[Functional disorders after deep rectum resection: is pouch formation recommended?]

After low colo-rectal or colo-anal anastomosis there is in 25% a degree of urgency and increased bowel movements. In order to improve the reservoir continence the construction of a J-shaped colonic pouch seems reasonable. We have operated 5 patients with the new technique and worked up our preliminary results in connection with a literature overview. Increased bowel movements and urgency are reduced postoperatively but some patients report pouch evacuation problems, using enemas or suppositories to empty their reservoirs. To estimate the value of this new technique innovative endpoints as overall well-being and quality of life might be more important than conventional endpoints measuring only functional results.