Comparative efficacy of reinforced suturing, transanal drainage tube, and no additional intervention in preventing anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery: a network meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication after rectal cancer surgery. This network meta-analysis (NMA) compares reinforced suturing (RS), transanal drainage tube (TDT), and no additional intervention (NRT) for AL prevention.

Methods

An NMA was conducted according to PRISMA-NMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing RS, TDT, or NRT in adults undergoing anterior resection for rectal cancer, with AL as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included Grade C AL, stricture, bleeding, ileus, and wound infection.

Results

16 studies (3 RCTs, 11 RNCTs, and 2 PNCTs; n = 4562) were included. For overall AL incidence, both RS (OR 0.32, 95% CrI 0.16-0.62) and TDT (OR 0.4

SUBMITTER: Lan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835066 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature