[Anorectal sphincter function after mechanical anterior resection in cancer of the rectum]

Out of a total of 365 operations for colo-rectal disease performed during the period 1980-1989 at the III and V Division of General Surgery of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of Naples, 181 (49.6%) patients had rectosigmoidal cancer: 95 (52.5%) underwent anterior resection and 86 (47.5%) Miles' operation. In 46 patients who underwent mechanical anterior resection during the period 1986-1989, pre and postoperative sphincter function was studied through a complete anamnesis, physical examination, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy and balloon manometry. All data were analyzed considering both the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge and the patient age in order to stress possible relations with incontinence. The low incidence of incontinence registered after 12 months (6.5%), confirms the importance of manometry and rehabilitation, both necessary to improve the quality of life in old patients who undergo low anterior resection.