Pelvic Drain After Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer in Patients With Diverting Stoma

Background This study is intended to assess whether the use of pelvic drain reduces incidence of pelvic sepsis in the era of laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). Patients and methods In total, 200 of consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer with diverting stoma were analyzed. Results Pelvic sepsis occurred in 14 of 110 patients (12.7%) in the drain group and in 9 of 90 patients (10.0%) in the no drain group (P=0.548). Furthermore, there were no differences in the incidence of anastomotic leakage, time to diagnosis of pelvic sepsis, and type of treatments for pelvic sepsis. Conclusions Prophylactic pelvic drain use after laparoscopic LAR in patients with diverting stoma does not reduce incidence of pelvic sepsis. Routine use of pelvic drain is not recommended. This study was registered at UMIN (Registration Number: UMIN000026076).