rectal cancer (average 8.3 cm above the anal verge) had undergone low anterior resection using stapling suture devices (average level of anastomosis was 3.8 cm above anal verge) and anal manometry was undertaken 95 times preoperatively (N=28) and 3 month (N=26), 6 months (N=22) and 12 months (N=19) postoperatively from 1992 to 1995 in Korea University Guro Hospital. RESULTS Maximum resting pressure was reduced after resection (from 64.7 mmHg to 42.7 mmHg, change ?22 mmHg) but gradually increased and returned to preoperative level at 12 months postoperatively. Minimum perceived volume was decreased after operation (from 40.3 ml to 25 ml change of ?15.3 ml) and this change persist at 12 months postoperatively. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex was present in all patient before surgery but disappeared in most of the patient after operation. Reflex returned to normal in 4 of 22 patients at 6 months later and in 7 of 19 patients at 12 months after operation. Maximum squeezing pressure and maximum tolerable volume were not decreased after operation. CONCLUSIONS Anorectal function (maximum resting pressure, minimum perceived volume and rectoanal inhibitory reflex) was reduced immediately after low anterior resection of rectal cancer. But this functional changes returning to normal at 6 months and most of the patients had good function at 12 months after operation.
Rectal prolapse means an abnormal descent of all layers of the rectum, with or without protrusion through the anus, and is classified into incomplete and complete rectal prolapse.
Complete rectal prolapse is further divided into the first, second and third degree based on the severity. The choice of the operation for rectal prolapse is controversial. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the low anterior resection and stapled colorectal end-to-end anastomosis with fixation of the lateral rectal ligaments in rectal prolapse with redundant sigmoid colon. METHODS We describe our experience from January 1989 through December 1998. During this period, eight cases of complete rectal prolapse were managed at the Chunchon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University. They were all men. The average age of the patients was 37 years (range, 19 to 73) and the average at onset before surgery was 19 years (range, 6 months to 33 years). At rectal examination the patients were placed in either a left supine or squatting position and were asked to strain. The duration of the follow-up assessment was ranged from one to seven years after operation. All those patients were investigated by personal interview and physical examination. RESULTS The most common complaint was protruding anal mass and anal bleeding. Four patients were heavy alcohol abusers.
Two patients had mental retardation. Among them four patients had undergone prior anorectal procedure; two men had been treated due to hemorrhoids. The average body weight was 55 kg. The average length of the postoperative hospital stay was 16.8 days (range, 9 to 39 days). Preoperatively, there were 5 cases who had decreased anal sphincter tone. In all cases EEA stapler was used for anastomosis. The rectum was completely mobilized posteriorly and sutured to the sacrum. There was no recurrence and incontinence in all patients. The lengths of removed bowel were 15 to 20 cm (average 16.2 cm). There was no postoperative mortality, but postoperative adhesive ileus was developed in two patients, which were managed by conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS In rectal prolpase, the low anterior resection of redundant sigmoid colon and stapled colorectal end-to-end anastomosis with fixation of the lateral rectal ligaments is one of the most efficient treatment.
Twenty to twenty-five percent of patients are reported to experience problems with anorectal function after low anterior resection, complaining particularly urgency of defecation and minor fecal leakage, but the mechanisms underlying its cause and the recovery process are not well understood. We designed this study to elucidate the mechanism of anorectal functional problems and its recovery process after low anterior resection for rectal cancer by autonomic nerve preserving procedure. Standardized interviews and anorectal physiologic studies including balloon proctometry and manometry were performed in 32 patients preoperatively, and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the operation. Postoperatively stool frequency increased, the ability to defer defecation and discriminate stool characters were compromised, and anal incontinence scores increased, which recovered progressively by 6~12 months after the operation. Balloon proctometry showed that threshold volume, urgent volume and maximal tolerable volume decreased remarkably after the operation.
The latter two parameters recovered considerably by 1 year after the operation. Rectal compliance also decreased significantly but it showed no evidence of recovery by 1 year after the operation. Anorectal manometry showed that maximum anal resting pressure decreased significantly after the operation which recovered significantly by 1 year after the operation. Maximum anal squeeze pressure showed no significant decrease after the operation. In most patients rectoanal inhibitory reflex was abolished after the operation, which recovered only in some cases by after 1 year. The group of short residual rectum(<4 cm, N=18) showed more impairment in continence and decrease in neorectal capacity and compliance than that of the long residual rectum(> or =4 cm, N=14). These results suggest impairment in fecal continence occurs due to decrease in rectal capacity, compliance, and anal canal pressure, and loss of rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Autonomic nerve preserving procedure could not prevent the decrease in resting anal pressure. Continence recovers clinically with increase in neorectal capacity, compliance and anal canal pressure but not with recovery of rectoanal inhibitory reflex. The length of the residual rectum seems to play an important role in the degree of impairment of continence and good continence can be expected when the residual rectum is more than 4 cm.
This is a retrospective clinical analysis of the usefulness of loop ileostomy for the prevention of anastomotic leakage in patients with low rectal cancer when the low anterior resection or coloanal anastomosis is performed. We reviewed 54 cases of low rectal cancer from January 1994 to May 1996 at Department of Surgery, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University. In 54 cases of low rectal cancer, 28 cases were ileostomy group and 17 cases were no stoma group. There were no differences in clinical characteristics such as age and sex distribution. Most patients were classified into stage B or C by modified Astler-Coiler classification but 2 cases of stage D that simultaneous liver resection was performed were in no stoma group. Tumor locations from the anal verge were 6.8 and 10.3 cm by mean in ileostomy and no stomp group, respectively(P<0.05). Heights of anastomosis were 3.7 and 6.8 cm by mean from the anal verge in ileostomy and no stoma group, respectively(P<0.05). Double stapling technique was used for anastomosis in most patients but hand-sewn technique was also carried out in 1 case in ileostomy group.
The most common postoperative minor complication was wound infection in both groups. Anastomotic leakage rate was higher in no stoma group(4 of 17, 23.5%) than that of ileostomy group (1 of 28, 3.6%) but statistical comparison could not be confirmed(P=0.00). But interestingly, such complications as stoma perforation, stoma prolapse and parastomal hernia were developed in ileostomy group and that all complications should be corrected by ileostomy repair.
As forementioned above, we had concluded that ileostomy could protect anastomosis site but above mentioned complications associated with building the stoma should be also prevented by careful surgical technique.
We compared the recurrence rate, survival and functional results of 159 low rectal cancer patients retrospectively, who had been performed 75 sphincter saving resections (SSR) and 84 abdomino-perineal resections(APR) during July 1989 to December 1994. The local recurrence rate was 9.3% in SSR and 8.3% in APR group, while systemic recurrence rate was 20.5% and 16.7%, respectively(p>0.05). Three year survival rate was 70% in SSR and 85% in APR group. Comparing with Dukes'stage, it was 69%, 89% in Dukes'B and 63%, 84% in Dukes'c stage, respectively(p>0.05). In respect to the number of metastatic lymph node,3 year survival rate was 80%,95% in Nl group(< OR =3 metastatic lymph nodes) and 61%,72% in N2 group(> OR =4 metastatic lymph nodes), respectively(p>0.05). According to the distal resection margin(DRM), it was 100% in group 1(1 cm< OR =DRM<2 cm), 63% in group 2(2 cm< OR =DRM < 3 cm) and 72% in group 3(DRM> OR = 3 cm), respectively(p>0.05). Voiding dysfunction was developed 36.0% of SSR and 28.6% of APR postoperatively.
Erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction rate was 33.3%, 66.7% of SSR and 58.8%, 88.3% APR group respectively, There were no significant differences in recurrence rate, survival rate and functional results Between SSR and APR group.
Conclusively, sphincter saving resection in low rectal cancer surgery did not seem to affect survival or recurrence. A good functional outcome in the SSR suggests it to be a procedure of choice, if possible.