A worldwide study investigated the treatment of anastomotic leaks following rectal cancer surgery, categorizing strategies into salvage surgery, passive or active drainage, and no initial faecal diversion. Among 2470 patients, the study found that primary salvage surgery and omitting faecal diversion represented the most severe and least severe cases, respectively. In patients with diverted leaks, stoma-free survival didn’t significantly differ between passive and active drainage. However, active drainage resulted in more secondary surgeries, longer hospital stays, and increased ICU admissions.
Journal Article by Greijdanus NG, Wienholts K (…) de Wilt JHW et 18 al. in Br J Surg
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