Study of anorectal dynamics in patients undergoing laparoscopic ultra-low resection and transanal intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer
Abstract
Background
Quite a few studies on anal functions after open total mesorectal excision combined with transanal intersphincteric resection (ISR) have been reported, but there is little literature on anal function after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) combined with transanal ISR. The aim of this study was to explore the post-operative anorectal dynamic changes in ultra-low rectal cancer patients undergoing LTME combined with transanal ISR.
Methods
The data of 26 ultra-low rectal cancer patients undergoing LTME + transanal ISR were analysed. A total of 30 patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection by the same surgeons during the same period were randomly enrolled into the control group.
Results
There were no differences in the preoperative anorectal manometry data and Wexner anal function scores between the observation group and the control group (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the mean operation time, the mean amount of bleeding and the mean post-operative hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean follow-up time was 16 months. No recurrence and metastasis were found in all cases. At 3 and 6 months after the operation, there were significant differences in the anorectal manometry data and Wexner anal function scores between the two groups (P < 0.05). However, at 1 year after the operation, there were no significant differences in the anorectal manometry data and Wexner anal function scores between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Laparoscopic ISR for ultra-low rectal cancer is technically feasible, but the surgical indications should be strictly defined.
Conflicts of interest
None declared.
Open Research
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
