J-Pouch Colorectal Anastomosis or Straight Colorectal Anastomosis in Treating Patients With Rectal Cancer Who Have Undergone Surgery to Remove the Tumor

RATIONALE: It is not yet known whether a J-pouch colorectal anastomosis is more effective than a straight colorectal anastomosis in treating patients with rectal cancer who have undergone surgery to remove the tumor. PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial is studying J-pouch colorectal anastomosis to see how well it works compared with straight colorectal anastomosis in treating patients with rectal cancer who have undergone surgery to remove the tumor.