The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Can transanal tube placement after anterior resection for rectal carcinoma reduce anastomotic leakage rate? A single institution prospective randomized study. World J Surg 2011; 35: 1367–1377.

Published: 5th August 2011

Authors: Xiao L, Zhang W, Jiang P-C, Bu X-F, Yan Q, Li H et al.

Conclusion

The study included 398 patients undergoing low anterior resection. Placement of a transanal tube reduced the resting rectal pressure and halved the clinical anastomotic leak rate from 9.6 to 4 per cent (P=0.026). More patients with a leak required reoperation in the no tube group: 82 vs. 29 per cent, P=0.021.

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