FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME AFTER LOW ANTERIOR RESECTION FOR RECTAL-CANCER USING THE COLONIC J-POUCH

The functional outcome after low anterior resection (LAR) using the co lonic J-pouch was compared with that after LAR using straight anastomo sis. Colonic J-pouch construction was performed in 58 patients who und erwent resection of tumors located 5-10 cm from the anal verge (J-pouc h group). Functional assessment was performed 1 year postoperatively. Clinical function was evaluated using a scoring system, while physiolo gic sphincter and reservoir function were evaluated by anorectal manom etry. The historical control group consisted of 20 patients who underw ent LAR with straight anastomoses (straight group). The functional sco re of the J-pouch group was significantly better than that of the stra ight 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.