Proximal and distal rectal cancers differ in curative resectability and local recurrence

Table 2 Complications of operation for rectal cancer n (%)

Location complication	Proximal rectal cancer (n = 100)	Distal rectal cancer (n = 118)
Urinary retention	2 (2)	11 (9.3)	P = 0.412
Chest infection	4 (4)	4 (3.4)
Wound infection	3 (3)	2 (1.7)
Pelvic abscess	3 (3)	1 (0.8)
Anastomotic leak1	2 (2.5)	7 (8)

¹In consideration of anastomotic leakage, those who had had a Hartmann operation, Paul-Mickulicz procedure and trans-anal resection in the proximal rectal cancer group (n = 21) and abdomino-perineal resection and trans-anal resection in the distal rectal cancer group (n = 29) were excluded;

²Fisher’s exact test.