[Surgical treatment of low anterior resection syndrome]

To compare functional outcomes of various rectal reconstruction after total mesorectal excision.

A prospective randomized trial included 90 patients with mid-to-low rectal carcinoma who underwent total mesorectal excision.

There were 22 patients after J-pouch surgery, 30 patients with side-to-end anastomoses and 38 patients with end-to-end anastomoses. Eight patients (26.6%) required conversion of J-P to E-E (7 patients) and S-E (1) anastomosis for technical reasons. Postoperative morbidity was similar (13.6, 16.7 and 34.2% in J-P, S-E and E-E groups, respectively, p=0.705). Sensory threshold, earliest and constant defecation urge and maximal tolerable volume were higher for J-P surgery within 3-6-12 months after surgery. Stool frequency was significantly lower after J-P surgery compared to S-E and E-E anastomoses within 3-6-12 months. Wexner scores were 3, 5, 6 after 6 months (p<0.05) and 0, 1, 1 after 12 months for J-P, S-E and E-E, respectively (p>0.05). Evacuation dysfunction was observed in 59.1% with J-P, 33.3% with S-E and 21.1% with E-E anastomoses in 6 months after stoma closure.

J-pouch reconstruction demonstrates higher neorectal volume that ensures reduced stool frequency up to 12 months after stoma closure. However, technical challenges of J-pouch surgery and evacuation dysfunction restrain application of this procedure in clinical practice.