Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for very low rectal cancers: high anus preservation and moderate functional outcomes

Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for stage I ultra-low rectal cancers near the anal verge showed a 3-year local recurrence rate of 6.3%. Anus-preserving surgery was successful in 93% of cases, leading to high rates of functional preservation, with moderate improvements in anal function and acceptable incontinence scores. Urinary function recovered rapidly post-surgery, but sexual function showed poor recovery.