Published online Mar 27, 2021. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i3.303
Peer-review started: December 2, 2020
First decision: December 24, 2020
Revised: January 2, 2021
Accepted: January 14, 2021
Article in press: January 14, 2021
Published online: March 27, 2021
Processing time: 105 Days and 21.9 Hours
Colonic pouch anastomosis improves the quality of life of patients with rectal cancer > 7 cm from the anal margin. But whether colonic pouch anastomosis can reduce the incidence of rectal resection syndrome in patients with low rectal cancer (within 6 cm of the anal ring) is unknown.
Identify the role of colonic pouch for low rectal cancer.
Compare postoperative and oncological outcomes and bowel function of straight and colonic pouch anal anastomoses after resection of low rectal cancer.
We conducted a retrospective study of 72 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent sphincter-saving procedures with either straight or colonic pouch anastomoses. Then, we explored the technical safety, functional results, and oncological safety of colonic pouch anastomosis after low and ultralow rectal resection by comparing with straight anastomoses.
There were no significant differences in postoperative and oncological outcomes between the colonic pouch and straight anastomosis groups. However, patients with colonic pouch construction had lower postoperative low anterior resection syndrome scores than the straight anastomosis group, suggesting better bowel function.
Colonic pouch anastomosis is a safe and effective alternative to straight anastomosis after low and ultralow rectal resection. Moreover, colonic pouch anastomosis may provide better postoperative functional outcomes.
Future prospective randomized trials are required to validate the findings of this study.