Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study introduced a novel method to perform an end-to-end anastomosis in laparoscopic low anterior resection by eliminating the "dog ears" deformity caused by the double-stapling technique, and evaluated its safety and feasibility by analyzing its surgical and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 68 patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection of the colorectum from March 2023 to August 2024 in our hospital. The data of clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean duration of the operation was 176.13 ± 39.86 min. No patients experienced anastomotic leakage or bleeding. One patient had a postoperative fever due to lung infection, and another developed a fever due to central venous infection. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.88 ± 1.64 days. CONCLUSIONS: The "manta-shaped anastomosis" described in this article can achieve true end-to-end anastomosis in laparoscopic anterior resection, reducing the risk of anastomotic leakage. This technique could be an alternative approach to maximize the patients' benefit.