Objective: To evaluate the curative effect of curved cutter stapler (Contour, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc) in the ultra low anterior resection for low rectal cancer.
Methods: Clinic data of 56 patients with low rectal cancer from Dec. 2005 to Sep. 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. After total mesorectal excision (TME) and lateral lymph node dissection (LLD) in 56 cases, the rectal (anal) remnant was cut and closed with curved cutter stapler (Contour), and preserved for ultra low colo-rectal (anal) anastomoses with 33 mm straight intraluminal stapler.
Results: There was no operational death and the mean hospitalization time was (11.2+/-3.2) days. The incidence rate of postoperative complications in 1 month was 3.57% (2/65). Both of the cases were anastomotic leakage. One was cured by surgical drainage, the other combining with rectal vaginal fistula was cured by transverse colostomy.
Conclusion: Curved cutter stapler has the advantages of complete cutting, safe closure and low anastomotic leakage rate in the process of ultra low anterior resection for low rectal cancer.