Published online Jul 7, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i25.5718
Peer-review started: April 8, 2016
First decision: May 27, 2016
Revised: May 30, 2016
Accepted: June 13, 2016
Article in press: June 13, 2016
Published online: July 7, 2016
Processing time: 87 Days and 16.7 Hours
Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most devastating complications after rectal cancer surgery. The double stapling technique has greatly facilitated intestinal reconstruction especially for anastomosis after low anterior resection (LAR). Risk factor analyses for AL after open LAR have been widely reported. However, a few studies have analyzed the risk factors for AL after laparoscopic LAR. Laparoscopic rectal surgery provides an excellent operative field in a narrow pelvic space, and enables total mesorectal excision surgery and preservation of the autonomic nervous system with greater precision. However, rectal transection using a laparoscopic linear stapler is relatively difficult compared with open surgery because of the width and limited performance of the linear stapler. Moreover, laparoscopic LAR exhibits a different postoperative course compared with open LAR, which suggests that the risk factors for AL after laparoscopic LAR may also differ from those after open LAR. In this review, we will discuss the risk factors for AL after laparoscopic LAR.
Core tip: Recently, many studies have reported that laparoscopic rectal surgery is becoming popular and exhibits favorable outcomes compared with open surgery. However, the anastomotic leakage (AL) rate after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) is yet about 10%, and AL remains a huge challenge despite many surgical and technological advances. Here we review the current literature published with respect to the risk factors for AL after laparoscopic LAR.