[Significance of the suture technic and anastomosis sites for continence following deep rectum resection]

In a controlled clinical trial of 60 patients who underwent low anterior resection we found no influence of anal continence due to suture technique. Continence depends on the level and healing of anastomosis. Below a level of 6 cm from the anocutaneous line we more frequently found a reduction of functional reservoir in the 'neorectum', especially in cases with suture line leakage at anastomosis. Usually, the weakness of continence due to reduced functional reservoir was a temporary situation which lasted not longer than 6 months, if anastomosis healed without insufficiency.