Abstract
Despite advances in rectal cancer surgery, anastomotic leakage (AL) remains a common
complication with a significant impact on patient recovery, health care costs, and
oncologic outcomes. The spectrum of clinical severity associated with AL is broad,
and treatment options are diverse with highly variable practices across the colorectal
community. To be effective, the treatment must match not only the patient's current
status but also the type of leak, the surgeon's skill, and the resources available.
In this chapter, we will review the current and emergent treatment modalities for
AL after rectal cancer surgery.
Keywords
colorectal surgery - rectal cancer - anastomotic leak - endosponge - postoperative
complication
