Transverse Coloplasty Pouch Improves Bowel Function After Rectal Cancer Surgery

Researchers compared two surgical techniques for rectal cancer patients who underwent intersphincteric resection (ISR): transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP) and straight coloanal anastomosis (SCAA). While oncological outcomes were similar, the study found that two years after ileostomy closure, the TCP group had significantly less major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and better Wexner scores compared to the SCAA group. TCP was identified as an independent factor in preserving postoperative bowel function. This suggests that TCP is a safer choice for reducing bowel dysfunction in low rectal cancer patients after ISR.