Pelvic Drain After Rectal Resection for Mid-low Rectal Cancer

Pelvic Drain After Rectal Resection for Mid-low Rectal Cancer: a Randomised Controlled Trial

This RCT aims at assessing the effects of a pelvic drain after total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer on the rates of pelvic sepsis and anastomotic leaks.

This is a 2-arm, non-inferiority RCT. Patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer will be randomly assigned into two groups:

• pelvic drain
• no pelvic drain. Patients will be followed-up to assess the rates of anastomotic leaks, pelvic sepsis and secondary outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or Female, 18 year-of-age or above
• Mid or low rectal cancer
• Anastomosis below the peritoneal reflection
• Total mesorectal excision (TME)
• Capability to understand the study
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• For women, pregnancy
• Chronic kidney failure or hepatic failure, immunodepression, malnoutrition
• Life expectancy < 6 months
• Partial mesorectal excision
• Abdominoperineal excision
• Multivisceral resections
• Emergency surgery