[Proctectomy with external sphincter preservation: long-term functional results]

52 patients with the lower ampullary rectal cancer with tumor localization on the dentate line level had been operated with the use of the originally developed reconstructive technique, permitting preservation of the external anal sphincter elements and, consequently, partial continence. Colonic rectal pouch and smooth muscle cuff were performed during the neorectum and neoanus plasty. A protective stoma was performed in all cases. Contractive activity of saved elements of EAS improved with a course of time and squeezing anal pressure increased as well. Consequent continence improvement occurred during the first year after the stoma closure, biofeed-back therapy provided faster rehabilitation. The achieved long-term functional results (73,4% actuarial 5-year disease-free survival) prove the oncological efficacy of the method on the strict assumption of indications observance. Thus, proctectomy with partial external anal sphincter preservation allows to avoid permanent colostomy and provides a satisfactory quality of life of the operated patients.