A Phase III Randomised Study Of J-Pouch Coloanal Anastomosis Versus Side-To-End Coloanal Anastomosis After Preoperative Radiotherapy And Total Mesorectal Excision In Patients With Mid And Distal Rectal Cancer

RATIONALE: A coloanal anastomosis may be effective in restoring bowel function after radiation therapy and surgery to remove the rectum. It is not yet known whether a J-pouch coloanal anastomosis is more effective than a side-to-end coloanal anastomosis in restoring bowel function in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who have undergone radiation therapy and surgery to remove the rectum.

PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying how well J-pouch coloanal anastomosis works compared to side-to-end coloanal anastomosis in treating patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who have undergone radiation therapy and surgery to remove the rectum.