Clinical outcome of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision combined with intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect and safety of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) combined with intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low rectal cancer. Methods Forty-two patients of low rectal cancer were performed laparoscopy-assisted TME combined with ISR (laparoscopy-assisted group) from January 2009 to December 2012 and other forty-four cases underwent open surgery (open group) from January 2006 to December 2012. Demographic and perioperative data, including complications and short-term functional outcome were compared between the two groups. Results Patients of laparoscopy-assisted group successfully underwent operation, and none were transferred to open procedure or laparoscopic Mile's surgery. There were no distribution differences in demographic and perioperative data between the two groups. The average operation time was significantly shorter in laparoscopy-assisted group than in open group (181.2±65.4 min vs 216.6±82.9 min, t=2.192, P=0.031). The laparoscopy-assisted group had less blood loss compared with the open cases (83.2±37.5 ml vs 117.4±33.0 ml, t=4.495, P<0.01). The rates of overall complications, infection complications and non-infection complications were similar between the two groups. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4 cases and they were cured by conservative therapy. The patients of both groups were satisfied with the postoperative anal sphincter function. Conculsions It is feasible for the appropriate patients with very low rectal cancer to undergo laparoscopic TME combined with ISR, especially for those in early stage, without cancer invasion to the external sphincter. The approach increases the possibility of anal preservation and improves the quality of life. Key words: Low rectal cancer; Laparoscopy; Open surgery; Total mesorectal excision; Intersphincteric resection