Colonic pouch confers better bowel function and similar postoperative outcomes compared to straight anastomosis for low rectal cancer

Table 3 Comparisons of the functional outcomes between groups

Parameter	Colonic pouch group, n = 35				Straight anastomosis, n = 37
	Preop	1 mo	6 mo	12 mo	Preop	1 mo	6 mo	12 mo	1P value	2P value	3P value
Continence, n									0.69	0.44	0.40
Normal	35	2	15	17	37	5	10	18
Incontinent to gas	0	8	5	0	0	7	6	2
Occasional minor leak	0	17	10	11	0	19	16	14
Frequent major soiling	0	4	1	0	0	3	2	0
Total incontinence	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Absence of feces	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Urgency, n
Stool frequency, mean ± SD	5.0 ± 2.5	10.6 ± 2.3	5.2 ± 2.8	3.4 ± 2.0	4.6 ± 2.8	11.0 ± 2.2	7.4 ± 2.9	4.3 ± 1.9	0.43	< 0.05	0.07
Perineal irritation	8	29	20	16	9	30	27	22	0.46	0.18	0.54
Incomplete defecation	15	30	24	15	16	32	30	23	0.61	0.24	0.26
Fragmentation	10	28	22	15	14	30	26	22	0.79	0.61	0.37
Antidiarrheal medication	9	29	23	19	10	29	25	21	0.28	0.95	0.90
Use of laxatives	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-	-

¹P value was calculated on the comparison of function between the two groups 1 mo postoperatively.

²P value was calculated on the comparison of function between the two groups 6 mo postoperatively.

³P value was calculated on the comparison of function between the two groups 12 mo postoperatively.

SD: Standard deviation.