Can trans-anal reinforcing sutures after double stapling in lower anterior resection reduce the need for a temporary diverting ostomy?

Table 1 Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and operative records

	Suture group (n = 47)	Control group (n = 63)	P value
Sex			0.196
Male	29 (61.7)	31 (49.2)
Female	18 (38.3)	32 (50.8)
Age (yr) (range)	64.1 ± 9.8 (39-80)	61.4 ± 11.0 (42-82)	0.199
BMI (kg/m2) (range)	24.1 ± 3.1 (18.5-33.7)	23.5 ± 2.7 (17.9-28.8)	0.272
Tumor level (cm above AV) (ranges)	9.7 ± 3.9 (2-15)	9.7 ± 3.6 (4-15)	0.974
Diverting ileostomy	6 (12.8)	19 (30.2)	0.031
Length of the operation (min) (ranges)	198.3 ± 75.7 (90-477)	212.1 ± 65.0 (75-335)	0.305
Estimated blood loss (mL) (ranges)	174.5 ± 348.0 (0-2000)	188.4 ± 301.5 (0-1500)	0.823

Data are expressed as absolute numbers (percentage) or mean ± SD. BMI: Body mass index; AV: Anal verge.

Table 2 Postoperative courses

	Suture group (n = 47)	Control group (n = 63)	P value
Flatus (d) (range)	1.5 ± 0.9 (0-4)	1.5 ± 1.2 (0-7)	0.809
Stool (d) (range)	4.1 ± 2.5 (0-10)	3.8 ± 1.7 (1-7)	0.675
Feed (d) (range)	2.8 ± 1.1 (1-6)	2.3 ± 1.8 (1-13)	0.103
Postoperative HS (d), (range)	11.0 ± 5.6 (4-36)	9.8 ± 6.7 (5-44)	0.321
Complications	4 (8.5)	7 (11.1)	0.656
Anastomotic leakage	3 (6.4)	5 (7.9)	0.759
Conservative management	1	3
Reoperation	2	2
Intra-abdominal bleeding	0	1 (1.6)	0.390
Postoperative ARF	1 (2.1)	1 (1.6)	0.390

Data are expressed as absolute numbers (percentage) or mean ± SD. HS: Hospital stay; ARF: Acute renal failure.