Distal third rectal cancer: intersphincteric anterior resection with manual anastomosis using the techniques of Parks or Turnbull-Cutait.

Rectal ultralow, intersphincteric anterior resection (RIE) can be used in selected cases with the intention of improving the quality of life of patients avoiding permanent colostomy. RIE is indicated for tumors that are located from 1-2 cm above the anorectal ring to the top of the internal anal sphincter without involvement of the pelvic floor, puborrectalis muscle or external anal sphincter. RIE aims to get a free distal margin tumour not less than 1cm. Correct preoperative staging and anatomical tumour location and relation with adjacent structures and organs is fundamental. Intestinal transit reconstruction can be performed manually with a coloanal anastomosis according with Parks and with a lateral ileostomy or, alternatively, by a two-stage coloanal anastomosis technique as Turnbull-Cutait avoiding the stoma protection. Postoperative morbidity and mortality and the rate of local recurrence and overall disease-free survival at 5 years after RIE are comparable to those observed in standard ultra low anterior resection. Postoperative functional alterations of the RIE can affect the quality of life of patients regardless of reconstructive technique. Published studies do not provide sufficient data to establish the most efficient reconstruction method in terms of functional outcomes.