Anastomotic leakage following anterior resection for rectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
The 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.


METHODS
During the last ten years, 93 patients underwent anterior resection of the rectum for rectal cancer. Low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) was performed in 72, and high anterior resection in 21 patients. The definition of the anastomotic leakage was based on clinical features, peripheral blood investigations and abdominal CT scan.


RESULTS
Clinically apparent anastomotic leakage developed in 9 patients (9.7%). Four patients were managed conservatively and five operatively. Postoperative mortality among the patients with anastomotic leakage was not recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of the rectum for rectal cancer is relatively low. It remains however the most serious complication following rectal resection for cancer.
Kanellos
I
I
4th Surgical Department, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. ik@hol.gr
Vasiliadis
K
K
Angelopoulos
S
S
Tsachalis
T
T
Pramateftakis
M G
MG
Mantzoros
I
I
Betsis
D
D
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016019:Survival Analysis