ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: to evaluate the outcome of stapled colo-anal anastomoses after extended low anterior resection for distal rectal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of fifty patients who underwent colo- anal anastomoses after extended low anterior resection was conducted at Imam Hospital from September 2007 up to July 2012. RESULTS: The distance of the tumor from anal verge was 3 to 8 cm. Anastomotic leakage developed in 6% of patients and defecation problems in 16% . One-year local recurrence was 6% while three-year local recurrence was 4%. One-year systemic recurrence was seen in 22% while three-year systemic recurrence was seen in 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Colo-anal anastomoses after extended low anterior resection for distal rectal carcinoma can be conducted safely.
