OBJECTIVETo introduce the experiences of pull-through transection and double stapling anastomosis for early lower rectal cancer.

METHODSFrom May 2001 to March 2008, 25 patients with early stage lower rectal cancer were operated by using pull-through transection and double stapling anastomosis. The average distance between the dentate line and lower margin of the tumor is (3.2 +/- 0.5) cm (2.0 - 4.5 cm). The average tumor diameter is (2.8 +/- 0.8) cm (2.0 - 3.5 cm).

RESULTSThe average distance between the lower margin of the tumor and transection line is (1.5 +/- 0.4) cm (1.1 - 2.2 cm). All the resection margins were negative. Eighteen cases of the anastomosis were above the dentate line, 0.3 - 2.1 cm [(1.7 +/- 0.2) cm] and the other 7 were below, 0.1 - 0.5 cm (average 0.3 cm). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 1 case, and cured with conservative treatment. Local recurrence occurred in 1 case (4.0%), liver metastasis in 3 (12.0%) and lung metastasis in 2(8.0%), respectively. Mild fecal incontinence occurred in 7 cases.

CONCLUSIONCompared with trans-abdominal transection of distal rectum in low anterior resection of rectal cancer, pull-through transection and anastomosis provides more precise control of the cutting line and simpler resection.