Clinico-physiological results after sphincter-saving resection for rectal carcinoma

In this study, we evaluated the postoperative functional results after resection of rectal carcinoma. A questionnaire and anal manometry were used to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. The patients were divided into the three groups of anterior resection (AR, 38 patients), low anterior resection (LAR, 34 patients) and stapled colo-anal anastomosis (SCA, 20 patients). Manometric examination and questionnaire evaluation were performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. The SCA group showed by far the poorest outcome in terms of soiling and urgency at 12 months. Anal sensation was recovered by 12 months in each group. Incomplete evacuation was frequently observed in the SCA and LAR groups. Each anal manometric parameter recovered in the AR group, but the maximum tolerable volume of the neorectum did not recover in either the SCA or LAR group. The threshold volume of the SCA group was lower than those in the other two groups. The reservoir function of the neorectum, which is composed of the colorectal muscle layer and nervous components, plays a role in maintenance of bowel function.