Function of the anal sphincters following anterior resections of rectum.

The purpose of the present work is to evaluate the function of the anal sphincter following anterior resections of the rectum. Our data have shown that the anorectal reflex did not depend on the presence of the rectal mucosa. The external anal sphincter contraction involves a reflex which is initiated by stretch receptors in the levator ani muscle. The internal anal sphincter relaxation is likely a local reflex involving nerve pathways not yet completely defined.