Delayed anastomotic leakage following sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of patients who developed delayed anastomotic leakage (DAL) following sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. We evaluated the following factors: (1) the incidence of DAL, (2) the clinical features of patients who developed DAL, (3) the risk factors for DAL, and (4) treatment outcomes.