[Drainage-dependent continence disorder after deep resection of the anterior rectum]

Anorectal continence following low anterior resection in 37 controlled patients from the University Hospitals of Innsbruck, Department of Surgery, in the years 1970 to 1974 is described. Of these 37 patients, 10% were partially incontinent for from 18 to 24 months. It is pointed out that the partial incontinence of these patients is due to the extensive perirectal-perianal drainage. The low anterior resection can be called continence-saving, if a too extensive perirectal-perianal drainage is avoided and the criteria of the operation are considered.