[Colorectal stapled anastomosis: results after anterior resection of the rectum for cancer].

OBJECTIVE Stapled end to end anastomosis makes the restoration of digestive continuity at the level of lower pelvis easier, but carries a certain risk. The aim of this report was to evaluate this risk in terms of immediate results and tumor recurrence after surgery for rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS The data of 301 patients operated on following this technique between 1980 and 2000 have been reviewed in order to analyse the tumor characteristics, the operation and associated complications, the immediate postoperative complications and recurrence rate. RESULTS Among the 301 patients (192 males and 109 females) with median age of 66 years, 19 (6.3%) received an emergency operation due to bowel obstruction. The rectal adenocarcinoma was located in the upper rectum in 132 cases (43.8%), in the middle rectum in 141 cases (46.8%) and in the lower rectum in 19 cases (9.4%). Preoperative radiotherapy was carried out in 148 cases (49%): between 1987 and 1996 with a dose of 30 Grays (Gy), later increased to 39 Gy and 45 Gy in 12 cases. From 1990, 113 patients have received adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III and IV tumors and in some position cases for stage II tumor. The excision left a safety margin under the tumor of less than 2 cm in 59 cases (19.6%), and the anastomosis was located at 5 cm or less from the anal verge in 178 cases (59%). Primary defunctioning stoma was formed in 39 cases (13%). An anastomotic defect was observed during the operation in 18 cases (6%) and 26 fistulas occured postoperatively (7.6%), significantly related to the location of the anastomosis with regard to the anal verge (P = 0.0009). The hospital mortality was 8 cases (2.6%). Cases of stenosis were uncommon : 11 cases (3.6%), significantly associated with preoperative radiotherapy (P =0.02). The local recurrence rate was 12% (37 cases) in a median time delay of 16 months, essentially related to the tumor stage (P = 0.004) and the considered period (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Stapled end-to-end colorectal anastomosis after excision of rectum for cancer is a reliable technique with a low rate of complication and tumor recurrence, when the surgical procedure is included in the curative therapy management of cancer.

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