[Short-term results of sphincter-preserving operation with intersphincteric resection in low rectal cancer]

To report the operative experience and sphincter-preserving results of total mesorectal excision (TME) combined with intersphincteric resection (ISR) in treating low rectal cancer.

From March 2000 to March 2007, 40 cases of patients with low rectal cancer were operated on: TME was performed transabdominally and ISR was performed transperineally. Postoperative anal function, local recurrence and metastasis were followed up.

All of the operations were successfully completed. There was no death of operation occurred. The patients were followed-up for 3 months to 7 years (mean, 34 months). Favorable anal function was reserved in 39 patients with Kirwan grade of 1 to 3. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 1 case and wound infection in 2 cases. Two cases recurred locally after operation and one of them died.

ISR can be safely performed in ultra-low rectal cancer, it preserves anal function well and offers radical cure.