Comparison of outcomes following intersphincteric resection vs low anterior resection for low rectal cancer. A systematic review

Low Rectal Anterior Resection (LAR) is challenging when anal canal mucosa and/or internal sphincter are involved by very low tumors. In these cases, Intersphincteric resection (ISR) with the removal of the internal sphincter is designed to increase the distal margin of resection, thus preserving the external sphincter and pubo-rectalis muscle complex. Aim is to compare results after ISR with those of LAR, including subgroup analysis of open, laparoscopic and robotic ISR