Collagen Changes in Distal Anastomotic Margin and Anastomotic Stenosis

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer can alter collagen structure, increasing the risk of postoperative anastomotic stenosis. A retrospective study with 371 patients revealed that collagen score (CS) is an independent risk factor for anastomotic stenosis. A predictive nomogram based on CS accurately identified individuals at risk for postoperative anastomotic stenosis, with good discrimination and validation results.