[Current status and advances in the management of rectal anastomotic stenosis]

Anastomotic leakage and anastomotic stenosis are among the most severe complications of rectal resection, among patients receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy, the incidence of anastomotic stricture ranges from 3% to 6%. Anastomotic stricture can lead to abdominal pain and bowel obstruction, significantly affecting the quality of life and sometimes necessitating the creation of permanent stomas. This article reviews the definition of rectal anastomotic stricture. The development of anastomotic stricture is closely related to multiple factors, such as the healing characteristics of the bowel wall, local ischemia, anastomotic leakage, and the effects of preoperative radiotherapy. Furthermore, the choice of surgical anastomosis techniques significantly impacts the incidence of strictures. To enhance treatment outcomes for anastomotic strictures, this review summarizes different therapeutic strategies for membranous and tubular strictures. Transanal endoscopic resection and reconstruction surgery has significant advantages in the treatment of severe rectal anastomotic stenosis, providing standardized suggestions and guidance for the treatment of this clinical difficulty.