[Progress of intersphincter resection with direct coloanal anastomosis for ultra-low rectal cancer]

In recent years, sphincter preservation and improvement of quality of life have become the primary goals in the management of low-lying rectal cancer. For lesions within 2 cm from the dentate line or more than 5 cm from the anal margin, abdominoperineal resection results in permanent stoma creation while intersphincteric resection (ISR) provides solution to sphincter function preservation and improved quality of life. This review was to summarize the current literature pertaining to this procedure, including current research progress, indications, development of ISR procedure, oncological and functional outcomes.