Low anterior resection of the rectum using a double stapling technique

Using a double stapling technique in 30 patients, anterior resection of the rectum was attempted for low rectal carcinoma (n = 28), giant rectal adenoma (n = 1) and radiation-induced rectal stricture (n = 1). There were three emergency operations. The rectum was stapled transversely more than 3 cm below the tumour using the adjustable-angle linear stapler (Roticulator). Colorectal or coloanal anastomoses were constructed using the EEA circular stapler introduced per anum through the anorectal stump staple line. Ten coloanal and 19 low rectal anastomoses were achieved. A protecting transverse loop colostomy was fashioned in one patient with coloanal anastomosis who developed a vaginal tear during the procedure. In one patient technical failure necessitated conversion to abdominoperineal excision of the rectum. All staple rings and resection margins were intact and free from tumour. There were two clinical anastomotic leaks, both treated successfully with a defunctioning transverse loop colostomy. One patient developed a small infective pelvic haematoma 2 weeks after surgery which required drainage. Hospital stay ranged from 6 to 15 days (mean 8 days). Continence was normal in all patients at 8 weeks. One soft coloanal anastomotic stricture required dilatation. No recurrences have been detected during a follow-up of between 10 and 22 months.     

External Coloanal Anastomosis Without Covering Stoma in Low-Lying Rectal Cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and functional outcome of external coloanal anastomosis without covering stoma in treating low-lying rectal cancer. All patients undergoing the coloanal anastomosis for low lying rectal carcer in the Department of General Surgery, Minia University Hospital, between May 2006 and May 2009 were included. Seventy two patients underwent coloanal anastomosis, and follow up was available for all patients. Mean follow up period was 12.6 ± 4.7 months. Postoperatively, fecal continence was normal in 84.7% of patients. Postoperative complications included anastomotic fistula in 3 patients (4.2%) and anastomotic stenosis in 6 patients (8.3%). There was no effect of pre or postoperative adjuvant therapy on the procedure outcome. There was no local recurrence during follow up period. Three patients died at the end of follow up period due to distant metastasis. In treatment of low-lying rectal cancer, abdominoperineal resection should be avoided if coloanal anastomosis provides similar control of the disease as it is safe and has good functional results and acceptable complication rate.     

经肛门括约肌间直肠切除结肠肛管吻合术作为超低位直肠癌保肛术的初步报告

目的 探讨经肛门括约肌间直肠切除结肠肛管吻合术（PIDCA)联合术前后放疗和化疗对超低位直肠癌保肛手术的治疗效果。方法从2002年6月到2004年10月,对19例患者施行该手术。男性11例,女性8例,平均年龄56岁(41-74岁)。肿瘤分期T,4例、T2 10例、T14例、L1例,肿瘤距离肛缘平均4．4cm(3．5-5．0cm)。经肛门在直视下从距离肿瘤下缘2cm全层切断直肠或肛门内括约肌,通过肛门内外括约肌间隙向上方游离直肠并与经腹完成的直肠游离汇合切除直肠及其系膜,经肛门行结肠肛管吻合,全部患者均未行预防性结肠或回肠造口。结果无手术死亡,吻合口瘘2例(10．5%)。随访时间为3～29个月,平均随访16个月,1例盆腔复发,复发率5．3％。术后肛门括约肌功能比较满意。结论对经过选择的距离肛缘≤5cm的超低位直肠癌结合术前后的盆腔放疗和化疗,PIDCA术是保留肛门括约肌功能较理想、安全的术式,有较好根治性治疗效果,术后肛门括约肌功能比较满意。     

Long-term outcome of per anum intersphincteric rectal dissection with direct coloanal anastomosis for lower rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE: The authors have performed per anum intersphincteric rectal dissection. With direct coloanal anastomosis for cases of lower rectal cancer in which the distal surgical margin is difficult to secure by the double stapling technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and to clarify the surgical indications for this operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 2002, 31 patients underwent per anum intersphincteric rectal dissection with direct coloanal anastomosis. Of these, two patients (one stage 0 and one stage IV) were excluded from the analysis of oncological outcome. The remaining 29 patients formed the basis of this study. The median follow-up was 57 months (range 6-106 months). RESULTS: Local recurrence and distant metastasis developed in 9 and 3 patients, respectively. Local recurrence rate for pT1 was significantly lower than that for pT2/T3 disease. The local recurrence rate cases with tumours less than 3 cm was significantly lower than that for tumours sized 3 cm or more. The distant metastasis rate for cases with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that for cases without lymph node metastasis. There was an association between distant metastasis and TNM or pT stage. The overall survival rates for stage I, II and III were 85%, 80% and 89%, respectively. No significant difference was seen in total Cleveland Clinic incontinence score between per anum intersphincteric rectal dissection with direct coloanal anastomosis and the double stapling technique. CONCLUSION: The surgical indications of this operation should be limited to patients with T1 rectal cancer or tumours less than 3 cm.     

Oncological outcome of ultra-low coloanal anastomosis with and without intersphincteric resection for low rectal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: The value of ultra-low coloanal anastomosis (CAA) for rectal cancer is dependent on the oncological and functional results. The aim of this comparative study was to evaluate the long-term oncological outcome of CAA with or without intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low-lying rectal tumours. METHODS: The study population comprised consecutive patients with low rectal cancer who underwent CAA in a single institution between 1977 and 2004. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not a partial ISR had been performed. Cox multivariate models were used for survival analysis. RESULTS: Some 278 patients underwent CAA with curative intent; 173 had ISR and 105 had CAA without ISR. Mean follow-up was 66.8 months. The 5-year actuarial rate for local recurrence, regardless of tumour stage, was 10.6 per cent in the ISR group versus 6.7 per cent for CAA alone (P = 0.405), and the 5-year actuarial overall survival rate was 86.1 and 80.0 per cent respectively (P = 0.318). Cox multivariable analysis revealed that resection of the anal canal was not a prognostic factor for local or metastatic recurrence. CONCLUSION: Sphincter-preserving surgery appears to be oncologically adequate for very low-lying rectal tumours.     

Fecal continence following partial resection of the anal canal in distal rectal cancer: long-term results after coloanal anastomoses

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of partial excision of the superior portion of the anal canal (AC) when necessary for tumor margin clearance in distal rectal cancer on fecal continence after coloanal anastomoses. METHODS: Between 1977 to 1993, 209 patients with middle and lower third rectal cancers underwent complete rectal excision and coloanal anastomoses. For very low tumors, located at or below 5 cm from the anal verge (AV), varying portions of the superior segment of the AC were excised for tumor margin clearance. The magnitude of resections was inversely proportional to the height of the anastomosis from the AV. The patients were categorized into 3 groups according to their level of anastomoses from AV: group 1, patients with anastomoses from 0.5 to less than 2 cm from AV (1 to 2.5 cm of AC resected, i.e., major resection); group 2, anastomoses at 2 to less than 3 cm from AV (less than 1 cm of AC resected, i.e., minor resection); group 3, with anastomoses at 3 to 3.5 cm from AV (AC completely preserved). A standard questionnaire, physical examination, and anal manometry at intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months were performed prospectively to assess anal continence. RESULTS: The patients in the 3 categories were matched for age, gender, stage, presence or absence of a colonic J-pouch, preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and surgical technique. Fourteen patients with postoperative radiotherapy were excluded from the clinical assessment. Mean follow-up was 33.5 months. There were 43 patients in group 1, 75 in group 2, and 73 in group 3 for clinical assessment. In the first year, there was progressive improvement in anal continence in all 3 groups. At 2 years, 50% in group 1, 73% in group 2, and 62% in group 3 were fully continent. The proportion of patients fully continent in group 1 remained unchanged as compared to continued improvement for groups 2 and 3 following the first year. At 4 years, 50% in group 1, 80% in group 2, and 68% in group 3 were completely continent. The difference among the 3 groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: For distal rectal cancer, where tumor margin clearance necessitates partial resection of the superior portion of the AC, when limited to less than 1 cm, the proportion of patients remaining fully continent is similar to those with complete AC preservation. More substantial excisions of the AC can still result in satisfactory anal continence, such that following the fourth year, one half of the patients can expect to be fully continent.     

结肠J型贮袋在低位直肠癌吻合术32例中的应用

目的探讨结肠J型贮袋在低位直肠癌手术中的应用。方法对我科2001年~2004年实施的直肠癌结肠J型贮袋肛管(直肠)吻合术32例的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果全组无术中意外损伤及大出血病例。无死亡病例。发生吻合口狭窄1例。无吻合口漏及便秘。病人术后1年内排便状况满意。结论低位直肠癌行结肠J型贮袋肛管(直肠)吻合术具有操作方便、易于观察、容易推广等特点,有明显改善排便功能的作用,可显著提高病人术后的生活质量。     

44例中下段直肠癌经腹肛拖出切除术的疗效分析

目的：探讨直肠癌经腹肛拖出切除术后排便功能恢复的程度和生存率。方法：对接受此项手术的44例病人临床病理和随访资料进行分析,并与其它保肛手术效果对比。结果：肿瘤下缘距离齿状线的平均长度为4．1cm,术后吻合口瘘发生率4．5％,72．7％的病人认为肛门功能恢复达到正常。平均随访47个月,盆底和直肠肿瘤复发率11．8％。结论：虽经腹肛拖出切除术后肛门排便功能恢复正常率低于低位前切除术（Dixon术）,但复发率低,比前切除术更适宜于中下段直肠癌的保肛治疗。     

Pouch reconstruction after resection of the rectum

Pouch reconstruction after resection of the rectum. Functional results after low anterior resection of the rectum and straight end-to-end coloanal anastomosis are often poor. Patients are frequently troubled by the so called "anterior resection syndrome" which comprises faecal incontinence, urge, frequency and fragmentation. To investigate the potential functional benefit of a coloanal pouch reconstruction we conducted a prospective study. Some 55 patients [29 men; median age 66,4 (30-85)] underwent low anterior resection of the rectum followed by coloanal J-pouch reconstruction. Pouch size was 5-7 cm, a temporary stoma was fashioned in 32 patients. Indications for the operation were: 1. rectal cancer: n = 51, 2. recurrent adenoma n = 2, 3. recto-vaginal fistula n = 1 and 4. severe non-specific proctitis n = 1. We observed 5 anastomotic leakages of which two patients required reoperation. A pelvic abscess was encountered in three patients as well as one pelvic haematoma. Micturition was impaired in five patients. To date 47 patients have completed 12 months follow-up after reversal of the ileostomy. Patients were seen at three-monthly intervals. Mean stool frequency/day was 3.9 after 3 and 2.6 after 12 months. After 3 months 38 patients (69 %) reported complete continence which increased to 83 % at 1 year. 18 Patients (33 %) complained of urge defaecation initially, which decreased to 14.5 % after 1 year. Fragmentation was observed in 40 % at 3 and and 22 % at 12 months, respectively. In conclusion, our initial experience with colonic J-pouch reconstruction shows good functional results.     

经肛管括约肌间径路切除低位直肠癌保肛手术临床研究

目的探讨经肛门内外括约肌间径路切除超低位直肠癌保肛手术的安全可行性,并评价肿瘤根治效果及术后肛门功能。方法分析2000-2004年华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院经选择的经肛门内外括约肌间径路切除超低位直肠癌保肛手术病人42例的临床资料。结果腹部手术遵循TME原则,肛门手术在直视下距病灶下缘2cm切断直肠黏膜和肛门内括约肌,经括约肌间隙向上游离达肛管外括约肌环上方与腹部手术会合,近端结肠与肛管完成端端吻合。前瞻性随访术后病人肿瘤复发与肛门排便功能状况。37例病人完成手术,并发症包括发生急性肺栓塞并死亡1例,盆底肌肉出血1例,吻合口漏3例。36例病人获得随访,平均随访时间为40(24~60)个月。3例(8.33%)吻合口复发,其中1例死亡;1例同时肺、腹膜转移于术后24个月死亡;2例因肝转移分别于术后16、24个月死亡;1例腹腔内淋巴结、腹股沟淋巴结转移于术后16个月死亡。术后6个月肛门括约肌功能已比较满意。结论经肛门内外括约肌间径路切除术治疗超低位直肠癌的手术方法是一种可选择的安全性高、根治效果好的保肛术式。     

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer

Background

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is coming out of age with recent publications highlighting its safety, feasibility, sound oncological outcomes, and improved quality of life. Nevertheless, laparoscopic proctectomy remains a challenging procedure. An embedded didactic video demonstrates a step-by-step laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with coloanal anastomosis for a low rectal cancer.

Methods

A five-trocar technique is shown. The key steps demonstrated are: high division of the inferior mesenteric artery, medial-to-lateral mobilization of the descending colon, high division of the inferior mesenteric vein, take-down of the splenic flexure, total mesorectal excision with division of the rectum at the pelvic floor, and side-to-end coloanal anastomosis. Principles of a good anastomosis and potential pitfalls are described, including protection of the ureter and pelvic autonomic nerves.

Results

A series of ten consecutive patients operated for low rectal cancer with total mesorectal excision is reported. Median (range) operative time and estimated blood loss were 274 (135?C360) minutes and 25 (10?C50)?ml. Median tumor height from the anal verge was 7 (4?C10)?cm. Reconstruction included three coloanal J-pouch and seven side-to-end anastomosis. Nine anastomoses were performed by using a double-stapled technique. One patient with an intersphincteric dissection required a handsewn anastomosis. A diverting ileostomy protected all coloanal anastomosis. Median length of stay was 3 (range, 2?C7) days. One of ten patients was readmitted for a small bowel obstruction. The embedded video demonstrates a total mesorectal excision down to the pelvic floor in a patient who had a T2 cancer 6?cm from the anal verge with prior open cholecystectomy and hysterectomy.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision is a safe and effective procedure. Patient selection and advanced laparoscopic skills are paramount. It is hoped that this didactic video will contribute to a wider and safer practice of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer.     

Randomized clinical trial comparing quality of life after straight and pouch coloanal reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Functional results after rectal resection with straight coloanal anastomosis are poor. While most functional aspects are improved with coloanal J pouch anastomosis, it is still unclear whether this translates into better quality of life. The aim of this trial was to investigate health-related quality of life as a primary endpoint in patients undergoing sphincter-saving rectal resection. METHODS: Sixty-four patients were randomized to either straight (n = 32) or coloanal J pouch (n = 32) anastomosis. Patients were studied before operation, at the time of stoma reversal and at 3-month intervals for 1 year thereafter. Quality of life was measured using two generic (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30) and one disease-specific (EORTC QLQ-CR38) instruments. Functional results using a standardized score as well as manometric variables were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (19 with a pouch and 20 with a straight anastomosis) completed the trial. There was a marked difference between the two groups with regard to quality of life profile. Patients with a pouch reconstruction had a significantly better quality of life, particularly in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing low anterior rectal resection and coloanal J pouch reconstruction may expect not only better functional results but also an improved quality of life in the early months after surgery compared with patients who receive a straight coloanal anastomosis.     

Functional results of delayed coloanal anastomosis after preoperative radiotherapy for lower third rectal cancer

Background: The aim of this study was to assess functional outcomes of patients who had a delayed coloanal anastomosis for a lower third rectal cancer after preoperative radiotherapy.

Study Design: From January 1988 to December 1997, 35 patients with an adenocarcinoma of the lower third of the rectum received preoperative radiotherapy (45 Gy) followed by a rectal resection, combining an abdominal and transanal approach. Colorectal resection was performed about 32 days after the end of the radiotherapy. The distal colon stump was pulled through the anal canal. On postoperative day 5 the colonic stump was resected and a direct coloanal anastomosis performed without colostomia diversion.

Results: There was no mortality. There was no leakage. One patient had a pelvic abscess. One patient had a necrosis of the left colon requiring reoperation. Another delayed coloanal anastomosis could be performed. Median followup was 43 months (range 6 to 113 months). Functional results were evaluated with a new scoring system including 13 items. Function was considered good in 59% and 70% at 1 and 2 years, respectively.

Conclusions: This new procedure is a safe and effective sphincter-preserving operation that avoids a diverting stoma for patients with rectal cancer of the lower third of the rectum. This technique is well adapted for patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy, with low local morbidity and good functional results. Further adaptation could be imagined for a coelioscopic approach.     

Preoperative chemoradiation and coloanal J pouch reconstruction for low rectal cancer

Our objective was to determine clinical outcomes of treatment of low rectal adenocarcinoma with neoadjuvant chemoradiation, rectal excision, and coloanal J pouch reconstruction. A retrospective review of 69 patients with stage B2 or higher lesions was performed. Preoperative chemoradiation was followed by low anterior resection and coloanal J pouch anastomosis, with end loop ileostomy. Data were analyzed using the SPSS computer software. There were 46 males and 23 females, with a median age of 63 years. Pathologic staging showed no tumor in the specimen, i.e.: stage 0, 14 per cent; stage A, 14 per cent; stage B, 53 per cent; stage C, 18 per cent; and stage D, 1.4 per cent. Postoperative mortality was 2.8 per cent, and the pelvic leak rate was 4.3 per cent. After curative resection, 89 per cent patients are alive and 83 per cent are disease free with a mean follow-up of 50 months. The local recurrence rate is 7.2 per cent. Nodal status was the most important predictor of survival and disease-free survival. Most (96%) have fewer than two bowel movements a day and are satisfied with the functional results. We conclude that preoperative chemoradiation and coloanal J pouch reconstruction can achieve low recurrence rates and prolonged survival for most patients with low rectal cancer with an acceptable quality of life.     

低位直肠癌改良Parks术的应用研究（附33例报告）

目的 总结1990年1至1998年10月间经腹低位直肠癌切除、结肠肛管吻合术33例,探讨提高手术成功率,减少并发症的方法.方法 回顾性分析33例低位直肠癌经腹切除术,采用结肠肛管吻合术的方式及疗效,并对Parks进行改进研究.结果 33例采用经腹直肠癌切除、结肠肛管吻合术,其中根治切除32例,占96.97%,无手术死亡病例,吻合口瘘2例,占6.06%,无吻合口狭窄,随访6～84个月,盆腔复发2例,无吻合口复发病例,手术近期肛门控制稀便功能欠佳,3～6个月随访肛门功能良好.结论 低位直肠癌在保证根治的前提下,只要肛管直肠括约肌环完整,可采用该术式,手术安全,并发症发生率低,是一种理想的保肛术式.     

Bronchialanastomosen nach Lungentransplantation: Ergebnisse mit fortlaufender Naht

BACKGROUND: The standard technique for the bronchial anastomosis in LTX is a running suture on the membranous and single stitches on the cartilaginous portion of the bronchus. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results of this technique to the new single running suture technique. METHODS: Between January and December 1998, 56 consecutive single (n = 17) and bilateral (n = 39) lung transplants in 52 patients were performed. Eighty-three bronchial anastomoses were retrospectively analyzed and evaluated by separating into two groups: group 1 (24 patients, 39 anastomoses) with standard technique and group 2 (24 patients, 44 anastomoses) with single running suture. The two groups were comparable with regard to age, primary diagnosis, intraoperative use of extracorporeal circulation, ischemia time, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and number of acute rejections/100 days. Bronchial healing was assessed with bronchoscopic follow-up (5-16 months). RESULTS: Primary excellent airway healing was observed in 36 anastomoses (92%) in group 1 and in 41 (93%) in group 2. In 2 anastomoses in group 1 (5%) and in 2 anastomoses in group 2 (4.6%) necrosis less than 5 mm was observed. In one anastomosis in group 1 (2.7%) a 10-mm bronchial necrosis with partial occlusion of the bronchial lumen by necrotic tissue necessitated temporary intraluminal stenting. In one anastomosis in group 2 (2.3%) malacia of the bronchus intermedius occurred. CONCLUSION: The single running suture technique for bronchial anastomosis is a safe technique providing the same results as the established technique and we advocate its use for bronchial anastomosis.     

结肠贮袋直肠肛管吻合术对改善直肠癌术后排便功能的作用

目的评价中下段直肠癌低前切除结肠J型贮袋——直肠或肛管吻合对改善排便功能的作用。方法将1998年1月至2000年12月作低前切除的连续67例中下段直肠癌患者根据重建消化道的方法分为2组，第1组(34例)行传统的结肠断端与直肠肛管直接端端吻合（直吻组）；第2组（33例）断端结肠制成5～6cm的J型贮袋并与直肠肛管行端侧吻合（袋吻组）。分别于术后1、3、6、9个月和1年、1年半对排便功能进行评估，比较两组的手术并发症和排便功能指标。结果直吻组和袋吻组发生吻合口狭窄分别为3例和1例，直吻组术后出血1例，两组均无吻合口瘘和死亡病例。直吻组和袋吻组术后局部复发分别为4例和3例，直吻组术后肝转移1例。直吻组和袋吻组的日平均大便次数术后6个月分别为5和2次（P<0.001），术后1年分别为3和1次（P<0.05），术后1年半均为2次（P>0.05）。袋吻组的定性排便控制能力和直肠测压指标均优于直吻组。结论中下段直肠癌低前切除结肠J型贮袋直肠肛管吻合术不增加手术并发症，在术后第1年内有明显改善排便功能的作用。     

Hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis for distal rectal cancer: Long-term clinical outcomes

As the oncologic safety of coloanal anastomosis (CAA) has been proved by many other authors, the incidence of CAA following ultralow anterior resection has increased. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and complications of patients who underwent ultralow anterior resection and CAA for distal rectal cancer. Fifty-seven patients underwent CAA following ultralow anterior resection between July 1997 and November 2003. Forty-four patients, who were followed up more than 6 months after diverting ileostomy closure, were evaluated for recurrence, complications, and functional outcomes. The mean follow-up period was 36.3 +/- 22.8 months (range, 8-83 months). The complications were multiple fistula (n = 3), fistula with anal stenosis (n=1), local recurrence with anal stenosis (n = 1), and anal stenosis (n = 7). Anal incontinence (Kirwan grade III) was noted in 14 patients, and bowel movements were observed more than six times per day in 16 patients. Overall recurrence occurred in six patients (13.6%). The 5-year survival rate was 85.3%, and the disease-free 5-year survival rate was 73.3%. Although CAA in patients with rectal cancer provides excellent long-term survival, a low risk of recurrence, and tolerable function, complications and poor functional outcomes of CAA do occur. Therefore, the choice of this method should be considered carefully.     

Sphincter-preserving operations without defunctioning stoma

Sphincter-preserving operations have increasingly been carried out during the last few decades; nevertheless, temporary defunctioning stoma is still being frequently used for low colorectal anastomosis (LCRA) with staplers and hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA). From 1994 to 2003, 131 consecutive patients with rectal cancer with tumours within 7 cm from the anal verge underwent LCRA or CAA without defunctioning stoma. Anastomotic complications and treatment were compared between the groups. The median follow up was 31.4 months. Complications related to anastomosis were 10.7% for LCRA with 7.1% of anastomotic leakage (two men and two women) and 13.3% for CAA with 4.0% of anastomotic leakage (three men). Treatments for leakage included colostomy (three LCRA), CAA construction (one LCRA) and conservative treatment (three CAA). Twenty eight percent of CAA received preoperative radiation therapy, and the anastomic leakage developed in 14% of them. Anastomotic leakage and its treatment with CAA are different from those in LCRA, and CAA can safely be used without defunctioning stoma during sphincter-preserving operation for low-lying rectal cancer.     

Laparoscopic coloanal anastomosis for low rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Low anterior resection with hand-sutured coloanal anastomosis for low rectal cancer is technically feasible, and it does not compromise oncologic results. We describe herein the effectiveness of the operation in treating low rectal cancer by a laparoscopic approach followed by intraanal canal dissection. METHODS: From February 1999 to October 1999, we used a laparoscopic procedure to divide the inferior mesenteric vessels and to dissect downward into the pelvic cavity as low as possible. A purse-string suture 1-cm distal to the lower margin of the tumor was secured and transection of the rectum was performed circumferentially via the anal canal near the dentate line. The specimen was removed by the pull-through method and coloanal anastomosis was completed with hand suture. A protective loop ileostomy was fashioned. RESULTS: We operated on 8 patients (4 males) with low tumor localization (average 4-cm above the dentate line). The age ranged from 45 to 83 years, with a median age of 64. The average operation time was 210 minutes (150 to 360 minutes), and the average blood loss was 250 cc (minimal to 750 cc). No operative mortalities occurred, but 2 patients had minor anastomotic slough complications. The average hospital stay was 13 days (7 to 26 days). The postoperative pathologic stage was T2N0M0 in 4 patients, T3N0M0 in 2 patients, T2N1M0 in 1 patient, and T3N2M0 in 1 patient. No local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred during the median 14 months (12 to 20 months) of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic coloanal anastomosis combined with intraanal canal dissection is safe and technically feasible. The oncologic results seem not to be compromised, but need further evaluation.