Abstract

A series of 32 patients operated on for rectal carcinoma is reported. A new technique by using the gracilis muscles to reconstruct a functional anal sphincter after abdominoperineal resection was performed. No operative mortality was recorded. Functionality of the new sphincter was guaranteed by electromyostimulation. Electrostimulation has been useful in both increasing the muscular trophic level and in improving the postoperative bio-feedback. Perineal infection was recorded in 9 patients being the most common complication although it did not compromise the functionality of the new sphincter. In one case acute colonic ischaemia was treated by resection and definitive left colostomy. 17 out of the 27 patients in which a functional follow-up was obtained, scored a "very good" continence to stool and flatus while in 6 patients occasional episodes of incontinence to liquid stool are referred. Local or distant metastases presented in 6 patients. The obtained results encourage in continuing the research with this technique in the attempt to reduce the number of patients that must pay the high price of a definitive abdominal colostomy for cure.