Anastomotic leakage following anterior resection for rectal cancer

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.

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.

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.

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.