Anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic protectomy can be managed by a minimally invasive approach.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to identify the clinical features of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer and to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic management for this problem.


METHODS
Prospectively collected data were obtained from 307 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic proctectomy and primary anastomosis. Age, sex, tumor location, tumor stage, body mass index, comorbidities, ileostomy, conversion, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, previous abdominal operation, and hospital stay were analyzed for patients with or without anastomotic leakage. Management and outcome of anastomotic leakage also were analyzed.


RESULTS
Anastomotic leakage occurred in 29 patients (9.4 percent). Diverting ileostomy was initially fashioned in 65 patients (21.2 percent). Leakage was related to young age, male sex, lower tumor location, and longer operation time. Ten patients (34.5 percent) were successfully managed with conservative treatment. Seventeen patients (58.6 percent) were managed via a laparoscopic approach. Open surgery was performed in two patients who showed diffuse fecal soiling or had previous conversion, respectively. There was no mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
When leakage occurs, laparotomy or colostomy is not needed routinely. For surgical intervention, the abdominal cavity should be explored first by laparoscopic visualization because the majority of patients can be successfully managed with laparoscopy and ileostomy.
Joh
Yong-Geul
YG
Department of Surgery, Hansol Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Seon-Hahn
SH
Hahn
Koo-Yong
KY
Stulberg
Jonah
J
Chung
Choon-Sik
CS
Lee
Dong-Keun
DK
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*