303. Quality of Life After Surgery for Low Rectal Cancer - Pouch Anastomosis Vs Stoma

Abstract

Background: Low and ultralow anterior resections for rectal cancer with colorectal or coloanal anastomoses do not compromise oncologic results compared to an abdominoperineal excision. Although avoidance of a permanent colostomy is regarded as beneficial for a patient«s quality of life by most surgeons, patients undergoing sphincter sparing surgery may develop a number of functional problems. A colonic pouch significantly improves functional outcome after rectal resection and low anastomosis and may positively influence quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life in long term survivors who underwent ultralow anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and colonic j-pouch anastomosis (CPA) to patients with abdominoperineal excision and end colostomy (APE) for rectal cancer.