OBJECTIVETo discuss the feasibility of terminal intestinal exteriorization (exteriorization without ileostomy) in laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 77 patients undergoing laparoscopic anterior resection for low rectal cancer in our department from January 2011 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. After laparoscopic rectal resection, 32 patients received terminal intestinal exteriorization (exteriorization group) and 45 patients received preventive ileostomy (ileostomy group). Anastomosis-related, stoma-related and intestinal stoma closure-related morbidity was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss and overall hospital stay between the two groups (all P>0.05). The total hospital cost was (5.39±1.74)×10(4) yuan in the exteriorization group, and (6.98±1.37)×10(4) yuan in the ileostomy group(P<0.01). The incidences of postoperative anastomotic fistula was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05). Three patients(9.4%) developed anastomotic leak in the exteriorization group and 2(4.4%) in the ileostomy group. The anastomotic leak was managed by opening the external intestinal wall and maturating an ileostomy under local anaesthesia. All these 5 patients were cured with nutritional support, antibiotics, continuous local drainage. In the exteriorization group, 5 patients had complications related to stoma and intestinal stoma closure operation(15.6%), which was lower than(42.2%) in the ileostomy group(P=0.013).

CONCLUSIONTerminal intestinal exteriorization in laparoscopic anterior resection is a safe and feasible surgical procedure with little trauma and less hospital cost, which can be an alternative as a prophylactic treatment for patients with high risk of anastomotic leak.