Oncological outcome of ultra-low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for carcinoma of the lower third of the rectum: Comparison of intrapelvic double-stapled anastomosis and transanal coloanal anastomosis

Abstract

Background/aims: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the type of ultra-low anterior resection (intrapelvic double-stapled anastomosis or transanal hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis) with total mesorectal excision for primary adenocarcinoma of the lower third of the rectum affects survival and recurrence after curative surgery.

Methodology: This retrospective study included 112 patients who underwent curative surgery achieved by ultra-low anterior resection in combination with either intrapelvic anastomosis using a double-stapling technique (DST group; n=82) or transanal hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA group; n=30). Univariate and corrected (multivariate regression) analyses were used to evaluate data. Median follow-up was 51.2 months for patients alive at the conclusion of this study.

Results: Disease-free and disease-specific survivals, and the frequency and location of recurrence after surgery did not differ between the two types of operations. Multivariate analyses showed that the type of operation was not a significant independent variable in predicting disease-free survival or in the development of both local and distant recurrences after surgery. Tumor-related factors (stage or histologic grade) were significant predictors of oncological outcome.

Conclusions: The type of ultra-low anterior resection (DST or CAA) did not affect survival and recurrence after curative resection for carcinoma of the lower third of the rectum.