Colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis for rectal cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the different aspects of the colonic J-pouch reconstruction with special focus on functional results and complications.

Methods: A MEDLINE search from 1965 to the present with manual search for older articles was used as the basis of this review.

Results: Rectal reconstruction using a colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis after excision of extraperitoneal cancers can be performed with acceptable morbidity and good functional results.

Conclusions: Among the different methods of rectal reconstruction now available after total rectal resection for cancer, the colonic J-pouch may be the optimal choice.