Anterior resection for adenocarcinoma of the distal large bowel

Among 400 patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal large bowel, anterior resection resulted in more anastomotic leaks, postoperative urinary retention and diarrhea when used for lesions of the mid-rectum than when used for lesions of the proximal rectum or sigmoid colon. However, the operative mortality, long-term morbidity and 2 year survival were similar among patients with lesions at all three locations.