Transanal Conformal Resection Is Associated with a Better Postoperative Anorectal Function Compared with Intersphincteric Resection for Low Rectal Cancer

As a new type of sphincter-saving resection aim to improve postoperative anorectal function for low rectal cancer, the anorectal function recovery outcomes after transanal conformal resection (TaCR) need further study. A total of 43 eligible cases who underwent TaCR or total intersphincteric resection (ISR) were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 21 cases who underwent total ISR; group 2 included 22 cases who underwent TaCR. The anorectal function recovery outcomes of the 2 groups before and after the operation were compared. According to Wexner scores: The patients required 6-7 months after surgery to achieve a satisfactory anorectal function in group 1, but the patients in group 2 only required 5-6 months. The recovery time of anorectal function in group 2 was shorter than that in group 1. According to the anorectal manometry (ARM): After 1 year of recovery, the patients' anal resting pressure (ARP) still could not return to preoperative level in group 1. In group 2, the time at which the patients' ARP after surgery started to show no significant decreases (p > 0.05) compared with preoperative levels was 12 months. The time at which the patients' maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) after surgery started to show no significant decreases (p > 0.05) compared with preoperative levels was 9 months after surgery in both groups. Our data showed that TaCR was associated with a better postoperative anorectal function compared with total ISR. And we had drawn the anorectal function recovery curves with time for the patients who underwent total ISR or TaCR, respectively; it may provide reference for ileostomy closure and other interventions.