Comparison of Defecatory Function After Colonic J-Pouch Anastomosis and Straight Anastomosis for Stapled Low Anterior Resection: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial

Purpose. Although defecatory function after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is reported to be better following colonic J-pouch than straight anastomosis, few prospective randomized trials comparing the two forms of anastomosis have been reported. We performed a prospective randomized trial comparing straight anastomosis with colonic J-pouch anastomosis both clinically and physiologically in patients undergoing stapled low colorectal anastomosis. Methods. A total of 42 consecutive patients were intraoperatively randomized to undergo either straight anastomosis or colonic J-pouch anastomosis. Clinical defecatory function was evaluated by a questionnaire answered preoperatively, then 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Anorectal physiological assessment was also carried out before surgery, then 12 months postoperatively. Results. The clinical defecatory function assessed 6 months and 12 months after surgery did not differ between the two groups. However, while the length of high-pressure zone was significantly shortened, and (neo)rectal capacity was significantly reduced postoperatively in the straight group, none of these physiological parameters were significantly altered in the pouch group. Conclusion. Although the aim of colonic J-pouch to preserve reservoir function was physiologically achieved, the improvement in clinical defecatory function was not significant. Thus, further prospective studies are needed to confirm the functional superiority of colonic J-pouch anastomosis for stapled low colorectal anastomosis after low anterior resection. Received: January 17, 2001 / Accepted: July 17, 2001     

J型贮袋直肠吻合术对肛门功能影响的回顾性研究

目的评价低位直肠癌前切除保肛术后J型贮袋对改善排便功能的疗效。方法 60例患者行低位直肠癌前切除术以及结直肠或结肛吻合,其中22例应用J型贮袋（贮袋组）、38例应用结直肠或结肛直接吻合（无袋组）。记录并比较两组患者的术后并发症的发生情况及排便情况,对术后6个月和12个月的排便功能进行评估。结果两组间术后并发症发生率无明显差异。6个月后贮袋组患者在夜间溢便、漏稀便、区别排气排便和集团性排便方面明显优于无袋组。在术后6个月、12个月贮袋组的延缓排便均优于无袋组（P〈0.05）;两组在便不尽、需抗腹泻药和使用缓泻剂方面无显著性差异。结论结肠J型贮袋可改善低位直肠癌前切除患者术后早期的控变能力。     

Long‐term quality of life in pouch patients compared with stoma patients following rectal cancer surgery

Aim Low and ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis does not compromise oncological results compared with abdominoperineal excision. Although avoidance of a permanent colostomy is regarded as beneficial for a patient’s quality of life (QoL), 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 QoL. The aim of this study was to compare QoL in long‐term survivors who underwent ultralow anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and colonic J‐pouch anastomosis (CPA) with patients treated with abdominoperineal excision (APE) and end colostomy for rectal cancer. Method The medical records from our institution’s prospectively maintained rectal cancer database of 151 patients who underwent surgery for ultralow rectal cancer from 2001 to 2007 were analysed. QoL in 59 eligible patients was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 core and Colorectal Cancer 29. Results were compared for patients with CPA and APE. Results The median follow‐up in the 59 patients was 74 (37–119) months. QoL was good in all patients, but it was better in CPA than in APE patients. Global health status (P = 0.009), physical functioning (P = 0.0002), role functioning (P = 0.03), cognitive functioning (P = 0.046), social functioning (P = 0.002), body image (P = 0.053), embarrassment (P = 0.002) and urinary frequency (P = 0.003) were significantly improved for patients with CPA. Conclusion QoL after rectal resection and CPA was better than after APE in several respects. However, QoL should not be regarded as an isolated concept but rather as one of several possible clinical outcomes of interest.     

Long-Term Functional Outcome of Colonic J-pouch Reconstruction After Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

Purpose To evaluate the long-term functional outcome of colonic J-pouch reconstruction after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer in a prospective study. Methods We compared the functional outcome of 46 patients who underwent J-pouch reconstruction (J-group) and 49 patients who underwent straight anastomosis (S-group) after LAR for rectal cancer. We evaluated clinical function using a 17-item questionnaire about different aspects of bowel function. Physiologic reservoir function was evaluated by manovolumetry. Results Among the patients with an ultralow anastomosis (≤4 cm from the anal verge), those in the J-group had fewer bowel movements during the day and at night, and less urgency, soiling, protective pad use, incontinence, and dissatisfaction with bowel function than those in the S-group. Among the patients with a low anastomosis (5–8 cm from the verge), those in the J-group had fewer bowel movements at night, and less urgency and soiling than those in the S-group. Moreover, reservoir function (reflected by the maximum tolerable volume, threshold volume, and compliance) was better in the J-group than in the S-group in both the ultralow and low anastomosis groups. Conclusion J-pouch reconstruction after low anterior resection creates a better stool reservoir than straight anastomosis, especially when the anastomosis is less than 4 cm from the anal verge, resulting in a better quality of life 3 years after rectal cancer resection.     

Randomized comparison of straight and colonic J pouch anastomosis after low anterior resection.

OBJECTIVE. The authors compared clinical bowel function and complications of a low anterior resection with either a straight or colonic J pouch anastomosis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA. Urgency and frequent bowel movements after rectal resection with a low anastomosis have been related to the loss of rectal reservoir function. Reconstruction with a colonic J pouch possibly can obviate some of this dysfunction. Earlier reports have been favorable, but they must be verified in randomized trials. METHOD. One hundred patients with rectal cancer in whom a sphincter-saving procedure was appropriate were randomized to reconstruction with either a straight or a colonic J pouch anastomosis. RESULTS. The incidence of symptomatic anastomotic leakage was lower in the pouch group (2% vs. 15%, p = 0.03). Eighty-nine patients could be evaluated after 1 year. The pouch patients had significantly fewer bowel movements per 24 hours, and less nocturnal evacuations, urgency, and incontinence. Overall well-being owing to the bowel function was rated significantly higher by the pouch patients. CONCLUSION. Reconstruction with a colonic J pouch was associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage and better clinical bowel function when compared with the traditional straight anastomosis. Functional superiority was especially evident during the first 2 months.     

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。     

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

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.     

Large contractions in the colonic J-pouch as a possible cause of incomplete evacuation

Background and aim Restoration of neo-rectal capacity is of importance in obtaining better bowel function after low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma. However, evacuatory disorders, such as incomplete evacuation, have been reported in some patients undergoing colonic J-pouch reconstruction. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore the possible factor affecting incomplete evacuation following low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma.Patients/methods The subjects were 37 consecutive patients who had undergone low anterior resection for rectal tumor (colonic J-pouch in 13 patients, straight anastomosis in 24). Clinical and physiological outcomes were determined at a mean follow-up time of 12 months after the operation, and the parameters were compared between patients with and without postoperative incomplete evacuation.Results Although anastomosis level from the anal verge was lower in the J-pouch group (6.5 cm vs 3.9 cm, P<0.05), there was no significant difference between J-pouch and straight reconstruction regarding clinical and physiological outcomes. Postoperative incomplete evacuation was significantly more frequent in the J-pouch group than in the straight group (46% vs 25%, P<0.05). Postoperative large contractions on ano-rectal manometry were also significantly more apparent in the J-pouch group than in the straight group (31% vs 4%, P<0.05). Presence of postoperative large contractions (P=0.004), anastomotic stricture (P=0.019) and smaller postoperative maximum tolerable volume (P=0.009) were significantly and independently associated with incomplete evacuation by multivariate analysis.Conclusion Colonic J-pouch reconstruction following ultra-low anterior resection was comparable with higher level straight anastomosis from the clinical and physiological point of view. The presence of large contractions might be an important indicator of incomplete evacuation in patients who are undergoing rectal resection.     

超低位直肠癌保肛术22例临床分析

目的　探讨和研究超低位直肠癌保留肛门括约肌功能的最佳治疗术式。方法　经腹和肛门齿状线切除直肠下段癌 ,行乙状结肠与肛管齿状线吻合 2 2例。结果　全组无手术死亡、无发生吻合口漏和吻合口狭窄 ,术后 10 - 12周对排气和排便控制良好 ,无一例发生大便失禁。随访 11个月 - 8年 ,平均随访时间 3年 3个月。一、三、五年生存率分别为 13.6 % (3 2 2 )、5 9.1% (13 2 2 )、2 7.3% (6 2 2 )。 3例DukesC1期于术后 14、18个月和 2 3个月死于远处转移 ,无一例局部复发。结论　根据直肠肿瘤临床分期和肿瘤生物学行为选择手术适应证 ;经腹、肛门齿线联合切除根治下段直肠癌 ,行乙状结肠与肛管齿状线吻合是一种良好的保肛术式     

直肠手术各种储袋的应用与评价

结肠储袋能改善低位直肠切除保肛术后早期控制排粪功能障碍,但其对患者术后远期（2年以上）控制排粪功能方面不具有优势。同时,随着时间的延长,排空障碍的发生率将逐渐提高,很多患者出现排粪困难,需要长期应用栓剂和灌肠。而储袋的制作延长了手术时间,增加了治疗费用。所以,低位直肠切除术后结肠储袋的价值正在遭受质疑,它的应用也变得越来越少。在溃疡性结肠炎（UC）和家族性腺瘤性息肉病（FAP）行全结肠切除术后,如果行回肠储袋肛管吻合（IPAA）,可通过增加新建直肠的容积并改变肠管的生理学动力,使排粪次数减少;且术后短期和长期控制排粪功能更好,生活质量更高。所以,IPAA是手术治疗UC和FAP的首选。     

Colonic pouch and other procedures to improve the continence after low anterior rectal resection with TME

In 75 to 90 % of patients with rectal cancer, a sphincter-preserving resection can be performed without violating oncological principles. However, almost 50 % of the patients suffer from an anterior resection syndrome after total or subtotal rectal resection with a straight colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. This syndrome describes the characteristic complaints of minor or major incontinence. The anastomosis with the colonic pouch has been proved to result in better continence in the short- and long-terms compared to the straight anastomosis. Based on grade 1 evidence, the colonic pouch should be recommended as a standard procedure after low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME). Both the colonic J pouch of 6-cm length and the coloplasty have been shown to be of equal value in respect to function and morbidity. With regard to the complicated procedure and the poorer functional outcome, the ileocecal pouch should only be applied in cases without the option of an alternative pouch design. The temporary loss of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, the sphincter lesion caused by the instrumental dilatation in stapling or peranal hand-sutured anastomosis and the disturbed function of the internal sphincter due to the autonomous nerve damage additionally contribute to the anterior resection syndrome. In the intersphincteric resection, the loss of the transitional zone and the hemorrhoidal cushion as well as the removal of the upper part of the internal sphincter aggravate the incontinence. For better continence, two operative procedures should be recommended: By applying the inverse double stapling technique in anastomizing the colonic J pouch, the sphincter lesion as a consequence of the dilatation can be avoided. The nerve-sparing mesorectal excision helps to preserve the function of the internal sphincter.     

Pouch operation for rectal cancer

Many retrospective studies have found that the functional outcome after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer is better with colonic J-pouch reconstruction than with conventional straight anastomosis. This advantage was demonstrated in prospective, randomized trials and meta-analyses. However, despite its increasing popularity there are several areas of controversy about the use of the colonic J-pouch reconstruction. These issues include anastomotic leaks, the part of the colon used for the pouch, the pouch size, causes of difficulty in evacuation, indications (the optimum level of anastomosis), appropriateness for the elderly, and long-term (2 years or more after surgery) functional outcome. All relevant articles identified from MEDLINE databases were reviewed. The incidence of anastomotic leaks is apparently reduced by colonic J-pouch reconstruction. A 5-cm colonic J-pouch using the sigmoid colon increases the reservoir function without compromising evacuation, and provides better functional outcome than straight anastomosis, even 2 years or more after surgery, in patients whose anastomosis is less than 8 cm from the anal verge. Patients with ultralow anastomoses, less than 4 cm from the verge, appear to benefit the most. At a time when the indications for abdominoperineal excision appear to be reduced for low rectal cancer, the demand for colonic J-pouch reconstruction (the best technique in pouch operations) is therefore likely to increase.     

Clinical and Functional Comparison Between Stapled Colonic J-Pouch Low Rectal Anastomosis and Hand-Sewn Colonic J-Pouch Anal Anastomosis for Very Low Rectal Cancer

Purpose. We investigated intersphincteric resection with hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis, which may be an alternative to standard low anterior resection for very low rectal cancer when stapled anastomosis is technically impossible. Methods. The present study compared the clinical and functional results of 16 patients who underwent stapled colonic J-pouch low rectal anastomosis (CJLRA) with those of 15 patients who underwent intersphincteric excision and hand-sewn colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis (CJAA). Results. After a median follow-up period of 59 months, local recurrence was found in four patients from the CJAA group, three of whom subsequently underwent curative abdominoperineal resection. Defecatory function 6 and 12 months after surgery did not differ between the groups, although pads were used significantly more frequently in the CJAA group. Anorectal physiologic study before and 12 months after surgery revealed that the internal anal sphincter function was impaired to a larger extent after CJAA than after CJLRA, probably due to the partial or subtotal resection of the internal sphincter, and the anal dilatation during resection and anastomosis. Conclusion. Although the prevention of intraoperative tumor implantation and the early detection of local recurrence is of utmost importance, CJAA may be an acceptable sphincter-preserving procedure for selected patients in whom stapled anastomosis is impossible. Received: February 26, 2001 / Accepted: September 11, 2001     

直肠癌前切除、结肠“J”型储袋对术后排便功能的影响

目的为探讨直肠癌行低位前切除术后应用结肠“J”型储袋行直肠或肛管吻合能否改善患者的排便功能。方法对2000年1月至2001年1月间连续行低位前切除术的72例中、下段直肠癌患者行回顾性分析。根据吻合方式分为两组：“J”型储袋组,共33例;直接吻合组,共37例。分别于术后1、3、6及12个月,对手术并发症及排便功能行比较性研究。结果发现两组均无手术死亡及术后出血病例。直吻组发生吻合口瘘2例;储袋组及直肠组术后吻合口狭窄分别为2例及1例;局部复发者各为3例;肝转移分别为2例及3例。“J”型储袋组较直接吻合组患者术后6个月及12个月之日排便次数及夜间排便人数比率均明显减少（7次vs3次,P〈0．05;3次VS1次,P〈0．05）,（64％VS31％,P〈0．05;30％VS3．9％,P〈0．05）。前者大便失禁综合评分显著优于后者（8VS2,P〈0．05;5．2VSL5,P〈0．05）。结论结果表明直肠癌行低位前切除术后,应用“J”型储袋行直肠或肛管吻合,不增加手术并发症,且在术后1年内,可以在某些方面改善患者排便功能。     

Transanal Inside-Out Rectal Resection for Ultra-Low Rectal Cancer

ABSTRACT

Two major issues encountered in the surgical resection of low rectal cancers (tumor located <6 cm from anal verge) are tumor-free surgical resection margin and adequate fields of colo-anal pull-through anastomosis. The clinical consequences of ensuring gross tumor-free surgical resection margin by transanal inside-out rectal resection technique were assessed for ultra-low rectal cancer patients. From February 2009 to September 2011, ultra-low anterior resection with a new method of eversion of the rectum through the anal canal after resecting the distal rectum and colo-anal anastomosis extracorporally performed in 30 patients (age range, 41–80 years) was reviewed. All patients received preoperative neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) before the surgical resection. The median operating time was 265 min (range, 220–400 min), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 325 ml (range, 80–855 ml). No in-hospital mortality was noted among these patients. R0 resection (tumor-free margin range, 0.9–2.5 cm) was confirmed in all patients by pathologic reports, except one patient with 0.5 cm tumor-free margin. The new surgical technique of transanal inside-out rectal resection and colo-anal pull-through anastomosis for selected patients with ultra-low rectal cancers seems to be a safe and alternative procedure.     

Colonic pouchography is not routinely required prior to stoma closure

Background Colonic pouch formation with pouch‐anal anastomosis is now regarded as the procedure of choice for restoration of intestinal continuity following anterior resection for low rectal cancers. The aim of this study was to review the necessity for routine colonic pouchography prior to closure of a diverting loop stoma. Methods This was a prospective study of 52 consecutive patients who underwent colonic pouch formation between 1 June 1999 and 31 May 2002, four of whom have subsequently died. Each pouch was assessed clinically and radiologically prior to stoma closure. Results There were no clinical anastomotic leaks. Forty‐six of 48 surviving patients have had a colonic pouchogram and in no case was either a pouch or pouch‐anal anastomotic defect identified. To date 40 patients have undergone stoma closure without an anastomosis‐related complication. Conclusion Following successful colonic pouch formation, routine study of the pouch by contrast radiology does not add to clinical assessment. As a consequence radiological imaging is unnecessary and can be omitted.     

Rectal resection with low anastomosis: functional outcome

Objective Function after anterior, low anterior and intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer was studied. Method Of 139 patients 122 responded to a standardized questionnaire (Cleveland Clinic Continence Score) 108 ± 46 weeks postoperatively and 70 underwent anorectal manometry at 26 ± 15 weeks. Results The postoperative continence score was dependent on the procedure (anterior resection 4.1 ± 4.6, low anterior resection 6.9 ± 5.6, intersphincteric resection 11.5 ± 5.2; P < 0.0001). It was poorer after radiochemotherapy (9.0 vs. 5.7; P = 0.030), but after colonic pouch reconstruction there was no significant difference between low anterior resection (5.6 vs. 7.3) and intersphincteric resection (10.0 vs. 12.5). Mean and maximal resting pressures were significantly reduced after intersphincteric resection (24 ± 9 and 40 ± 13 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.001) and further reduced by radiochemotherapy. Squeeze pressure was unaffected by the operative procedures and radiochemotherapy. Maximum tolerable volume and rectal compliance were reduced, after both low anterior and intersphincteric resection. Statistical correlation between continence score and maximal resting pressure (P = 0.014), mean resting pressure (P = 0.002), urge volume (P = 0.037), and neorectal compliance (P = 0.0018) reached significance. Satisfaction with the functional outcome was expressed by 71% of patients. Conclusion After rectal resection the degree of impaired continence depended on the operative procedure and the form of reestablishment of intestinal continuity. Radiochemotherapy affected the outcome adversely. Despite reduced function, overall patient satisfaction was high.     

结肠成型袋对改善中低位直肠癌术后排便功能的作用

目的：探讨结肠成型袋对改善中低位直肠癌术后排便功能的作用。方法：将62例中下段直肠癌患者根据消化道重建方法分为两组,32例行传统的结肠断端与直肠肛管直接端端吻合（CAA组）,30例断端结肠先行结肠成型术制成结肠贮袋再与直肠肛管行端端吻合（TCP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：CAA组和TCP组平均大便次数：术后6个月分别为5次和2次（P〈0.001）,术后1年分别为3次和1次（P〈0.05）,术后1年半均为2次（P〉0.05）。TCP组定性排便控制能力近期优于CAA组。结论：中下段直肠癌低位前切除结肠成型术后直肠肛管吻合不增加手术并发症,在术后第1年内有明显改善排便功能的作用。     

Reconstruction methods to achieve optimal postoperative bowel function following low anterior resection for rectal cancer

After low anterior resection for rectal cancer, approximately 50% of patients experience defecatory malfunction such as multiple evacuations, urgency, and soiling. Since the neorectum is constructed with the remaining colonic segment, it can only substitute for the rectum to a limited extent. A straight anastomosis is most frequently used when the rectal remnant is sufficient, such as in high anterior resection. When the height of anastomosis is close to the anal sphincter, a J-pouch, a side-to-end, or a transverse coloplasty pouch are constructed to achieve better postoperative bowel function. The advantage of J-pouch reconstruction is not only the increased volume but also may be decreased motility when compared with straight reconstruction. In terms of postoperative function, the side-to-end and transverse coloplasty pouch have both been reported to exhibit similar functional results to J-pouch reconstruction. To obtain optimal functional results, pouch reconstruction should be considered, especially when the height of anastomosis is at the levator plane.     

Rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection for rectal cancer healed by nonoperative treatment

BackgroundRectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a serious complication after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique. RVF following this procedure has been considered to be refractory to conservative treatment.Case presentationA 75-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection for early rectal cancer developed RVF on the 12th postoperative day. Conservative treatment was chosen and was successful. She was discharged from the hospital after 3 weeks with a normal oral diet. Colonoscopy on the 50th postoperative day showed that the RVF was closed.ConclusionConservative treatment may be effective for RVF after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique when there is no evidence of defecation through the vagina.