Invalidating anorectal dysfunctions are common after restorative rectal surgery. Improvement of functional results by the technically more demanding J-pouch has been demonstrated in comparison with the straight coloanal anastomosis. In the present multicenter randomized trial we assessed whether the J-pouch is also superior to the side-to-end coloanal anastomosis.
The objective of this study was to compare the functional and surgical results of the J-pouch with those of the side-to-end anastomosis and their impact on quality of life.