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
Background And Objectives:
Sphincter-saving surgical procedures for rectal cancer have been legitimized if executed respecting the criteria of oncological radicalness. Our objective was to evaluate anal sphincteric continence after rectal cancer surgery.
Methods:
A detailed questionnaire regarding continence was administered to 3 groups of patients. Group 1 was composed of 9 patients treated with a higher (>4 cm), stapled colorectal anastomosis; the 9 group 2 patients were treated with a low (< or =4 cm), stapled colorectal anastomosis; the 9 group 3 patients underwent coloanal anastomosis.
Results:
The results were evaluated about 3 years after surgery. Continence was excellent in group 1 and very good in group 2. However, in group 3, we observed diminished gas/feces discrimination, reduced ability to postpone evacuation, and increased soiling and perianal rash.
Conclusions:
Anal sphincteric continence was better after surgery with a high or low colorectal anastomosis than after coloanal anastomosis.