ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the risk factors,diagnosis,treatment and management of anastomotic leakage after radical resection for rectal cancer and preservation of anal sphincter.Methods:The clinical data of 220 rectal cancer patients,undergone sphincter preserving surgery from 2003 to 2008,was analyzed retrospectively.Results:The incidence of anastomotic leakage among the 220 rectal cancer patients was 7.3%(16 patients).14 cases of anastomotic leakage were healed by conservative therapy.The treatment included nutritional support,catheter drainage of abscesses and the use of antibiotics.The other 2 patients were healed by secondary operation.Conclusions:Age,general condition,anastomotic location,operative technique and bowel preparation are the risk factors for the development of anastomotic leakage.Early diagnosis and effective treatment are the crucial to heal anastomotic leakage.