Abstract
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern. Surgery remains a critical component of the multimodal treatment strategy. The laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision (TME) is increasingly utilized and effective, offering enhanced quality of life for patients compared to previous traditional methods. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the rate of complications and the related factors associated with complications following laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City from March 2022 to March 2023. It included patients aged 18 years and older diagnosed with low rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision. Data on patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative complications were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Follow-ups were conducted up to six months after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 83 patients included, the postoperative complications rate was 14.5%. The complications observed included surgical wound infections (five cases), anastomotic leaks (five cases, including three recto-vaginal fistulas and two pelvic abscesses), urinary retention (one case), and pneumonia (one case). A significant finding was the higher rate of distant metastases in patients with complications compared to those without (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer is safe and effective, with a high success rate and low complication rate during or after surgery. Anastomotic leakage remains the most significant complication. Despite advancements in surgery, modern suturing tools, and preoperative patient optimization, complications are avoidable. Therefore, understanding the related factors and implementing preventive interventions is crucial.