[Assessment of Functional Results after Sphincter-Preserving Surgery in Elderly Patients with Low Rectal Cancer].

: The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative dysfunction and potential problems after a sphincter-preserving operation in elderly patients with low rectal cancer. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2012, 307 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer underwent curative sphincter-preserving surgery. We evaluated postoperative anal and urinary dysfunction in 190 patients who responded to a questionnaire by mail. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 5.7 years, there was no significant difference between the elderly and a younger group in the Wexner incontinence score. Poor anal function assessed by modified FIQL was significantly associated with the elderly. Poor urinary function assessed by the IPSS score was significantly associated with the elderly, diabetes mellitus, and autonomic nerve preservation(AN2-3). CONCLUSION: From the viewpoint of urinary function, sphincter-preserving surgery with all autonomicnerve preservation(AN4)should be considered for elderly people and patients with diabetes.