The influence of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery on anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection

Abstract

Objective To identify risk factors for anastomotic leakage,and study the influence of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery on anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection.Methods The chi-test and the student t test were used for statistics.Clinical data were analyzed for 291 patients who underwent rectal cancer resection between August 2008 and November 2011.Results Anastomotic leakage occurred in 27 (9.3％) patients.Anastomotic leakage significantly increased in patients with tumours located within 10 cm from the anal verge,in male patients,and intraoperative blood loss.The use of high ligation of inferior mesenteric artery,which was associated with lower tumor location and surgical modality,was not a risk factor for anastomotic leakage,though it was associated with tumor stage and postoperative urinary retention.Conclusions Anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection is related to the tumor level,male gender,and perioperative bleeding,use of a high tie was not associated with an increased rate of symptomatic anastomotic leakage. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Fistula; Inferior mesenteric artery; Ligation; Postoperative complications