Pilot Study for Evaluation of the Need for Protective Ileostomy After Low Anterior Resection Due to Rectal Cancer

Since introduction of total mesorectal excision prognosis and quality of life of patients with rectal cancer of the middle or lower third of the rectum could be improved significantly. There is no valid data about the need of protective ileostomy in these patients. About 10% of the patients develop insufficiency of the anastomosis and might benefit from ileostomy whereas about 90% would not have required protective ileostomy retrospectively. Aim of the study is to show that protective ileostomy is not required if several criteria are fulfilled and early measures in case of clinical impairment are defined. Therefore eligibility criteria include safely performed stapler anastomosis with complete rings and control of impermeability by air insufflation. In the event of clinical impairment in the postoperative course CT scan with KM filling of the rectum to exclude insufficiency of the anastomosis will be performed. In case of insufficiency protective ileostomy will be created. 40 patients will be included.

Comparison: Patients with resectable rectal cancer of the middle or lower third will be intraoperatively randomized to either protective ileostomy or no ileostomy at all.