Reoperative surgery for the failed low pelvic anastomosis

The most serious complication of rectal cancer surgery is an anastomotic catastrophe that can lead to worse oncologic outcomes, decreased ability to maintain the anastomosis, and retain good functional outcome. Redo surgery for failed colorectal and coloanal anastomoses is a surgical challenge, with technical difficulties and high morbidity, but may be the only option to improve a patient׳s quality of life. The aim of this article is to summarize the approaches to salvage the anastomosis that is beset by late complications including leakage, stenosis, sinus tract, chronic presacral chronic sepsis, fistula, or disunion.