OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors of anal function after transabdominal intersphincteric resection(ISR) for low rectal cancer.

METHODSClinical and follow-up data of 96 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent transabdominal ISR in our department from January 2005 to December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The Wexner scoring scale was used to evaluate the anal function and the risk factors of anal function were analyzed by the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTSNinety-six patients completed Wexner scoring scale with mean follow-up of 32.7 months. Eighty-three cases(86.5%) presented good continence with a Wexner score less than 10. There was negative correlation between Wexner score and follow-up duration (Pearson coefficient, -0.078, P=0.003). Univariate analysis suggested the distance less than 5 cm from tumor to anal verge(P=0.043), height less than 2 cm from anastomosis to anal verge (P=0.001) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(P=0.001) were the risk factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that distance less than 2 cm from anastomosis to anal verge(P=0.020) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(P=0.001) were independent risk factors for fecal incontinence.

CONCLUSIONSMost patients have good continence after transabdominal ISR. A distance of less than 2 cm from anastomosis to anal verge and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy are independent risk factors for poor anal function after transabdominal ISR.