Incidence and influencing factors of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer.Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 804 patients with rectal cancer who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2017 to December 2019 were collected. There were 521 male and 283 female, aged 63(range, 27-94)years. All 804 patients underwent laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage; (3) follow-up; (4) influencing factors of postoperative anastomotic leakage; (5) subgroup analysis. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribu-tion were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Univariate analysis was conducted using the chi-square test or independent sample t test. Factors with P≤0.2 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results:(1) Surgical situations. All 804 patients underwent laparoscopic radical resection of upper and middle rectal cancer successfully, with the operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss as 135(range, 118-256)minutes and 30(range, 5-350)mL. All 804 patients completed end-to-end colon rectal anastomosis, including 287 patients with reinforced sutures at the anastomotic site, and 517 patients with routine anastomosis. (2) Incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage. Of the 804 patients, 40 patients had postoperative anastomotic leakage, with the incidence rate as 4.98%(40/804). (3) Follow-up. All 804 patients were followed up for 32(range, 6-49)months. None of patient died during the perioperative period. (4) Influencing factors of postoperative anastomotic leakage. Results of multivariate analysis showed that unreinforced suture at the anastomotic site was an independent risk factor for postoperative anastomotic leakage ( odds ratio=2.78, 95% confidence interval as 1.21-6.37, P<0.05). (5) Subgroup analysis. Of the 804 patients, 202 patients received neoadjuvant therapy and 602 patients did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. Of the 602 patients who did not receive neo-adjuvant therapy, cases with postoperative anastomotic leakage was 6 in the 253 patients with reinforced sutures, versus 21 in the 349 patients with routine sutures, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=4.56, P<0.05). Conclusion:Unreinforced anastomosis at the anasto-motic site is an independent risk factor for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic anterior rectal resection, especially for rectal cancer patients without neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy.

Surgical technique and considerations about transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis: the search for a perfect anastomosis

The evaluation of preventivemeasures and risk factors for anastomotic leakage has been a constant concern among colorectal surgeons. In this context, the description of a new way to perform a colorectal, coloanal or ileoanal anastomosis, known as transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis, deserves an appreciation of its qualities, and a discussion about its properties and technical details. In the present paper, the authors review themost recent efforts aiming to reduce anastomotic dehiscence, and describe the TTSS technique in a patient submitted to laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis. Surgical perception raises important advantages such as distal rectal transection under visualization, elimination of double-stapling lines (with cost-effectiveness and potential protection against suture dehiscence), elimination of dog ears, and the opportunity to be accomplished via a transanal approach after open, laparoscopic, or robotic colorectal resections. Future studies to confirm these supposed advantages are needed. (AU)

Clinical Effect Addition and Subtraction Therapy of Si Junzitang Combined with Simotang to Outlet Obstructive Constipation After Stapled Trans-anal Rectal Resection / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe clinical effect of addition and subtraction therapy of Si Junzitang combined with Simotang to outlet obstructive constipation (OOC) after stapled trans-anal rectal resection (STARR). Method:One hundred and twenty-four patients were randomly divided into control group (62 cases) and observation group (62 cases) by random number table. Patients in control group got Qirong Ruichang oral liquid, 20 mL/time, 3 times/day. After operation, patients in observation group got addition and subtraction therapy of Si Junzitang combined with Simotang, 1 dose/day. And courses of treatment in two groups were 4 weeks, and 8 weeks' follow-up was recorded. Before the operation and at the second and fourth week after treatment, and the eighth week of follow-up, scores of main symptoms of constipation and Longo ODS were graded. Before the operation and at the fourth week after treatment, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), constipation patients quality of life self-assessment scale (PAC-QOL), anorectal pressure, anal resting pressure (ARP), maximum anal systolic pressure (MSP), rectal defecation pressure (RSP), FSV, CRS and MTV were recorded. And incidence, recurrence, normal defecation, satisfaction at the fourth week after the operation and safety were evaluated. Result:The clinical rate in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=2.096, P<0.05). At the second, fourth after treatment and eigh weeks' for follow-up, score of main symptoms of constipation and Longo ODS were both lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Levels of ARP, FSV, FSV, CRS and MDA were lower than those in control group (P<0.01), levels of MSP, RSP and SOD were higher than those in control group (P<0.01). Incidence and recurrence rate in observation group were 20.97% (13/62) and 4.84% (3/62) were all lower than 39.71% (24/62) and 16.13% (10/62) in control group (P<0.05). Normal defecation rate in observation group was 91.94% (57/62) higher than 80.65% (50/62) in control group, but there was no statistical significance in two groups. And total score of PAC-QOL and scores of each factor were all lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Then there was no adverse reaction related to the traditional Chinese medicine. Conclusion:Addition and subtraction therapy of Si Junzitang combined with Simotang can reduce constipation symptoms and the degree of illness, improve the quality of life, reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence rate, and improve anorectal dynamic indicators and oxidative stress indicators, improve the clinical efficacy.

Resección anterior del recto ultrabaja laparoscópica con anastomosis coloanal en cáncer del recto bajo / Laparoscopic Ultralow Anterior Rectal Resection with Coloanal Anastomosis in Low Rectum Cancer

RESUMEN Introducción: La resección anterior del recto ultrabaja laparoscópica con anastomosis coloanal evita la realización una colostomía definitiva. Objetivo: Determinar las indicaciones, describir la técnica quirúrgica y mostrar los resultados a largo plazo obtenidos en la realización de este proceder en el tratamiento del cáncer del recto bajo. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y prospectivo de 53 pacientes con cáncer del recto bajo en el período comprendido entre octubre 2007 y noviembre 2018 en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Todas las resecciones fueron llevadas a cabo por un grupo dedicado a la cirugía colorrectal, en todos los casos se realizó la excisión total del mesorrecto. Resultados: Se operaron mediante esta técnica 53 pacientes, 30 masculinos y 23 femeninos con un promedio de edad de 57 años (rango 23-81) y de ellos 42 (79,2 por ciento) después de terapia neoadyuvante. El promedio de tiempo quirúrgico fue de 195 min (rango 90-360) y las pérdidas hemáticas estimadas, de 72 mL. La incidencia de morbilidad mayor fue de 16,9 por ciento (9/53) y la media de estadía hospitalaria de 6,3 días. La media del periodo de seguimiento fue de 40 meses (rango 1-132) con una recidiva local de 9,4 por ciento (5/53) y una supervivencia global a los 5 años de 80,3 por ciento. Conclusiones: La resección anterior del recto ultrabaja laparoscópica con anastomosis coloanal es una técnica segura con excelentes resultados en cuanto a recidiva local y supervivencia global(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Laparoscopic ultralow anterior rectal resection with coloanal anastomosis prevents the performance of a definitive colostomy. Objective: To determine the indications, describe the surgical technique and show the long-term outcome of performing this procedure in the treatment of cancer of the lower rectum. Method: A descriptive and prospective observational study of 53 patients with low rectal cancer was carried out in the period between October 2007 and November 2018, at the National Center for Minimum Access Surgery. All resections were carried out by a group dedicated to colorectal surgery. In all cases, the total mesorectal excision was performed. Results: 53 patients (30 males and 23 females), with an average age of 57 years (range 23-81) and 42 (79.2 percent) after neoadjuvant therapy were operated using this technique. The average surgical time was 195 min (range 90-360) and the estimated blood loss was 72 mL. The incidence of major morbidity was 16.9 percent (9/53) and the average hospital stay was 6.3 days. The mean follow-up period was 40 months (range 1-132), with a local relapse of 9.4 percent (5/53) and a 5-year overall survival of 80.3 percent. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ultralow anterior resection of the rectum with coloanal anastomosis is a safe technique with excellent outcomes in terms of local relapse and overall survival(AU)

Desarrollo de la resección colo-rectal mínimamente invasiva en un servicio de cirugía universitario / Development of Minimally Invasive Colo-Rectal Resection in a University Surgery Service / Desenvolvimento de ressecção colo-rretal minimamente invasiva em serviço de cirurgia universitária

Introducción: A pesar de que la evidencia actual respalda ampliamente el abordaje laparoscópico para las resecciones de colon y recto en función de su seguridad y resultados oncológicos, el desarrollo y adopción del mismo ha sido lento y aún hoy no es de rutina en la mayoría de los centros. Se presenta la experiencia inicial en la Clínica Quirúrgica 2 del Hospital Maciel. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que comprende 41 resecciones laparoscópicas en el período 2016-2018. Resultados: El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 3 h para las colectomías y 4 h para las resecciones de recto. El porcentaje de conversión fue de 10%, la falla de sutura del 12% y la mortalidad a 30 días del 13%. Discusión: El abordaje laparoscópico para la colectomía y resección de recto es seguro y con aceptables resultados oncológicos de acuerdo a nuestros resultados. La curva de aprendizaje se sustenta en el volumen anual de cirugías, la realización de otros procedimientos de laparoscopía avanzada y el entrenamiento en simuladores. Conclusiones: nuestra experiencia muestra resultados inmediatos similares a los reportados en la literatura nacional, aunque el tiempo seguimiento aún es insuficiente para analizar los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo.

Introduction: Although current evidence widely supports the laparoscopic approach for resections of the colon and rectum according to their safety and oncological results, the development and adoption of the same has been slow and even today is not routine in most centers. The initial experience is presented in the Surgical Clinic 2 of the Maciel Hospital. Methods: A retrospective study comprising 41 laparoscopic resections in the period 2016-2018. Results: The mean operative time was 3 hours for colectomies and 4 hours for rectal resections. The conversion rate was 10%, the suture failure was 12% and the 30-day mortality was 13%. Discussion: The laparoscopic approach for colectomy and rectal resection is safe and with acceptable oncological results according to our results. The learning curve is based on the annual volume of surgeries, the performance of other advanced laparoscopy procedures and training in simulators. Conclusions: our experience shows immediate results similar to those reported in the national literature, although the follow-up time is still in sufficient to analyze the long-termoncological results.

Introdução: Embora as evidências atuais apóiem amplamente a abordagem laparoscópica para ressecções do cólon e do reto de acordo com sua segurança e resultados ontológicos, o desenvolvimento e a adoção dos mesmos têm sido lentos e até hoje não é rotineiro na maioria dos casos os centros. A experiência inicial é apresentada na Clínica Cirúrgica 2 do Hospital Maciel. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 41 ressecções laparoscópicas no período 2016-2018. Resultados: O tempo operatório médio foi de 3 horas para colectomias e 4 horas para ressecções retais. A taxa de conversão foi de 10%, a falha na sutura foi de 12% e a mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 13%. Discussão: A abordagem laparoscópica para a colectomia e ressecção retal é segura e com resultados ontológicos aceitáveis de acordo com nossos resultados. A curva de aprendizado é baseada no volume anual de cirurgias, no desempenho de outros procedimentos avançados de laparoscopia e no treinamento em simuladores. Conclusões: nossa experiência mostra resultados imediatos semelhantes aos relatados na literatura nacional, embora o tempo de seguimento ainda seja insuficiente para analisar os resultados ontológicos em longo prazo.

Procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids versus stapled transanal rectal resection in the treatment of grade IV hemorrhoids / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective@#To compare the efficacy and safety of two procedures in the treatment of hemorrhoid: the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) and stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR).@*Methods@#A retrospective cohort research was conducted. Clinical data of 263 patients undergoing the first elective surgery for grade IV hemorrhoids by the same team of surgeons at our department from January 2015 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively, while those had other anorectal diseases, emergency surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, tumor and incomplete clinical data were excluded. PPH was performed in 129 patients and STARR was performed in 134 patients. PPH procedure: a circular purse 2-0 string suture was made at 4 cm above the dentate line; in accordance with the standard protocol, the PPH circular stapling devicewas introduced; the suture was closed, and a pull-through followed; the traction was continued; the stapler was fired; the prolapsed mucosa and submucosa were removed. STARR procedure: 3-5 needles were sutured in the anterior rectal mucosa, protecting the posterior wall mucosa; with the help of a finger the PPH stapler was inserted into the vaginal lumen; the sutures were hooked from both sides of the stapler to maintain traction; according to the disease condition, the suturewas tightened appropriately; stapler was screwed and activated; the anterior wall mucosa was removed; the joint of the both ends of anastomosis was cut; the posterior wall mucosa was removed as well. The short-term efficacy, surgical safety and prognosis of the two groups were compared.@*Results@#There were 67 males (51.9%) in the PPH group and 57 (42.5%) males in the STARR group. The median age of the two groups was 51.0 (22.0, 80.0) years and 49.0 (24.0, 74.0) years, respectively. There were no significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). No significant differences in the intraoperative bleeding, length of hospital stay, postoperative analgesic drug use, postoperative bleeding, postoperative infection, etc. were found between two groups (all P>0.05). As compared to PPH group, STAAR group had longer operation time and higher hospitalization cost with significant differences [(44.0±19.3) minutes vs. (26.3±8.5) minutes, t=9.701, P=0.001; (11 047±473) yuan vs. (7674±309) yuan, t=32.826, P=0.001]. One case in STAAR group developed rectovaginal fistula. The median follow-up period of the whole group was 40 (33, 52) months. A total of 108 cases in STARR group and 114 cases in PPH group completed the follow-up. The 3-year disease-relapse rate was 0 in STARR group and 4.2% in PPH group (P=0.042).@*Conclusion@#STARR procedure can improve the prognosis in the treatment of grade IV hemorrhoid, but attention should be paid to the development of complications.

Complication related factors of PPH and STARR / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate complications from two anal stapling operations of anorectal surgery,the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) and the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR).Methods The data of 1 276 patients undergoing PPH for hemorrhoids and 149 patients having STARR for ODS from January 2010 to January 2015,in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital were studied.More than six months of follow-up was done.Statistics used included t Test and Chi-square test,Logistic regression analysis.Results Complications of PPH and STARR included hemorrhage in 27 cases (2.1％) vs.3 cases (2.0％);pain in 285 cases (22.3％) vs.6 cases (4.0％);uroschesis in 96 cases (7.5％) vs.12 cases (8.1％);edema in 227 cases (17.8％) vs.16 cases (10.7％);defecatory urgency in 194 cases (15.2％) vs.38 cases (25.5％);anastomotic infection in 17 cases (1.3％) vs.2 cases (1.3％);mild anal incontinence in 11 cases (0.9％) vs.2 cases (1.3％);anastomotic stenosis in 11 cases (0.9％) vs.1 case (0.7％).There was a positive correlation between dry stool,defecatory urgency and hemorrhage after PPH.PPH compared to STARR:The post-operative pain,edema and defecatory urgency and overall complication rate was significantly different (t =26.51,x2 =4.69,x2 =10.38,x2 =37.12,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions PPH and STARR have rare serious complications and easy to handle.Abnormal defecation such as dry stool and defecatory urgency is an important risk of hemorrhage.

Transanal gauze packing to manage massive presacral bleeding secondary to prescral abscess caused by rectal anastomotic leakage: a novel approach

Anastomotic leakage following rectal resection is a serious and fearful complication, and may cause presacral abscess and/or peritonitis. To our knowledge, massive hematochezia secondary to presacral abscess caused by anastomotic leakage has not yet been reported in the literature. We observed this rare and life-threatening complication in three patients who were successfully treated with a simple but effective transanal gauze packing technique.

Application of stapled transanal rectal resection in treatment rectocele / 中国综合临床

Objective To evaluate the clinical curative effect and safety of the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in treatment rectocele. Methods Ninety-two cases suffering from rectocele were treated with rectal inferior extremity half circum mucosectomy by PPH stapler. The operative time, operation effect,complication and recurrence rate were studied. Results All cases were operated successfully. The mean operation time was (25 ±8)min,The totol effective rate was 100% ,postoperative complication included inferior abdomen discomfort and pain (32 cases,34. 7%),urinary retention(9 cases,9. 8%) ,anal anus pain(5 cases, 5. 4%) and bleeding(3 cases,3. 3%). The average length of postoperative stay was 1-5 days (average[2. 2 ±0. 9]days). The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 40 months and no recurrence was observed. Conclusion The stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) has several advantages,such as safety,rapid recovery,good recent therapeutic effect and lower recurrence in treating rectocele.

Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage after Laparoscopic Rectal Resection

PURPOSE: The anastomotic leakage rate after rectal resection has been reported to be approximately 2.5-21 percent, but most results were associated with open surgery. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors and their relationship to the experience of the surgeon for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic rectal resection. METHODS: Between March 2003 and December 2008, 156 patients underwent a laparoscopic rectal resection without a diverting ileostomy. The patients' characteristics, the details of treatment, the intraoperative results, and the postoperative results were recorded prospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify risk factors for anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: The majority of operations were performed for malignant disease (n = 150; 96.2%), and 96 patients (61.5%) were males. Conversion to open surgery occurred in 1 case (0.6%). The anastomotic leak rate was 10.3% (16/156), and there were no mortalities. In the univariate analysis, tumor location, anastomotic level, intraoperative events, and operation time were associated with increased anastomotic leakage rate. In the multivariate analysis, anastomotic level (odds ratio [OR], 6.855; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.271 to 36.964) and operation time (OR, 8.115; 95% CI, 1.982 to 33.222) were significantly associated with anastomotic leakage. CONCLUSION: The important risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic rectal resection without a diverting ileostomy were low anastomosis and long operation time. An additional procedure, such as diverting stoma, may reduce the anastomotic leakage if it is selectively applied in cases with these risk factors.

Comparison Between Laparoscopic and Open Radical Operation in Patients with Rectal Cancer of Different Ages / 中国普外基础与临床杂志

0.05).In the elderly group,every complication rates of LR were lower than those of OR(P

Management of the Symptoms after a Resection of the Rectum

Many patients have functional disturbances after a traditional restorative rectal resection, complaining of urgency, frequent bowel movements, and occasional fecal incontinence. The rectal reservoir function is disturbed, and this is related to the size of the rectal remnant and the elastic properties of the neorectal wall. A straight anastomosis is recommended when the reservoir capacity of the rectal remnant is sufficient. A side-to-end anastomosis is probably preferable to an end-to-end anastomosis. If a straight anastomosis is considered, the descending colon is much better than the sigmoid colon. If optimal functional results are to be obtained soon after surgery, construction of a pouch is recommended when the rectal remnant is very short. There seems to be a balance between continence without urgency and evacuation ability. For patients with weak sphincter muscles and habitually loose feces, the surgeon should tailor the length of the pouch to be longer whereas it should be made smaller for patients with a pre-operative tendency toward constipation. In the long-term, bowel adaptation may also enable the function after a straight anastomosis to approximate that of a colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis. Where the pelvis is too narrow for a bulky colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis, a coloplasty-anal- anastomosis is an option. The latter results in postoperative bowel function comparable with that of the colonic J-pouch. Traditionally, poor bowel function has been managed expectantly. The colonic adaptation may take one or two years to occur after a low anterior resection. The patient is advised to take adequate soluble fiber in the diet and to avoid foods which aggravate the bowel dysfunction. Those with increased stool frequency are prescribed constipating agents to help control the symptoms. Patients with rectal evacuation problems are prescribed regular laxatives and enemas.

Early Experience with a Stapled TransAnal Rectal Resection for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the early outcome of a stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) patients with rectocele and rectal intussusception. METHODS: From January to December in 2005, 41 patients with the symptoms of obstructed defecation and the findings of rectocele and rectal intussusception in defecography, who failed in conservative management, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent the STARR procedure. Preoperatively all patients received colonoscopy, a colon transit time test, cinedefecography, etc. The constipation score was evaluated by using the Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF) constipation score preoperatively and at 1 month and 3 months after operation. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55.3 (19~76) years. There were three males and thirty-eight females. The mean operation time was 39.3 (25~80) minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 4.2 (4~6) days. Complications were fecal urgency in 9 cases (21.9%), which improved after 3 months, bleeding in 5 cases (12.2%), and anastomotic stenosis in 1 case (2.4%). At postoperative defecography, both intussusception and rectocele had disappeared in most patients. All constipation symptoms were significantly improved (P < 0.01). The mean CCF constipation score was 17.6 (11~24) preoperatively, and improved to 9.1 after 1 month and 8.2 after 3 months (P < 0.01). The overall patient satisfaction was graded as excellent, good, fairly good and poor in 19 cases (46.3%), 13 cases (31.7%), 4 cases (9.7%), and 5 cases (12.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The STARR procedure seems to be a safe and effective procedure in ODS patients with rectocele and rectal intussusception. However, further study of the long-term results is required.

Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage after Laparoscopic Rectal Resection in Rectal Cancer: Does Laparoscopic Rectal Resection Increase Anastomotic Leakage Rate?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for clinical anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: From March 2001 and February 2006 in Seoul Veterans' Hospital, the prospective laparoscopic colorectal resection database identified 101 patients who a had laparoscopic rectal resection with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. The associations between clinical anastomotic leakage and patient-, tumor-, surgery- and laparoscopic-related variables were studied. RESULTS: The rate of clinical anastomotic leakage was 4 percent (4 of 101). The patient-related variable significantly associated with clinical anastomotic leakage was preoperative radiotherapy. The surgery-related factor that turned out to be significant was anastomosis situated less than 5 cm from the anal verge. No tumor- or laparoscopic-related variables were significantly associated with clinical anastomotic leakage. CONSLUSIONS: A protective ileostomy should be considered after a laparoscopic rectal resection for an rectal cancer for anastomosis situated less than 5 cm from the anal verge, particularly when preoperative radiotherapy is being used.

A Case Treated with Oren-Gedoku-to for Mucous Staining in the Underwear after Low Anterior Rectal Resection / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Low anterior rectal resection was performed for lower rectal sm carcinoma. The patient had not complained of staining his underwear while hospitalized but only when he resumed work as a metal sheet worker. He then started to find his underwear stained with mucus.<br>The operation he had undergone was end to end anastomosis of the sigmoid colon and the rectum with EEA mechanical anastomosis. During the operation, there was an insecure site in one part of the doughnut ring, and therefore another three stitches for total layered suturing were made manually. An artificial anus was introduced temporarily. Since IVH was performed for two weeks after operation, no particular sutural insufficiency was noted.<br>It was assumed that underwear staining with mucus was due to some kind of persistent inflammation at the site of anastomosis. Based on Kampo medicine, the patient was diagnosed as “pathogenic dampness-heat combination”, and was given Oren-gedoku-to to clear away “heat-evil and dampness-evil”. This Kampo preparation proved to be very effective. The underwear staining was reduced considerably, though the anal sphincter remained hypotonic. Hochu-ekki-to was given to elevate and resume sphincteral tension. No report has previously been made concerning the use of a Kampo formulation in mucous staining of the underwear after low anterior rectal resection.