Effect of intra- and out-anorectal drainage in the prevention of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection

Abstract

To investigate the effect of intra- and out-anorectal drainage in the prevention of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection (LAR). Two hundred and thirty-five patients undergone LAR were divided into two groups according to two periods, the former group from Mar. 2003 to Aug. 2004 and the later group from Sep. 2004 to Nov. 2007. Technique advances were adopted in the later group, especially the routine intra- and out-anorectal drainage. Incidence of anastomotic leakage and clinicopathological data of two groups were compared. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4 patients of the former group (4/89) and 1 of the later group (1/146). Logistic analysis found that intra- and out-anorectal drainage was the main issue which prevented anastomotic leakage. Intra- and out-anorectal drainage is useful for the prevention of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection.