Simplification of total mesorectal excision with colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis for middle and lower rectal cancer: one surgeon's experience.

PURPOSE: The introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) has dramatically improved local control of rectal cancer. Yet, despite its complexity, there is no clear technical explanation of this procedure in the text references. Thus, we attempted to simplify the TME procedure according to its original concept.

METHODS

Our procedure has three principles: posterolateral dissection, which is helpful for performing complete TME with autonomic nerve preservation; detachment of the hiatal ligament, which enables mobilization of the whole mesorectum and transection of the distal rectum just above the anal canal; and colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis to support fecal continence. We evaluated our modified TME, focusing on one surgeon's experience.

RESULTS

Between 1993 and 2006, 164 patients underwent modified TME, performed by one surgeon (M.K.). Intraoperative blood loss and operating time were both significantly lower than for conventional resection (P<0.01), and the rate of anastomotic leakage was less than 1%. Modified TME combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or both, also improved prognosis considerably.

CONCLUSION

We have succeeded in simplifying the original TME procedure and improved its outcome even further, based on our familiarity with its anatomyoriented elements.