Rate of Anastomotic Leakage After Rectal Anastomosis Depends on the Definition: Pelvic Abscesses are Significant

Background and Aims: The International Study Group of Rectal Cancer has proposed that a pelvic abscess in the proximity of the anastomosis is considered an anastomotic leak, whether or not its point of origin is detectable. This study describes how the inclusion of pelvic abscesses alters the leakage rate. Material and Methods: Risk factors and postoperative complications in patients with visible anastomotic leakage (“direct leakage”), pelvic...