Anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection for rectal cancer

• Published in: Techniques in coloproctology Vol. 14; no. Suppl 1; pp. 35 - 37
• Main Authors: Kanellos, D., Pramateftakis, M. G., Vrakas, G., Demetriades, H., Kanellos, I., Mantzoros, I., Agelopoulos, S., Lazaridis, Ch
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Milan Springer Milan 01.11.2010; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Anastomotic Leak - diagnosis; Anastomotic Leak - etiology; Anastomotic Leak - therapy; Colectomy - adverse effects; Colorectal Surgery; Gastroenterology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Proctology; Rectal Neoplasms - surgery; Rectum - surgery; Risk Factors; Surgery; Surgical Wound Dehiscence - diagnosis; Surgical Wound Dehiscence - etiology; Surgical Wound Dehiscence - therapy; Rectal cancer; Low anterior resection; Anastomotic dehiscence
• ISSN: 1123-6337; 1128-045X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10151-010-0620-1

Aim Aim of this study is to present the incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer and to demonstrate the therapeutic approach for the treatment of this complication. Patients and methods Between 1990 and 2009, 170 patients underwent low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME). Results A total of 14 (8.2%) anastomotic leaks were confirmed. Reoperation was carried out in six patients with major leaks. Eight patients with minor leaks were treated conservatively by nutritional support and antibiotic therapy. Conclusion The incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of the rectum for rectal cancer is relatively low.