LAUSR

The double-stapled technique (DST) is accompanied by certain drawbacks, such as at least two staple lines crossing each other, with stapled corners (the so-called dog-ears). At the corner of this dog-ear, too many staplers come together in such a way that the gut tissue is crushed, making it prone to disruption at low pressure. Both situations would lead to the formation of a potentially ischemic area, which increases the incidence of anastomotic leak and strictures. To overcome these drawbacks, we have developed a new anastomotic technique on the basis of Crafa’s [1] experience. This technique, called “dog-ear invagination anastomosis,” can eliminate the “dog-ear” in laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum. In this retrospective study, we investigated the feasibility of laparoscopic low anterior resection of the rectum (LAR) combined with “dog-ear” invagination anastomosis for midand distal rectal cancer. Our primary objectives was to report technical compliance, surgical safety, and early postoperative outcomes.