Anastomotic leakage is a clinically important complication following laparoscopic low anterior resection. A protective defunctioning ileostomy may reduce the clinical consequences of leakage but is associated with stoma-related morbidity, dehydration, readmission and the need for a subsequent closure procedure.
This prospective study will evaluate the safety and clinical utility of a standardized postoperative surveillance pathway based on serial serum C-reactive protein measurements and selective computed tomography in patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection in whom routine protective ileostomy is considered potentially avoidable.
Serum C-reactive protein will be measured at predefined postoperative time points. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography, with rectal contrast when clinically appropriate, will be performed when patients meet predefined biochemical or clinical criteria. The study will evaluate successful avoidance of a defunctioning ileostomy, clinically relevant anastomotic leakage, diagnostic performance of serial C-reactive protein, use of computed tomography, time to diagnosis, postoperative morbidity, reoperation, hospital stay and readmission.