OBJECTIVETo compare two different procedures of colostomy in the laparoscopic- assisted abdominoperineal resection(LAPR), and to reduce the related complications of colostomy.

METHODSSixty- three cases with anorectal cancer undergone LAPR from June 2001 to December 2005 were registered and followed up. Circular stapler anastomosis with sigmoid colon and abdominal skin were applied on 61 cases of the colostomy, and 2 cases were hand sutured. All patients were assigned to group A and B. Thirty- seven cases received the procedure of colostomy through the rectus abdominis peritoneally in group A,other 26 cases through extraperitoneal tunnel and the rectus abdominis in group B.

RESULTSDescending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum were dissected using laparoscopic instruments in 63 cases. No conversion to open procedure and no operative death occurred in two groups of patients. There was no significant difference between two groups in mean operation time, but significant differences were found in the time of return of bowl function[A group (2.4 +/- 1.1)d vs B group (1.9 +/- 0.8)d,P < 0.05], duration of postoperative hospital stay [A group (19.9 +/- 7.8)d vs B group (14.5 +/- 3.9)d,P < 0.01] and stoma related complications(A group 29.4% vs B group 4.0%,P < 0.05). Postoperative hospital stay were shorter, and less colostomy related complications were found in group B.

CONCLUSIONColostomy through extraperitoneal tunnel and the rectus abdominis is a better procedure in LAPR, which can reduce the related complications of colostomy and shorten postoperative hospital stay.