American journal of surgery
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Abdominoperineal resection (APR) remains the cornerstone treatment for rectal cancers less than 5 cm from the anal verge. The perineal portion of an APR can be done with the patient in lithotomy or repositioned to prone jack-knife position, which influences accessibility, visualization and ability to close the wound. This paper analyses the effect of patient positioning on perineal wound dehiscence and infections. ⋯ Repositioning patients into prone position for the perineal portion of an APR was associated with significantly lower perineal wound infection and dehiscence rates compared to supine positioned patients.