ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and compare the incidence rates of postoperative anastomotic leak following laparoscopic (LP) versus open (OP) lower anterior resection for rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-three cases of LP and 135 cases of OP lower anterior resection with rectal cancer site 5-8 cm away from anal edge were operated by the same surgeon team from Sep. 2000 to Dec. 2005. The differences of postoperative anastomotic leak of protective stomy and non-protective stomy between LP and OP groups were analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In LP group, the incidence rates of the postoperative anastomotic leak of protective stomy and non-protective stomy were 4.6% (1/22) and 6.5% (2/31) respectively (P>0.05, chi(2)=0.088). In OP group, the incidence rates were 2.3% (1/43) and 8.7% (8/92) respectively (P>0.05, chi(2)=1.024). No significant difference existed between LP and OP groups with protective stomy (P=0.455), neither did LP and OP groups without protective stomy (P=0.288).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Laparoscopic low anterior resection of rectal cancer is a safe procedure. It doesn't increase the incidence rate of anastomotic leak as compared to traditional open surgery.</p>