A new colorectal/coloanal anastomotic technique in sphincter-preserving operation for lower rectal carcinoma using transanal pull-through combined with single stapling technique

Purpose This study aims to introduce a new anastomotic technique-transanal pull-through combined with single stapling technique (PT-SST), and evaluate the value in the sphincter-preserving operation for lower rectal carcinoma. Methods Between January 2004 and September 2011, 131 consecutive patients had sphincter-preserving operations using PT-SST and double stapling technique (DST) for low colorectal anastomosis. The data was prospectively collected. Results There are 45 patients (male 26, median = 55 years) in PT-SST group and 86 (male 46, median = 55 years) in the DST group. Anastomotic leakage took place in three patients in DST group, while no anastomotic leakage happened in PT-SST group. There are recurrences in pelvic cavity for one patient (2.2 %), in anastomotic stoma for no patient, and hepatic metastasis for four patients (8.9 %) in PT-SST group; while there are recurrences in pelvic cavity for three patients (3.5 %), in anastomotic stoma for two patients (2.3 %), and hepatic metastasis for seven patients (8.1 %) in DST group. No significant difference was indicated in the terms of the recurrence and hepatic metastasis between the two groups. Patients were satisfied with functional results. Conclusions This new technique can solve some technique problems of DST and has at least comparable outcomes compared with DST. It is a safe and feasible procedure for performing low anastomosis with high rate of sphincter preservation. It can be used especially for patients with small pelvis.