[Colonic pouch versus direct colo-anal anastomosis in the reconstruction after total resection of the mesorectum: review of the literature].

Good results in terms of control of the disease and 5 years survival have encouraged the use of the sphincter-saving technique for the treatment of cancers of the lower rectum. However, after this operation a percentage of patients complains of functional abnormalities such as increased bowel frequency and modification of continence especially within 12-18 months after surgery. This review analyzes the results of coloanal anastomosis following rectal excision trying to evaluate if the construction of a colonic pouch allows to limit or to prevent the functional anorectal abnormalities that usually follow a straight colo-anal anastomosis.