Clinical study of 16 cases of laparoscopic low rectal cancer surgery with anal sphincter preservation

Objective To assess the feasibility of laparoscopic operations and preservation of anal sphincter for low rectal cancer.Methods Laparoscopic surgery and colo-anal anastomoses were performed on 16 patients with low rectal cancer.Results Sixteen low colo-analanastomoses were successfully completed with totally laparoscopically.The operation time was 260 min(180~290min) while operative bleeding was 80ml(50~100ml).The time of bowel movement returned and the time to resume post-operatively diet was 1~2 days after the operation.Six patients had postoperative analgesic requirement.Average hospital stay was 9 days(6~14days)and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complication in all 16 patients.Conclusion Laparoscopic low colo-anal anastomoses for low rectal cancer is a perspective minimally invasive technique,which is feasible,safe,effective and has dramatically higher rates of sphincter preservation,accuracy of the autonomic nerve preservation and the preservation of both sphincter and urinary function with decreased postoperative pain,rapid recovery.