Comparison of double stapling technique and single stapling technique used in transanal pull-through rectal resection operations for ultra low rectal cancer
Objective:To study advantages and disadvantages of single stapling technique(SST) and double stapling technique(DST) in transanal pull-through rectal resection operations for ultra low rectal cancer. Methods:Totally 1 138 patients with rectal cancer were treated in our department from July 2008 to July 2011.One hundred and thirteen cases underwent transanal pull-through rectal resec-tion operations:49 cases by SST and 64 cases by DST. Operative time,postoperative complication incidences including anastomotic leakage,bleeding and stenosis,pelvic floor recurrence within 1-4 years,hospitalization duration and costs were analyzed and com-pared between the two groups. Advantages and disadvantages of the two stapling techniques were analyzed statistically. Results:Differ-ences in average operative time and postoperative hospitalization duration between the two groups were not statistically significant(op-erative time t=0.172,P=0.864;average hospitalization duration Z=-0.562,P=0.547). Postoperative complications:differences in anas-tomotic leakage between the two groups were statistically significant( χ2=6.592,P=0.01);differences in other complications between the two groups were not statistically significant( χ2=0.037,P=0.848). Differences in pelvic floor local recurrence within 1-4 years between the two groups were not statistically significant ( χ2=1.839,P=0.175). Differences in average hospital cost were statistically significant(Z=-5.782,P=0.00). Conclusions:Transanal pull-through rectal resection has become a commonly used technique for ultra-low rectal cancer. With the advantages of simpler and safer manipulation,lower cost and recurrences and more complete resection,SST is superior to DST and is worthy of clinical application.