[Laparoscopy combined with total intersphincteric resection for extremely low rectal cancer]

To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of laparoscopy combined with total intersphincteric resection (Total-ISR) for extremely low rectal cancer.
 Methods: We performed laparoscopy combined with Total-ISR in 45 patients with extremely low rectal cancer (1.0 cm≤the lower edge of tumor to the anal edge≤3.0 cm) from January 2014 to December 2016. The operation time, blood loss, resection margin and overall incidence of postoperative complications were observed. The rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis after surgery during the median following-up time of 20.5 months were observed. Anal function at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were compared.
 Results: The operation for 45 cases were successful without perioperative death. The operation time was (220±33) min and blood loss was (110±31) mL. The surgical margins were all negative. The incidence of postoperative complication was 6.7% (3/45) and no one suffered anastomotic leakage. After a median follow-up of 20.5 (6-30) months, 2 cases developed local recurrence and 1 case developed distant metastasis. According to Kirwan grade, the grade II was 24.4% (11/45), grade III was 57.8% (26/45) in 3 months after operation, and the grade II increased to 51.1% (23/45), the grade III decreased to 35.5% (16/45) after 6 months. Seven out of 40 patients in 12 months after operation reached the grade I, and 25 patients reached the grade II. There were significant differences between 3 months and 6 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation (P<0.05) in the anal function situation.
 Conclusion: It is feasible, for appropriate patients, to perform laparoscopic combined with total-ISR, especially for the patients with extremely low rectal cancer that were in early stage without invasion to the extemal sphincter. The procedure has the advantages of radical sphincter-saving, minimal invasion and economy.