Anastomotic Bleeding in Colorectal Anastomosis Relating to the Placement of the Stapler Spike to the Staple Line

Anastomotic Bleeding in Primary Double-stapled Colorectal Anastomosis Relating to the Placement of the Stapler Spike to the Staple Line

Each colorectal anastomosis is routinely evaluated intraoperatively by sigmoidoscopy and, in the presence of signs of bleeding, also postoperatively (persistent rectal bleeding within 24 hours after surgery).

The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of anastomotic bleeding in double-stapled anastomoses in relation to the position of the trocar relative to the rectal staple line (on the mesenteric side of the rectal staple line versus opposite the mesenteric side).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Colorectal surgery with primary colorectal anastomosis using the double-stapling technique, including side-to-end or end-to-end anastomosis
• Documented anastomotic orientation (mesenteric vs. antimesenteric)

Exclusion Criteria:

• TME