[Pouch formation in resection of deep rectal cancer: a recommendable method?]

A degree of urgency and increased bowel movements are experienced by 25% of patients who have a low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. The construction of a J-shaped colonic pouch seems a reasonable way to improve reservoire continence. We used this new technique in five patients and worked up the preliminary results in connection with a survey of the literature. Increased bowel movements and urgency were reduced postoperatively, but some patients reported pouch evacuation problems, having to use enemas or suppositories to empty their reservoirs. To estimate the value of this new technique, innovative endpoints such as overall well-being and quality of life, might be more important than conventional endpoints which measure only functional results.