Risk factors for anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer surgery reflecting current practices

In recent years, major advancements have been made in rectal cancer surgery with the introduction of new techniques such as robotic surgery and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI). This study aimed to evaluate the comprehensive risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) following rectal cancer surgery, incorporating recently introduced techniques and other existing factors, to reflect current practices.

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 304 patients who underwent either robotic or laparoscopic anterior resection between January 2019 and December 2023. The study analyzed patient, tumor, and surgical factors, with AL defined by clinical or radiological findings requiring intervention within 30 days after surgery.

A univariate analysis indicated that moderate or severe anemia and the non-use of ICG-FI were strongly associated with AL. A multivariate analysis identified moderate or more severe anemia (hemoglobin ≤10.9 g/dL for males and ≤9.9 g/dL for females) (odds ratio [OR]: 9.94, p = 0.002) and non-use of ICG-FI (OR: 10.40, p < 0.001) as independent risk factors for AL.

Moderate or severe anemia and absence of ICG-FI were found to significantly increase the risk of AL. Preoperative anemia correction and the routine use of ICG-FI may help mitigate this risk, thus suggesting the need for further research in these areas.