Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Marsupialization of Chronic Abscess Cavity After Colorectal Anastomosis

Anastomotic leaks are one of the most feared and morbid complications after colorectal anastomosis. Management of leaks depends on the severity of the leak and focuses on controlling sepsis and saving the anastomosis. The lower the anastomosis, the more amenable it is to transanal approaches for salvage. However, when a complication exists higher up in the rectum, the surgeon is more limited in the ability to visualize and intervene. With the advent of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) and the advancement of endoscopic procedures, there are now more options for surgeons to visualize and intervene in anastomotic colorectal leaks. Prior reports have described the use of TAMIS for the management of anastomotic leaks in the acute phase. However, this same approach can be useful in the management of chronic leaks. This report highlights the benefit of TAMIS to allow visualization and marsupialization of a chronic abscess cavity following an anastomotic leak.