Introduction: Despite the remarkable improvements in surgical techniques and technological advancements in the medical instruments used, anastomotic leakage (AL) still remains a serious complication after laparoscopic low anterior resection (Lap-LAR) of the rectum. The definitive mechanism underlying the occurrence of AL remains unclear, and the relationship between postoperative diarrhea and AL is still unknown.
Methods: This study was a retrospective study performed at a single institution in 65 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent Lap-LAR by the double-stapling technique (DST) for anastomosis between January 2011 and April 2015. Various candidate factors associated with symptomatic AL were examined by univariate analyses. Furthermore, an additional analysis was also conducted to investigate the relation between diarrhea developing in the early phase after operation and the occurrence of AL.
Results: The rate of occurrence of symptomatic AL was 7.7% (5/65 cases). Univariate analysis only identified undoing of a diverting ileostomy creation as tending to be associated with the risk of development of AL (p = 0.07). Further analysis revealed a strong association between early postoperative diarrhea and the risk of AL in patients without a diverting stoma (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: Postoperative diarrhea occurring in the early phase after Lap-LAR may be a notable risk factor for symptomatic AL, especially in patients without a diverting stoma.
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