Total mesorectal excision with ultrasonic coagulation knife ("UltraCision") in surgery of rectal cancer

The authors report a total of 62 middle and low third rectal cancer cases operated on by total mesorectal excision by the method of Heald. The oncological basis of this procedure is the horizontal regional metastatization of rectal cancer. The total mesorectal excision facilitates, the low anterior resections and preservation of sphincter with an ultra-low colorectal, or coloanal anastomosis using the double stapling technique. In the authors' experience, the "UltraCision" cutting-coagulating device permits an atraumatic, bloodless and oncologically correct dissection. Using the double stapling technique, we succeeded in 60% of our middle- and low-third rectal cancer patients to perform a sphincter preserving low anterior resection. In 9 (28%) of the low third rectal cancer patients, preservation of the sphincter was possible with oncologically correct anterior resection and an ultra-low colo-anal anastomosis. Three anastomotic insufficiencies occurred, two of them healed on lotion-suction drainage, and one on the application of transient protective ileostomy. The literature data suggest a lower local recurrency rate after radical rectal cancer surgery, if total mesorectal excision is performed.