Management of anastomotic leakage after anus-preserving operation in patients with rectal cancer: a report of 11 cases

Objective: To investigate the causes,management and preventive measures for anastomotic leakage after radical resection for rectal cancer.Methods: From Jan.2002 to Aug.2009,11 cases of anastomic leakage after 112 cases of anus-preserving operation were retrospectively analyzed.Results: The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 9.8%.Ten of the cases received non-surgical treatment and 1 case recovered after re-operation.Conclusions: Adequate preoperative preparation,proper attention to the blood supply and tension of the anastomosis,rational use of the stapler,reasonable selection of the drainage tube are key to the prevention of fistula.By effective and timely drainage,most of the anastomotic leakage can be cured.