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Evaluation of anal function after surgery for rectal cancer
Author(s) -
Di Matteo Giorgio,
Mascagni Domenico,
Zeri Kenneth P.,
Torretta Alfredo,
Di Matteo Filippo M.,
Maturo Alessandro,
Peparini Nadia
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/1096-9098(200005)74:1<11::aid-jso3>3.0.co;2-d
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , anal cancer , function (biology) , general surgery , cancer , surgery , oncology , evolutionary biology , biology
Background and Objectives Sphincter‐saving surgical procedures for rectal cancer have been legitimized if executed respecting the criteria of oncological radicalness. Our objective was to evaluate anal sphincteric continence after rectal cancer surgery. Methods A detailed questionnaire regarding continence was administered to 3 groups of patients. Group 1 was composed of 9 patients treated with a higher (>4 cm), stapled colorectal anastomosis; the 9 group 2 patients were treated with a low (≤4 cm), stapled colorectal anastomosis; the 9 group 3 patients underwent coloanal anastomosis. Results The results were evaluated about 3 years after surgery. Continence was excellent in group 1 and very good in group 2. However, in group 3, we observed diminished gas/feces discrimination, reduced ability to postpone evacuation, and increased soiling and perianal rash. Conclusions Anal sphincteric continence was better after surgery with a high or low colorectal anastomosis than after coloanal anastomosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2000;74:11–14. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.