Anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
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
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of the rectum for rectal cancer is relatively low.
Kanellos
D
D
Surgical Department, European Medical Center, Antheon 1, Panorama, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Pramateftakis
M G
MG
Vrakas
G
G
Demetriades
H
H
Kanellos
I
I
Mantzoros
I
I
Agelopoulos
S
S
Lazaridis
Ch
Ch
D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy