Results of coloanal anastomosis. A prospective study.

Anterior resection with colo-anal anastomosis was carried out in 40 patients. The main indications were rectal neoplasia (30 cases) and irradiation proctitis (8 cases). Early complications occurred in 12 patients and three died of cardiopulmonary complications. Fistula formation and stenosis were the most frequent late complications. In 23 patients with adenocarcinoma operated for cure there was one recurrence. The functional results were good, although it often took up to 1 year until satisfactory continence, stool consistency and frequency were obtained. Manometry showed a significant decrease in anal canal length and resting tone postoperatively. The method is a practicable alternative to total rectal excision.