OBJECTIVETo explore the safety and curative effect of per anus intersphincteric rectal dissection and direct coloanal anastomosis (PIDCA) for patients with very low rectal cancer.

METHODSNineteen patients were prospectively studied from June 2002 to October 2004. There were 11 males and 8 females, with a median age of 56 (range, 41 - 74) years. Nineteen patients had T(1) to T(4) tumors (T(1), n = 4; T(2), n = 10; T(3), n = 4; T(4), n = 1) located between 3.5 and 5.0 cm above the anal verge.The rectum, including the entire width of the internal analsphincter, was transected circumferentially via the anal route to secure the surgical margin of safety under direct vision and was mobilized proximally as far as possible through the intersphincteric plane. Per anus coloanal anastomosis was performed following transabdominal resection of the rectum.

RESULTSThere was no operative mortality. Of nineteen patients, two (10.5%) had anastomotic leakage. Median follow-up duration was 16 (range, 3 - 29) months. Up to now, one patient developed recurrence (5.3%). Acceptable anal function results were obtained in most patients.

CONCLUSIONSCurability and anal function was obtained by PIDCA combined with preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy. PIDCA is ideal and safe for selected patients with tumor located below 5 cm from the anal verge.