Colorectal Anastomosis Leakage Research Articles

The impact of anastomotic leakage on the quality of life of patients after surgery for rectal cancer

AIM: to assess the impact of colorectal anastomotic leakage on the severity of low anterior rectal resection syndrome and the quality of life.PATIENTS AND METHODS: the results of 375 patients with rectal tumors were analyzed. In 26 patients, surgery was complicated by anastomosis failure. For a assessment of the quality of life of patients with anastomotic leakage, each patient was matched with a pair from the group of respondents with an uncomplicated postoperative period. The quality of life was assessed in all patients using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire with the Cr-29 module.RESULTS: patients with anastomosis leakage have more severe low anterior rectal resection syndrome — 29 (17;34), versus 20 (9;28) points (p = 0.03) and a lower global score (p = 0.01), physical (p = 0.01) and social (p = 0.04) functioning. The symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, supplemented by the Cr-29 module, had significant differences between groups on the scales of body image (p = 0.01), fecal incontinence (p = 0.04) and embarrassment (p = 0.01).CONCLUSION: colorectal anastomosis leakage negatively affects the quality of life of patients.

Influence of colorectal anastomotic leakage on time before the loop stoma closing

Background. Important task is determining the long-term consequences of colorectal anastomotic leakage. Leakage with clinical manifestations leads to a higher frequency of local recurrences of rectal cancer and increases the severity of manifestations of low anterior resection syndrome. How does the leakage of colorectal anastomosis affect the period before the closure of loop stoma?Aim. To determine the influence of anastomotic leakage on the term before closing the ileostomy.Methods. In this retrospective incomparable study were included 618 patients with rectal cancer who had been underwent anterior or low anterior resection with formation colorectal anastomosis and loop stoma.Results. Colorectal anastomotic leakage was detected in 86 from 618 patients (13.9 %). The loop stoma was closed in 513 from 618 (83 %) patients. The time to the preventive stoma closure in patients with anastomotic leakage was significantly higher than in patients without anastomotic leakage, p = 0.001. Reconstructive surgery in patients without anastomotic leakage was performed in 9 months after anterior resection. The median time before the stoma closure of patients with X – ray anastomosis leakage was 11 months, with clinical leakage – 17 months, p <0.001.Conclusion. Colorectal anastomotic leakage statistically increases the term before ileostomy closure.

Application of the REAL-score prognostic index in decision making in rectal cancer surgery.

Colorectal anastomosis leak (AL) is the most feared complication of rectal cancer surgery (1-19%) as it increases morbidity and mortality and worsens oncological outcomes in terms of local recurrence and survival. The publication of the REAL-score index makes it possible to predict the risk of AL and compare the expected results with those obtained. Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of patients operated on for rectal cancer at the Miguel Servet University Hospital, in Zaragoza, Spain, in 2019. Statistical analysis of morbidity and mortality outcome variables and the REAL-score index using ROC curves. Of 80 patients operated on for rectal cancer, colorectal anastomosis was performed in 52 and temporary ileostomy in 11 (21.2%). Morbidity was high (38.4%), but severe only in 7.7% (Clavien-Dindo IIIb), with no deaths. There were four dehiscences: one type B and three type C. A direct relationship between high risk of AL and the practice of temporary stoma is observed when the cut-off point of the REAL-score exceeds 14.74%. REAL-score can help in decision-making in rectal cancer surgery. Above a cut-off point, the risk of AL would imply a selective ileostomy.

Colorectal anastomosis leakage after anterior rectal resection: frequency, risk factors

Purpose of the study. To study the frequency and risk factors for the development of colorectal anastomosis leakage after anterior rectal resection for cancer.Materials and Methods. In a retrospective cohort study between April 2011 and February 2018. The data of the case histories of patients who underwent combined treatment for rectal cancer were analyzed. The study included patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. The influence of risk factors on the incidence of AN was assessed based on multivariate analysis using the logistic regression method.Results. The study was conducted in 474 patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer. Depending on the outcome of the operation, the patients were divided into two groups: with the formation of a preventive intestinal stoma (main group, n = 344) and without formation (control group, n = 140) The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 20.6 % in patients with preventive stoma (PS) and 26.1 % without PS (p = 0.198). Colorectal anastomosis (RCA) leaks were detected in 40 (11.6 %) patients in the PS group and in 9 (6.9 %) patients in the non-PS group (р = 0,134). This complication was detected on the 7th day (2–12 days) after the operation in 5 (9.8 %) patients, while in patients with PS on the 10th day (11.6 %) and without PS on 3 (6.9 %) %), (p = 0.134). According to the classification of NCA severity, grade A was detected in 12 patients, B – at 24, C – in 11 patients. The frequency of reoperations in patients with PS was 10.8 %, while in patients with PS it was 15 % (p <0.001). The most common reason for reoperations in patients with LCA in the group without PS was the development of peritonitis (5.4 %, p <0.001). In a statistical multivariate analysis, the most significant risk factors for the development of NCA were: the presence of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.031) and stage III–IV of the disease (p = 0.051).Conclusions. The formation of a preventive intestinal stoma after anterior resections does not reduce the incidence of colorectal anastomosis leaks (p = 0.134), however, it reduces the degree of manifestation of AN in the severity of the course of the postoperative postoperative period (p = 0.029). The frequency of reoperations in patients without a PS is significantly higher than in patients with a stoma (p <0.0001). Diabetes mellitus, chemoradiotherapy, and stage III–IV of the disease are factors influencing the development of leakage.

Early stoma closure after low anterior resection is not recommended due to postoperative complications and asymptomatic anastomotic leakage

The safety of early stoma closure after lower anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer remains controversial. In this study, patients scheduled to undergo LAR and stoma creation for rectal cancer were recruited. In absence of anastomotic leakage on radiological examination, closure of the diverting ileostomy was performed within 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was incidence of the colorectal anastomosis leakage after early stoma closure. Because of the slow accrual rate, the study was closed before recruitment reached the planned number of patients (n = 20). Among the 13 patients enrolled between April 2019 and March 2021, early stoma closure was performed in seven patients (53.8%). Non-clinical anastomotic leakage, leakage identified only on radiological examination, occurred in five cases, resulting in rescheduling of stoma closure. One patient did not undergo early stoma closure due to ileus. After stoma closure, colorectal anastomotic leakage manifested in one case; its incidence rate was 14.2%. Surgical site infection occurred in 42.8% of patients. This study revealed that asymptomatic anastomotic leakage occurred frequently. Considering the low rate of successful cases and the high rate of complications, early stoma closure within 2 weeks after LAR should not be performed routinely. Trial registration: (UMIN000036382 registered on 03/04/2019).

Fluorescence angiography in colorectal surgery

To evaluate the impact of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography on the incidence of colorectal anastomotic leakage. We summarized the results of non-comparative and randomized clinical trials, as well as meta-analyses. Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography changes the anastomosis site in 10% of patients due to inadequate blood supply to intestinal wall at the initially scheduled level. This method can decrease the incidence of «low» colorectal anastomosis leakage. Routine intraoperative fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green can become a standard method for prevention of colorectal anastomotic leakage.

New understanding of gut microbiota and colorectal anastomosis leak: A collaborative review of the current concepts

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a life-threatening postoperative complication following colorectal surgery, which has not decreased over time. Until now, no specific risk factors or surgical technique could be targeted to improve anastomotic healing. In the past decade, gut microbiota dysbiosis has been recognized to contribute to AL, but the exact effects are still vague. In this context, interpretation of the mechanisms underlying how the gut microbiota contributes to AL is significant for improving patients' outcomes. This review concentrates on novel findings to explain how the gut microbiota of patients with AL are altered, how the AL-specific pathogen colonizes and is enriched on the anastomosis site, and how these pathogens conduct their tissue breakdown effects. We build up a framework between the gut microbiota and AL on three levels. Firstly, factors that shape the gut microbiota profiles in patients who developed AL after colorectal surgery include preoperative intervention and surgical factors. Secondly, AL-specific pathogenic or collagenase bacteria adhere to the intestinal mucosa and defend against host clearance, including the interaction between bacterial adhesion and host extracellular matrix (ECM), the biofilm formation, and the weakened host commercial bacterial resistance. Thirdly, we interpret the potential mechanisms of pathogen-induced poor anastomotic healing.

Immediate results of rectal resections for cancer in depending on the restoration of the integrity of the pelvic peritoneal floor: retrospective study

Background. Colorectal anastomotic leakage remains on of the most significant challenges in rectal surgery.Objective: to assess the impact of pelvic peritoneal floor reconstruction on the incidence of postoperative complications associated with colorectal anastomosis.Materials and methods. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed medical records of rectal cancer patients who had undergone rectal resection with anastomosis formation between 2013 and 2020. we compared patients who had no pelvic peritoneal floor reconstruction (from 2013 to 2017) and those who had it (2018–2020). Only patients with favorable prognosis (tumor located at least 5 cm above the transitional anal fold and no history of chemoradiotherapy) were included. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of peritonitis and colorectal anastomosis leakage. Secondary outcome measures included overall incidence of complications (Clavien–Dindo), mortality rate, blood loss, and duration of surgery.Results. A total of 120 patients were included into the experimental group, while the control group was composed of 125 patients. Ten patients from the control group developed peritonitis (8.0 %), whereas in the experimental group, there were no cases of peritonitis (p = 0.002). Anastomotic leakage was registered in 12 individuals from the experimental group (12.5 %) and 14 controls (11.2 %) (p = 0.753). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 23.3 % (n = 28) among patients who had pelvic peritoneal floor reconstruction and 18.4 % (n = 23) among those who did not have it (p = 0.342). Colostomy was required in 92 patients from the experimental group (76.7 %) and 78 patients from the control group (62.4 %) (p = 0.018). The postoperative mortality was 0.8 % in the control group (n = 1) and 0 % in the experimental group (p = 1).Conclusion. Pelvic peritoneal floor reconstruction reduces the risk of peritonitis, but does not affect the overall risk of anastomotic leakage. This method is effective for the prevention of severe postoperative complications.

Clostridium difficile infection after ileostomy closure and anastomotic failure in rectal cancer surgery patients.

BackgroundDiverting ileostomy during resection of rectal cancer is frequently performed in patients at risk of anastomotic failure. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is reported to be frequent in patients who receive ileostomy closure with a questionable association to postoperative anastomosis leak. The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of CDI following ileostomy closure in patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery; the secondary aim was to assess the rate of postileostomy closure CDI in patients who presented with leakage at the original colorectal anastomosis site.MethodsMedical records of patients with rectal cancer who underwent ileostomy closure between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had previously received resection and anastomosis for primary rectal cancer with diverting ileostomy. Data regarding CDI incidence, preoperative status, perioperative management, and clinical outcomes were collected. CDI positivity was determined by direct real-time PCR and enzyme-linked fluorescent assays for detecting toxin A and B.Statistical analyses were computed for CDI risk factors.ResultsA total of 1270 patients were included and 208 patients were tested for CDI owing to colitis-related symptoms. The incidence of CDI was 3.6 per cent (46 patients). Multivariable analysis for CDI risk factors identified adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio (HR) 2.28; P = 0.034) and colorectal anastomosis leakage prior to CDI (HR 3.75; P = 0.008). Finally, patients with CDI showed higher colorectal anastomosis leakage risk in multivariable analysis after ileostomy closure (HR 6.922; P = 0.001).ConclusionPatients with CDI presented with a significantly higher rate of colorectal anastomosis leakage prior to ileostomy closure.

Transanal endoluminal repair for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection

BackgroundThere is still no consensus on the management of colorectal anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection. The goal was to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent transanal endoluminal repair + laparoscopic drainage ± stoma vs. drainage only ± stoma.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients sustaining anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection between January 2013 and September 2020 who required laparoscopic reoperation.ResultsForty-nine patients were included, 22 patients underwent combined laparoscopy and transanal endoluminal repair and 27 patients had drainage with a stoma (n = 16) or drainage alone (n = 11), without direct anastomotic repair. The overall morbidity rate was 30.6% and the mortality rate was 2%. Combined laparoscopic lavage/drainage and transanal endoluminal repair of anastomotic leakage was associated with a lower complication rate (13.6% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.03) and fewer intraabdominal infections (4.5% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.03) compared with no repair.ConclusionsCombined laparoscopic lavage/drainage and transanal endoluminal repair is effective in the management of colorectal anastomosis leakage and was associated with lower morbidity—in particular intraabdominal infection—compared with no repair. However, our results need to be confirmed in larger, and ideally randomized, studies.

Preoperative mechanical bowel preparation combined with oral antibacterials in the prevention of complications of surgery for rectal and rectosigmoid junction cancer

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) combined with oral antibacterials for the prevention of postoperative complications when preparing a patient for anterior rectal resection.Materials and methods: We analyzed shortterm results in 77 patients who had undergone anterior rectal resection for rectal and rectosigmoid junction cancer. Forty five (45) patients were prepared for surgery only with MBP. In 32 patients, in addition to MBP, oral antibacterial agents ciprofloxacin and metronidazole were used preoperatively.Results: The overall rate of postoperative complications was 6.25% (2/32 patients) in the group of combined preparation for surgery and 15.5% (7/45) in the group using only MBP. Surgical wound infection occurred in 1 patient in the combined preparation group and in 4 patients in the MBP only group. There was no anastomotic leak in the combined preparation group, whereas in the MBP only group, anastomotic leak occurred in 2 patients.Conclusion: Combined use of oral antibacterials and MBP before anterior rectal resection makes it possible to achieve an extremely low rate of the colorectal anastomosis leak. Further studies into the efficacy of this preparation regimen are needed, along with their discussion in the professional communities.

Leakage of colorectal anastomosis: the role and possibilities of visualisation (review)

In the literature review, the problem of colorectal anastomosis leakage is considered with an emphasis on the role and capabilities of radiology, including methodological features, diagnostic effectiveness and characteristic manifestations at various times after surgery, also controversial and unresolved issues of the use of various methods of radiation research are noted.

The role of transanal drainage tube in low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Total mesorectal excision with low anterior resection has significantly improved the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for rectal cancer, decreasing the local recurrence rate and increasing survival. However, total mesorectal excision is becoming one of the main factors for the development of colorectal anastomosis leakage, the rate of which reaches 20% in these operations. To minimize the complications associated with the inconsistency of the colorectal anastomotic suture, preventive intestinal stoma is formed when performing low anterior resections. That significantly worsen the quality of life of patients, their elimination requires re-hospitalization, and surgical interventions are accompanied by a high incidence of postoperative complications, reaching a rate of 20%, which has a significant impact on the cost of treatment for this category of patients. Transanal drainage is an alternative to the formation of preventive intestinal stoma and is devoid of its shortcomings. This literature review is devoted to an analysis of the effectiveness of transanal drainage in low anterior rectal resection. Until recently, transanal drainage has not yet gained popularity among surgeons due to the lack of evidence of its safety and effectiveness, and many studies are retrospective, including small samples. The review considered single-center, multicenter, randomized trials and a meta-analysis of the use of transanal drainage. Transanal drainage is an effective method for preventing the inconsistency of colorectal anastomotic suture, it is safe, and it surpasses the preventive intestinal stoma in a number of indicators.

INTRAABDOMINAL AND TRANSANAL VACUUM DRAINAGE FOR COLORECTAL ANASTOMOSIS LEAKAGE (case report)

AIM : to present a clinical case of treatment of colorectal anastomosis leakage complicated by secondary diffuse postoperative peritonitis with preservation of the anastomosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS : the patient was a 69-year-old male, with a diagnosis of the rectal cancer pT3N0M0, after surgery treatment (laparoscopic TME, ileostomy). The postoperative period was complicated by anastomosis leakage. RESULTS : we applied the method of surgical treatment, which included stage relaparotomy without resection of anastomosis with installing intraabdominal and pelvic system of negative pressure treatment and transanal endoluminal vacuum drainage at the anastomotic leakage site. CONCLUSION : the primary use of the method gave us encouraging results, which enables to consider the proposed technical approach as a promising option for treatment of such a complicated group of patients.

Colorectal anastomosis dehiscence: a call for more detailed morphological classification.

IntroductionA proactive approach is recommended in colorectal anastomosis leak treatment, and early diagnosis is very important. Early postoperative endoscopy would allow rapid diagnosis of anastomotic pathologies and consequent prompt intervention according to anastomotic disruption morphology.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of close endoscopic follow-up of all patients (including asymptomatic ones) in improving diagnosis of acute leak (AL) and reducing its complications.Material and methodsThis study included 124 patients who had undergone rectum resection for rectal cancer with stapled anastomosis. Endoscopy was performed between the 7th and 10th postoperative day and 1 month postoperatively. For defect morphology assessment, a classification system was created based on four levels of severity. Photographic findings were evaluated by an independent, experienced gastroenterologist.ResultsPostoperative endoscopy revealed 28 (22.6%) patients with acute leakage. Initial endoscopy confirmed AL in 18 patients. Six (31.6%) patients were asymptomatic and 13 (68.4%) were symptomatic. The second endoscopy revealed another 9 (32.1%) leaks (4 (44.5%) asymptomatic and 5 (55.5%) symptomatic). Sixteen (57.1%) patients had grade A leakages, 7 (25.0%) had grade B leakages, and 5 (17.9%) had grade C leakages. Furthermore, 22 of 27 (81%) defects were located posterior and posterior-laterally. Fifteen (55.5%) defects were smaller than 1/3 the circumference, 7 (25.9%) affected 1/3–1/2 of the circumference, and 5 (18.5%) affected more than 1/2 of the circumference.ConclusionsIncorporation of early endoscopy in postoperative management allows rapid diagnosis of AL and allows faster intervention, even in leaks that are clinically silent.

The importance of the Moskowitz artery as a lesser-known collateral pathway in the medial laparoscopic approach to splenic flexure mobilisation and its evaluation with preoperative computed tomography.

IntroductionThe collateral pathways between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) play an important role in colonic surgery. The most well-known are the Drummond marginal artery and Riolan’s arch. The Moskowitz artery, also known as the meandering mesenteric artery, is a lesser-known collateral pathway and represents another link between SMA and IMA. The Moskowitz artery runs along the colonic mesentery floor and represents the link between the proximal segment of the middle colic artery and the ascending branch of the left colic artery.AimTo comprehend the presence and importance of the Moskowitz artery (meandering mesenteric artery) in preoperative patients by using computed tomography (CT) studies.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed all abdominal CT images performed using intravenous contrast for any reason at the Radiology Department of Yeditepe University Hospital between April 2015 and September 2018. Patients older than 18 years with intravenous contrast (arterial and venous phases with a cross-section thickness of 0.625 mm), who underwent abdominal CT scan, and patients without any abdominal surgery were included in the study. As a result of the screening, 109 CT scans with eligibility criteria were included in this study.ResultsThere were 109 cases in this study; 50 (45.9%) of them were male and 59 (54.1%) were female. Moskowitz artery was found in 18 (16.5%) cases; 8 were males and 10 were females. Riolan’s arch was present in 30 cases, of whom 15 were male and 15 were female. In our study Moskowitz artery and Riolan’s arch were monitored as separate vascular structures, and in all cases with Moskowitz artery, Riolan’s arch was also present. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the combined MCA emerging type and the presence of MA, and 12 cases with combined branch and 6 cases with single branch had Moskowitz artery. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between LCA types and the presence of MA, and the Moskowitz artery was the most common seen at type 1 LCA.ConclusionsKnowledge of the relationship between Riolan’s arch and the Moskowitz artery is valuable, and preoperative evaluation of this artery may be beneficial in the presence of Riolan’s arch. In addition, preoperative radiological evaluation and its importance are prominent in minimising intraoperative bleeding during splenic flexure mobilisation with a medial laparoscopic approach and reducing the risk of colorectal anastomosis leakage.

CAN FLUORESCENT ANGIOGRAPHY REDUCE THE LEAK RATE OF COLONIC ANASTOMOSES? (a meta-analysis)

AIM: to evaluate of efficacy of fluorescence angiography (FA) in reducing the anastomotic leakage (AL) rate after colorectal surgery in meta-analysis.SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed were searched up to May 2019 for studies comparing fluorescence imaging with standard approach. The primary outcome measure was colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) rate. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment. A meta-analysis with random-effects model was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) from the original data.RESULTS: Two thousand four hundred and sixty-six patients from 7 non-randomized studies and 1 randomized study were included. Fluorescence imaging significantly reduced the AL rate in patients after colorectal surgery (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.39-0.85; p=0.006) and after rectal cancer surgery (OR 0.28; 95%CI, 0.14-0.55; p=0.0002). A limitation of this meta-analysis is the inclusion of only one randomized study.CONCLUSION: Fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green is a method of preventing of leakage of colorectal anastomosis. The results of randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this technique.

The diagnostic value of using nomograms in predicting the occurrence of colorectal anastomosis leakage (a literature review)

The anastomosis leakage is one of the most terrible complications of rectal cancer surgery. The anastomosis leakage rate after low anterior resection may exceed 20 %. The anastomosis leakage increases postoperative mortality, length of hospitalization, requires the formation of a temporary or permanent colostomy, which impairs the quality of life of patients. In recent years, some authors have suggested using a nomogram, a prognostic algorithm in the form of a graphic image showing the probability of a certain outcome individually for each patient. This review presents literature data on the use of nomograms in predicting the occurrence of colorectal anastomosis leakage after rectal cancer surgery.

Transanal and transabdominal reinforcement of staple line of colorectal anastomosis as a method of prevention of its leakage: literature review

The decrease of frequency of postoperative complications and leakage of colorectal anastomosis is one of the most important and actual problem of colorectal surgery. The formation of preventive stoma is a standard method of colorectal anastomotic leakage prevention. However, this method can bear to postoperative complications and disable patients. In this review article we discuss the results of transabdominal and transanal reinforcement of colorectal anastomosis as a method of leakage prevention.

The features of electric welding colorectal anastomosis creation in experiment and clinics

The frequency of colorectal anastomosis leak is significantly higher than other intestinal, up to 19%. The anastomosis, created by electro-weld method, had productive type of inside healing. Aim — to evaluate the technical features and efficiency of electro-welded colorectal anastomosis (EWCRA), in comparison with other types of intestinal welded anastomoses. 8 EWCRAs were created at chronic experiment in the distal third of the direct segment of the swine colon. After analyzing their effectiveness, EWCRA was applied in 4 patients: two at a distance of 3-4 cm from the anal sphincter, and two at the level of the upper ampulla unit. Previous radiation was received by 2 patients. The age of the patients was 40–79 years old. EWCRA was applied in a moment, end to end, by using a tool with circular electrodes, and devices — sources of electric welding impulses EK-300M1 and Patonmed EKVZ-300, produced by the Electric Welding Institute. In pigs weighing 45–75 kg. this instrument was inserted into the rectal lumen through proximal colotomy, in humans — via transanal. Welding influence at the EWCRA was controlled visually, and by the impedance curve flow on the control apparatus screen. In the experiment, EWCRA healing was morphologically investigated in the planned healing periods. When fixing the gut on the instrument, the rigidity of rectal walls was noted, which required additional efforts to compress the electrodes to smooth the walls along the electrodes surface. During the test of rectal swelling with colored liquid, all EWCRAs were sealed. Pigs got up after 6–12 hours in an attempt to drink; by the end of the day, 7 out of 8 pigs had already demanded food. In the 2 pigs, the gut was empty at the end of the first postoperative period, at 6 - during the second (on average 25.4±5.1 hours). The thickness of the EWCRA substrate reached 0.3 mm. Recovery of EWCRA occurred initially, without signs of destruction of the welded tissue substrate and the intestinal walls around the EWCRA, by the typical post-welding productive proliferation healing type. In one patient, the leak of the lower EWCRA was detected on the 7th day, against the stool continuity, after the intestinal contents appearance by drainage. The patient got a stoma and recovered. In patients first stool was observed after 29–57 hours after the operation, including a patient with anastomosis dehiscence (48 hours). None had a feeling of obstruction, unbridled imperative calls to the chair etc. According to the endoscopy, the ulceration of the EWCRA site was limited by the epithelial layer, and did not lead to bleeding or necrosis deepening. One patient with an electrically welded descendent-rectoanastomosis, died on the 4th day as a result of acute cerebrovascular disruption. According to autopsy, EWCRA did not show signs of failure, the pattern of healing was consistent with productive inflammation, with the presence of a continuous connection, a powerful fibrilogenesis of the permeation zone of collagen fibers, the network of functioning newly formed small vessels of granulation tissue, the absence of tissue fragmentation. Of the 3 patients with EWCRA, it was traced up to 2 years — 3 patients, 3 years — 2, 5 years — 1. They did not have purulent complications. There was no ulceration or narrowing of the intestine through the EWCRA line, the gut lumen was restored, the mucosal folds were restored near the connection line. So, the electric-welded tool with circular electrodes using enables the in-moment colorectal anastomosis creation after the low anterior resection of the rectum. The greater the thickness of the muscular lays of the human rectum, and its individual diameter variations require to use a number of special tools.