Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of complications and the functional result after construction of a coloanal J pouch during low anterior resection of the rectum for cancer.
Design: A retrospective study of medical records and interviews with patients at follow-up.
Results: 32 patients were followed-up for a median of 28 months (range 12-82 months). Two patients (6%) developed anastomotic leakage, one of whom died. Two patients developed rectovaginal fistula, one of whom was given a permanent colostomy. One patient died from complications after closure of the diverting ileostomy. In two patients, local cancer recurred and four died from distant metastases. At follow-up, the frequency of bowel movements was median 2/24 h (range 0.3-4). Three of 29 (10%) experienced intermittent incontinence, whereas none complained of evacuation problems.
Discussion: The complication rate was as expected after low anterior rectal resection, but there were unexpected severe complications after closure of the diverting stoma. The functional results were satisfactory and the construction of a colonic J pouch is recommended during low rectal resection, if the defecation pattern and the quality of life is to improve, especially within the first postoperative year.