• C-W Chen, M-J Chen, Y-S Yeh, H-L Tsai, Y-T Chang, and J-Y Wang.
• Division of Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
• Tech Coloproctol. 2013 Oct 1;17(5):579-83.

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage is still a major complication in colorectal surgery. Prompt recognition and immediate treatment of anastomotic leak during surgery may reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality. Various types of intraoperative anastomotic test have been proposed to reduce the incidence of this complication. The aim of this study was to assess our experience with intraoperative dye test in rectal cancer surgery.MethodsBetween 2006 and 2009, a retrospective review of a single general surgeon's practice identified 76 patients who underwent the intraoperative dye test in rectal cancer surgery. Seventy-three of these 76 patients underwent elective surgery without creation of a diverting stoma. Diluted dye was routinely introduced into the rectal lumen to test anastomotic integrity. Intraoperative leak was repaired prior to the completion of the procedure. No routine radiological survey assessed anastomotic integrity postoperatively.ResultsIn 11 (14.5 %) out of 76 patients, anastomotic leaks were found and treated intraoperatively. None of the 65 patients without intraoperative leaks developed clinical leaks during the follow-up period. Postoperative leakage only occurred in one patient (1.3 %). He developed pelvic abscess evidenced by abdominal computed tomography scan and was treated non-operatively.ConclusionsThe favorable results allow the authors to recommend the routine use of the intraoperative dye test for colorectal anastomoses.

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