Evaluation of selective defunctioning stoma after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Abstract Background  Anastomotic leakage is a major concern after resection for low rectal cancer. Therefore, the use of a defunctioning stoma (DS) has been suggested, but limited data exist to clearly determine the necessity of a routine diversion. In our department, the indication of DS was evaluated subjectively by the operating surgeon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the selective use of fecal diversion.