Preservation of the superior rectal artery in laparoscopic colectomy for slow transit constipation: Is it really associated with better outcomes?

Abstract

Few patients with slow-transit constipation refractory to conservative treatment can benefit with a subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis with the preservation of the superior rectal artery. In this letter to the editor some important issues were discussed. First, the study did not include a comparison group. Second, they did not present the functional results in the short or long term related to the bowel function of these patients after surgery. Finally, the authors showed that this surgical procedure was safe, and no cases of leakage were found.

Keywords: Colectomy; Colorectal surgery; Constipation; Laparoscopy.