Related Experiment Videos
Evaluation of anal function after surgery for rectal cancer
G Di Matteo1, D Mascagni, K P Zeri
1Third Surgical Department, "La Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy. dimatteog@uniroma1.it
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|June 22, 2000
Summary
Sphincter-saving rectal cancer surgery outcomes show higher colorectal anastomosis offers better anal continence than coloanal anastomosis. This impacts patient quality of life after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal surgery
- Surgical oncology
- Gastrointestinal surgery
Background:
- Sphincter-saving procedures for rectal cancer are oncologically sound when radicalness criteria are met.
- Evaluating anal sphincteric continence is crucial for assessing functional outcomes after rectal cancer surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare anal sphincteric continence in patients undergoing different types of sphincter-saving rectal cancer surgery.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 27 patients was divided into three groups based on surgical technique.
- Group 1: Higher (>4 cm) stapled colorectal anastomosis (n=9).
- Group 2: Lower (<=4 cm) stapled colorectal anastomosis (n=9).
- Group 3: Coloanal anastomosis (n=9).
- Continence was assessed using a detailed questionnaire approximately 3 years post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Patients in Group 1 (higher colorectal anastomosis) reported excellent continence.
- Patients in Group 2 (lower colorectal anastomosis) reported very good continence.
- Group 3 (coloanal anastomosis) experienced diminished gas/feces discrimination, reduced ability to postpone evacuation, increased soiling, and perianal rash.
Conclusions:
- Higher or lower colorectal anastomosis procedures result in superior anal sphincteric continence compared to coloanal anastomosis.
- Surgical technique significantly influences functional outcomes and quality of life in rectal cancer survivors.