Primary results after resection and anastomosis for mid-rectal cancer with a new stapling instrument. A preliminary report.

Early results after resection with primary anastomosis for cancer of the mid-rectum using a new stapling instrument are reported. 20 patients with an adenocarcinoma 7-12 cm from the anal verge were operated. On patient died postoperatively from respiratory complications but with no sign of anastomotic dehiscence. One patient had a clinically recognizable leakage which closed spontaneously within 2 days. Three patients had roentgenologically demonstrable leakage but no clinical symptoms. On examination, 1-3 months after the operation, all patients were continent for feces as well as for gas and none had more than four bowel movements per day. Resection and anastomosis by means' of the stapling instrument is practicable even at the lowest level, and is far less time consuming and does not require the same degree of training as low anterior resection with conventional suture anastomosis.