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.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The inclusion criteria comprised a histologically proven rectal cancer located in the middle or distal part of the rectum (≤ 10cm from the anal verge), and a WHO performance status ≤ 2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a T1 or T4 tumor were excluded
• Patients diagnosed with distant metastases
• A medical history of colonic resection
• Anorectal surgery or chemo- radiotherapy
• Pre-existing fecal incontinence grade III or IV according to Parks10
• Life expectancy of less than one year.