Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage after Low Anterior Resection

Low anterior resection (LAR) is a standard surgical procedure for distal rectal carcinoma that allows creation of a colorectal anastomosis, with anal sphincter preservation and permanent colostomy avoidance. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a potential complication of LAR present in 3% to 20% of cases leading to a significant increase in postoperative morbidity. AL represents a communication between the intra luminal and extra luminal compartments caused by a violation of the integrity of the intestinal wall. The risk factors of this procedure have been discussed and still remain a controversial issue. Prevention is the best management. Patients with predisposing factors should be paid special attention.

Our objective was to identify and analyze the risk factors of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection of rectal carcinoma.

This study included all patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer at the Department of Surgery of University Hospital Kaspela between 2011 and 2016.

Low anterior resections were performed in 141 patients during the study period. Due to a positive air leak test on 16 patients, a protective ileostomy was created and these patients were eliminated from the study. The sex distribution of the remaining 125 patients was 69 men (55.2%) and 56 women (44.8%). The height of the anastomosis from the dentate line was 3.0 cm on an average (range 2.5 to 4 cm).

Anastomotic leakage remains the most feared and serious complication after low anterior resection surgery. The evidence suggests that the main risk factors for anastomotic leakage at low anterior resection are the height of the anastomosis and the high ASA score.