[A new technique for colon-anal anastomosis by intra-anal circular ligation]

Using self-made supporting tube, we performed colon-anal anastomosis in 48 radical resections of low rectal carcinoma, to save the anal canal and sphincter. The anastomoses were completed without suturing and the results were satisfactory. Postoperative follow up revealed that the bowel movement and sphincteric function were all satisfactory. The rate of anastomotic leak was about 4% and there was no operative mortality. This new technic is simple, safe and easy to perform, and is considered to be a promising procedure for colon-anal anastomosis after resection of low rectal cancer.