Ligation Level Doesn’t Impact Anastomotic Leakage in Rectal Cancer

Low vs. high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery during rectal cancer surgery shows no significant difference in anastomotic leakage rates.

Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4.9% (low ligation) vs. 6.0% (high ligation); no significant difference (p=0.68).
30-day postoperative morbidity was 14.0% for low ligation vs. 22.0% for high ligation (p=0.08).

Surgeons can choose either ligation method without compromising patient outcomes.

Long-term bowel function and other quality-of-life measures were similar across both groups.

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