Functional outcome after low anterior resection for rectal cancer using the colonic J-pouch

Abstract

The functional outcome after low anterior resection (LAR) using the colonic J-pouch was compared with that after LAR using straight anastomosis. Colonic J-pouch construction was performed in 58 patients who underwent resection of tumors located 5–10 cm from the anal verge (J-pouch group). Functional assessment was performed 1 year postoperatively. Clinical function was evaluated using a scoring system, while physiologic sphincter and reservoir function were evaluated by anorectal manometry. The historical control group consisted of 20 patients who underwent LAR with straight anastomoses (straight group). The functional score of the J-pouch group was significantly better than that of the straight group. Although sphincter function was similar in the two groups, reservoir function was significantly better in the J-pouch group than in the straight group. These results demonstrated that the functional outcome following LAR for rectal cancer is improved by the colonic J-pouch construction.