Ultralow laparoscopic resection of the rectum and coloanal anastomosis. Experimental research on the pig

Nowday oncologic surgery is defining new criterias in the treatment of rectal cancer, preservation of sfincterial function, ultra-low resections with distal margin at only 2 cm distally to the tumor, role of mesorectum as preferential site of limphatic diffusion, preservation of lombo-aortic and pelvic nerves. Laparoscopy is showing good results m bowel surgery so as previously got on biliary tract: less visceral manipulation, less stimutation of immunologic system, less pain, early resumption of peristalsis and food intake, better ricovery, less hospital stay. We experimented on pig ultra-low laparoscopic resection of the rectum, with preservation of sfincterial function, and mechanical anastomosis at the upper edge of the sfincterial ring. The evaluation of surgical technique, post-operative supervision, and follow-up instrumental control (anal manometry, endo-rectal ultrasonography, sfincterial elettromano-metry, Rx barium enema) show technical feseability and confirm a better recovery with regular defecatory function.