Journal of surgical oncology
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Anastomotic leakage is a major complication of rectal surgery and controversy about its risk factors still exists. The aim of present study was to identify risk factors for anastomotic leakage following sphincter-sparing resection of rectal cancer, focusing on the role of tissular lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in tumorous margin and distal clearance margin. ⋯ Tissular LVD in tumorous or distal clearance margin and lower tumor location are important risk factors for anastomotic leakage.