Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer

Abstract Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications following colorectal surgery, particularly in patients who have undergone low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer without a protective ileostomy. The early detection of AL is crucial, as it can significantly impact the...

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Main Authors: Aidin Yaghoobi Notash, Ehsan Sadeghian, Zahra Moghimi, Yasaman Rahimi, Ehsan Sobhanian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06712-4
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author Aidin Yaghoobi Notash
Ehsan Sadeghian
Zahra Moghimi
Yasaman Rahimi
Ehsan Sobhanian
author_facet Aidin Yaghoobi Notash
Ehsan Sadeghian
Zahra Moghimi
Yasaman Rahimi
Ehsan Sobhanian
author_sort Aidin Yaghoobi Notash
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications following colorectal surgery, particularly in patients who have undergone low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer without a protective ileostomy. The early detection of AL is crucial, as it can significantly impact the patient’s recovery and survival rates. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal Computed Tomography(CT) scans in identifying AL among rectal cancer patients post-LAR. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Tehran Surgical Research Center and included 42 patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. All patients received an abdominal CT scan on the fifth postoperative day. The presence of AL was confirmed based on clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and the necessity for reoperation. The study focused on evaluating specific CT findings, such as perianastomotic collections, to determine their correlation with AL. The analysis revealed that certain CT scan findings, particularly complex collections larger than 5 cm in proximity to the anastomosis site and signs of generalized peritonitis, were significantly associated with the presence of AL. These findings were particularly important in cases where patients also exhibited clinical symptoms like fever and leukocytosis. The presence of these CT indicators often necessitated reoperation to address the leakage. The results of this study suggest that while abdominal CT scans are a valuable tool in the early detection of AL, the interpretation of these scans must be done in conjunction with clinical symptoms. The study highlights the importance of considering the size of perianastomotic collections and the presence of systemic symptoms for an accurate and timely diagnosis of AL. Future research should further investigate the potential of CT scans in improving outcomes for patients undergoing LAR for rectal cancer.
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spelling doaj-art-3a902b74dc604f7cb905fbd1d22794322025-08-20T04:01:41ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-011511610.1038/s41598-025-06712-4Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancerAidin Yaghoobi Notash0Ehsan Sadeghian1Zahra Moghimi2Yasaman Rahimi3Ehsan Sobhanian4General Surgeon and Faculty Member, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical SciencesSchool of medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical ScienceDepartment of Surgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical SciencesAbstract Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications following colorectal surgery, particularly in patients who have undergone low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer without a protective ileostomy. The early detection of AL is crucial, as it can significantly impact the patient’s recovery and survival rates. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal Computed Tomography(CT) scans in identifying AL among rectal cancer patients post-LAR. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Tehran Surgical Research Center and included 42 patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. All patients received an abdominal CT scan on the fifth postoperative day. The presence of AL was confirmed based on clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and the necessity for reoperation. The study focused on evaluating specific CT findings, such as perianastomotic collections, to determine their correlation with AL. The analysis revealed that certain CT scan findings, particularly complex collections larger than 5 cm in proximity to the anastomosis site and signs of generalized peritonitis, were significantly associated with the presence of AL. These findings were particularly important in cases where patients also exhibited clinical symptoms like fever and leukocytosis. The presence of these CT indicators often necessitated reoperation to address the leakage. The results of this study suggest that while abdominal CT scans are a valuable tool in the early detection of AL, the interpretation of these scans must be done in conjunction with clinical symptoms. The study highlights the importance of considering the size of perianastomotic collections and the presence of systemic symptoms for an accurate and timely diagnosis of AL. Future research should further investigate the potential of CT scans in improving outcomes for patients undergoing LAR for rectal cancer.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06712-4AbscessAnastomotic leakageLaparoscopyNeoadjuvant chemotherapyCT scanRectal Cancer
spellingShingle Aidin Yaghoobi Notash
Ehsan Sadeghian
Zahra Moghimi
Yasaman Rahimi
Ehsan Sobhanian
Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer
Scientific Reports
Abscess
Anastomotic leakage
Laparoscopy
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
CT scan
Rectal Cancer
title Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer
title_full Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer
title_fullStr Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer
title_full_unstemmed Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer
title_short Diagnostic value of CT scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer
title_sort diagnostic value of ct scan findings for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without ileostomy in rectal cancer
topic Abscess
Anastomotic leakage
Laparoscopy
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
CT scan
Rectal Cancer
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06712-4
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