Bladder dysfunction after low anterior resection for mid-rectal cancer.

Twenty consecutive patients with carcinoma 7 to 12 cm from the anus underwent radical low anterior resection of the rectum; the anastomosis was performed by the EEA stapling instrument. One patient died from pulmonary complications. On urologic follow-up 6 to 8 months after the operation, five patients had significant symptoms from the urinary tract, and in three patients denervation of the bladder was demonstrated. The study establishes that bladder paresis, which is a well-known complication after extirpation of the rectum, also may follow very low anterior resection with anastomosis. The importance of careful follow-up is emphasized