Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer using a stapling technique.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer using a stapling technique.

METHODS

The total prospective registry of 111 patients with rectal cancer who initially underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection using a stapling technique was reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify relevant risk factors.

RESULTS

Overall anastomotic leakage rate was 5.4% (6/111). Univariate analysis demonstrated that body mass index (BMI) (P=0.0377) was significantly associated with anastomotic leakage. After univariate analysis, the variables of BMI and the size of the circular stapler (P=0.0923) were selected for multivariate analysis, as their P values were <0.2, and multivariate analysis demonstrated that BMI was independently predictive of developing anastomotic leakage (P=0.0458).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer using a stapling technique can be performed safely without increasing the risk of anastomotic leakage, and increased BMI might be a potential risk factor for anastomotic leakage.