Factors affecting the difficulty of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for mid- to lower rectal cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of clinical and anatomical features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can affect pelvic dissection time for treating mid- to lower rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 90 consecutive male patients who underwent total mesorectal excision for mid- to lower rectal cancer were retrospectively assessed. MRI pelvimetry data were analyzed to identify anatomical features that could affect pelvic dissection time. Results: Univariate analysis indicated that tumor distance from the anal verge ( p = 0.001), preoperative chemoradiotherapy ( p = 0.002), and interspinous distance ( p = 0.002) were significantly associated with pelvic dissection time. Conclusion: Patients with a short interspinous distance may require a longer pelvic dissection time for treating rectal cancer by resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]