INTRODUCTION: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out to determine the clinical and oncological outcome of patients who had enucleation of solitary pancreatic metastases from renal cell ca...INTRODUCTION: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out to determine the clinical and oncological outcome of patients who had enucleation of solitary pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: Operative mortality, postoperative complications, observed survival, and disease-free survival were analyzed. The clinical outcomes of patients who had enucleation were compared to those of 947 patients collected from the literature who had standard or atypical pancreatic resection for the same disease using propensity score matching. RESULTS: There was no postoperative mortality in the 56 patients who had enucleation of pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma. In 51 patients, postoperative complications could be analyzed. Ten patients (10/51 = 19.6%) had postoperative complications. Three patients (3/51 = 5.9%) had major complications (Clavien-Dindo III or more). Five-year observed survival rates and disease-free survival for patients with enucleation were 92% and 79%, respectively. These results compared favorably with those obtained in patients who had standard resection and other forms of atypical resection (also using propensity score matching). Patients who had partial pancreatic resection (atypical or not) with pancreatic-jejunal anastomosis had increased rates of postoperative complications and local recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Enucleation of pancreatic metastases offers a valid solution in selected patients.
BACKGROUND: Due to weight regain and GIT symptoms associated with vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), revisional surgery is necessary. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the best options as a revision procedure bu...BACKGROUND: Due to weight regain and GIT symptoms associated with vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), revisional surgery is necessary. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the best options as a revision procedure but comes with a high complication rate. METHODS: This prospective study included 80 patients undergoing RYGB surgery at Ain Shams University Hospitals after failed VBG surgery, with up to 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty patients underwent RYGB correction after VBG. The mean age was 42 ± 6.45 (39-58) years and the mean preoperative body mass index was 45.46 ± 4.135 (38-55) kg/m2. The median length of hospital stay for the patients was 4.78 ± 1.84 days. The early postoperative complication rate was 8.7% and the reoperation rate within 30 days was 3.75%, with no mortality. Leakage and bowel injury were detected in 2 patients. After an average follow-up of 2 years, the percentage of EWL was 64.47 ± 19.3, and complete resolution of VBG-related GIT symptoms was achieved in approximately all patients. Late complications occurred in 7.5% of patients, of whom 3.75% required surgery. CONCLUSION: Conversion to RYGB is feasible with a limited short-term complication and reoperation rate; long-term results show a nearly complete resolution of VBG-related symptoms and a statistically significant positive impact on weight loss.
INTRODUCTION: In 15% of patients with iron deficiency anemia, large diaphragmatic hernias are found as the cause of chronic iron loss. Conversely, iron deficiency anemia is present in 10-40% of diaphragmatic hernia patie...INTRODUCTION: In 15% of patients with iron deficiency anemia, large diaphragmatic hernias are found as the cause of chronic iron loss. Conversely, iron deficiency anemia is present in 10-40% of diaphragmatic hernia patients. However, it is unclear why some patients with large diaphragmatic hernias develop anemia and others do not. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 116 patients with diaphragmatic hernias larger than 5 cm for the presence of anemia and the effect of surgery on this anemia, dividing these patients into 4 groups (group A: 21 patients with anemia/surgery, group B: 27 patients without anemia but with surgery, group C: 34 patients with anemia but without surgery, and group D: 34 patients without anemia/surgery). RESULTS: Women significantly predominated in the patient population (76%). Patients with iron deficiency anemia tended to be significantly older than patients without iron deficiency anemia (74.7 ± 12.2 vs. 69.6 ± 14.8 years, p = 0.08). The proportion of patients taking ASA was significantly higher in the anemia collective (41.8% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001). Regression analysis further confirmed that higher age and ASA intake correlated significantly with lower hemoglobin in anemic patients. Performing hernia repair significantly decreased anemia rates and PPI use in the anemia patients, while both remained almost the same in the non-operated anemia patients. CONCLUSION: ASA use and advanced age are risk factors for the presence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with large diaphragmatic hernias. Surgical hernia repair is suitable to reduce anemia.
BACKGROUND: Nowadays, minimally invasive intervention (MII) has largely replaced delayed open surgery in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). However, the timing of MII remains unclear. The present study investigated th...BACKGROUND: Nowadays, minimally invasive intervention (MII) has largely replaced delayed open surgery in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). However, the timing of MII remains unclear. The present study investigated the effect of early versus delayed MII on complications in ANP. METHODS: Studies evaluating the impact of the timing of MII on complications in ANP patients were thoroughly searched on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to June 2022. The primary outcome of interest was mortality. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of complications. RESULTS: Nine studies reporting 870 patients undergoing MII for ANP were included. No significant difference was found in mortality between the early and delayed intervention groups. In addition, the timing of MII was not associated with the incidence of new-onset respiratory failure, new-onset cardiovascular failure, new-onset renal failure, new-onset multiple organ failure, gastrointestinal fistula or perforation, pancreatic fistula, stent migration, bleeding, venous thrombosis, and new-onset pancreatic endocrine insufficiency. Notably, in the subgroup analysis of biliary and Asian ANP patients, early intervention was associated with a significantly higher risk of new-onset renal failure than delayed intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention is safe and recommended only for patients with indications for intervention, such as infection.
INTRODUCTION: The safety of laparoscopic surgery (LS) and its effect on survival have not been sufficiently assessed in elderly colon cancer patients. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of patients aged ≥75 years who underw...INTRODUCTION: The safety of laparoscopic surgery (LS) and its effect on survival have not been sufficiently assessed in elderly colon cancer patients. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of patients aged ≥75 years who underwent colectomy for primary colon cancer, between January 2018 and June 2021, were reviewed. Patients were divided into the LS and open surgery (OS) groups according to the intention-to-treat principle and were compared using propensity score matching. The primary outcomes were differences in surgical safety and 3-year survival. RESULTS: There were 98 patients with a median age of 82 years and 85 patients with a median age of 80 years assigned to the OS and LS groups, respectively. Propensity score matching revealed that LS did not prolong the operative time (190 vs. 180 min, p = 0.209) and was linked to less intraoperative blood loss (50 vs. 100 mL, p = 0.039) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (8 vs. 10 days, p = 0.005), compared to OS. In addition, LS was not accompanied by more stress response when the variations exhibited in laboratory tests and the Barthel index pre- and postsurgery were considered. There were no significant differences in the adjusted 3-year overall survival (86.0% vs. 81.2%, p = 0.795) and disease-free survival (86.6% vs. 87.9%, p = 0.356) between the groups. CONCLUSION: LS enhanced postoperative recovery without increasing surgical risks, compared to OS, in colon cancer patients aged ≥75 years. Furthermore, no significant differences in the 3-year adjusted survival were observed between the groups.
INTRODUCTION: RCTs support neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery in locally advanced esophago-gastric junction (LA-EGJ) adenocarcinoma. However, RCTs are performed in highly controlled settings with li...INTRODUCTION: RCTs support neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery in locally advanced esophago-gastric junction (LA-EGJ) adenocarcinoma. However, RCTs are performed in highly controlled settings with limited representativeness of real-life patients (RLS). The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes in RLS and clinical trial settings. METHODS: The outcomes of RLS, which comprised 125 patients consequently treated for LA-EGJ adenocarcinoma between 2012 and 2017, were compared with the phase II trial (PIIS), performed on 65 patients from 2003 to 2011. RESULTS: About half of RLS (51.2%) were treated with nCRT according to VR protocol, 20.8% with standard CRT according to CROSS/Al-Sarraf, 20% with chemotherapy (CT) alone. pCR was 36.8%, 28.6%, and 9.1% after VR protocol, standard CRT, and CT, respectively (p = 0.082), while 3-year overall survival (OS) was 58.6% (95% CI 43.2-71.1%), 32.8% (14.6-52.4%), and 44.8% (21.3-65.9%), respectively (p = 0.030). With respect to PIIS, RLS had a higher proportion of cN+ (94% vs. 54%; p < 0.001) and a lower proportion of pCR after CT/CRT (23% vs. 39%; p = 0.041). Three-year OS was slightly higher, although not significantly, in PIIS (58.9%, 45.1-70.2%) than RLS (47.9%, 37.4-57.7%) and nearly identical to 3-year OS in RLS treated with VR protocol. CONCLUSION: Real-life patients with EGJ adenocarcinoma have more advanced cancer at baseline, lower pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment than patients enrolled in clinical trials, but similar survival.
INTRODUCTION: Controversy remains about the classification, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategy for gallbladder polypoid lesions (GPLs). This study sought to explore the individualized treatment strategy for G...INTRODUCTION: Controversy remains about the classification, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategy for gallbladder polypoid lesions (GPLs). This study sought to explore the individualized treatment strategy for GPLs. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 642 consecutive patients with GPLs from January 2015 to May 2020. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to explore the potential risk factors for neoplastic polyps. The outcome of laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving polypectomy (GPP) was evaluated and compared with that of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). RESULTS: Of 642 enrolled patients, 572 underwent LC, and 70 underwent GPP. Pathologically, the majority of GPLs were cholesterol polyps (68.4%), followed by adenomyomatosis (19.9%), benign adenoma (7.3%), adenocarcinoma (3.6%), and rare pathological types (0.8%). Additionally, 66.3% (379/572) of the LC cases were classified as non-neoplastic, and 33.7% (193/572) neoplastic polyps. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that single polyps (OR 1.956, 95% CI: 1.121-3.412; p = 0.018), polyps located at the gallbladder fundus (OR 4.326, 95% CI: 2.179-8.591; p < 0.001), polyps not less than 14 mm (OR 2.833, 95% CI: 1.614-4.973; p < 0.001), and polyps with a broad base (OR 4.173, 95% CI: 1.743-9.990; p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for neoplastic polyps. The 5-year prospective results after GPP showed that the 1-year and 3-year polyp recurrence rates were 13.2% and 23.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The majority of GPLs are cholesterol or other benign lesions without malignant potential. LC is the main treatment procedure for GPLs with a high neoplastic risk. GPP is potentially feasible and could be an alternative management strategy for a group of GPLs patients who meet the selection criteria.
Robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy (R-PD) may provide challenges but potential benefits for pancreatic-enteric anastomosis fashioning. Despite numerous trials comparing different pancreatic-enteric anastomosis techniqu...Robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy (R-PD) may provide challenges but potential benefits for pancreatic-enteric anastomosis fashioning. Despite numerous trials comparing different pancreatic-enteric anastomosis techniques, an ideal method is still missing. This study aims to describe different management strategies and surgical techniques of standardized pancreatic-enteric anastomoses during an R-PD. This study reported the robotic technical steps of the modified end-to-side Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy, the Cattel-Warren duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy, with internal or external pancreatic duct stent, and the modified end-to-side, double-layer pancreogastrostomy. A dual-console da Vinci Xi Surgical System® (Intuitive Surgical Xi, Sunnyvale, CA) was used to perform all the R-PD. Different robotic pancreatic-enteric anastomosis techniques can be used during the reconstruction phase, possibly reproducing the open technique. The type of anastomosis and applied mitigation strategies should balance surgical strategy adaptability and operative technique standardization. R-PD should be performed in high-volume centers by surgeons with extensive experience in pancreatic and advanced MI surgery, enabling different but standardized anastomotic techniques based on patients' risk factors and intraoperative findings. Future studies on robotic pancreatic anastomosis should focus on personalized approaches after adequate risk stratification.
INTRODUCTION: Due to the specific location, the potential advantages of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) compared with open gastrectomy (OG) for Siewert II/III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) remain unc...INTRODUCTION: Due to the specific location, the potential advantages of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) compared with open gastrectomy (OG) for Siewert II/III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) remain uncertain. The current study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of LG versus OG in treating Siewert type II/III adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE (hosted by Ovid), and the Cochrane Library for publications till July 2022 and then used the RevMan 5.3 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ten publications from 10 medical centers were included, with 1,516 cases from the LG group and 1,219 from the OG group. Meta-analysis results showed that the LG group was superior to the OG group in intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, lymph nodes retrieved, time to ambulation, time to first flatus, time to diet, 5-year overall survival, and 5-year disease-free survival. There was no significant difference between the two groups in operative time, overall complications, proximal margin, distal margin, pulmonary infection, anastomotic leakage, mortality, ileus, or absolute infection. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with OG, LG is associated with better surgical and long-term outcomes in Siewert type II/III AEG. LG is a safe and feasible option for treating Siewert type II/III AEG. However, studies with large sample sizes, long follow-up periods, and rigorous designs are needed for verification.
INTRODUCTION: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are widely used in patients with malignant left-sided large-bowel obstruction (MLLO) to convert an emergency situation into an elective one. However, the effects of e...INTRODUCTION: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are widely used in patients with malignant left-sided large-bowel obstruction (MLLO) to convert an emergency situation into an elective one. However, the effects of endoscopic stenting on oncological outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze the oncological outcomes of SEMS placement in patients with MLLO stratified by pathological stage. METHODS: We reviewed the data of patients with MLLO that were prospectively collected between January 2005 and December 2016. Patients were divided into those who underwent SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery and those who underwent emergency surgery. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups, and their prognostic factors were determined by pathological stage. RESULTS: SEMS placement and emergency surgery were performed in 130 and 45 patients, respectively. There was no difference in the 5-year DFS and OS rate between two groups. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in the 5-year DFS and OS rate in patients with stage III MLLO, but was not observed in patients with stage II MLLO. Multivariate Cox regression analysis for stage III MLLO revealed endoscopic stenting (hazard ratio [HR], 2.051; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.018-4.131; p = 0.044) as the only prognostic factor for DFS. Age, tumor differentiation, perineural invasion, and endoscopic stenting (HR, 3.189; 95% CI, 1.346-7.556; p = 0.008) were prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSION: In terms of oncologic outcomes, endoscopic stenting might be more beneficial than ES in patients with stage III MLLO.
We report a new surgical method in 10 patients who underwent hybrid laparo-endoscopic resection (HLER) of submucosal tumors with the combination of flexible articulated laparoscopic instruments (FALI). We have assessed t...We report a new surgical method in 10 patients who underwent hybrid laparo-endoscopic resection (HLER) of submucosal tumors with the combination of flexible articulated laparoscopic instruments (FALI). We have assessed technical reproducibility, safety, and morbidity. Resection was completed in all cases. Mean surgical time was 60 min (30-85). Median tumor size was 16 mm (12-30). The more frequent location was the gastroesophageal junction. No complications were observed during the procedure. Length of stay was 1 day in all cases. We have found HLER to be a safe procedure allowing margin resection and organ preservation. The addition of FALI added ease of performance in hard-to-reach tumor locations.
Milone M, Vertaldi S, Alfano MS
… +27 more, Agrusa A, Anania G, Baiocchi GL, Bianchi PP, Biondi A, Bracale U, Buscemi S, Chiozza M, Corcione F, D'Ugo D, Degiuli M, De Simone G, Elmore U, Galli F, Giuliani G, Maida P, Maione F, Manigrasso M, Marte G, Olmi S, Rausei S, Reddavid R, Rosati R, Uccelli M, De Palma GD, Cassinotti E, Boni L
INTRODUCTION: Despite progressive improvements in technical skills and instruments that have facilitated surgeons performing intracorporeal gastro-jejunal and jejuno-jejunal anastomoses, one of the big challenging tasks...INTRODUCTION: Despite progressive improvements in technical skills and instruments that have facilitated surgeons performing intracorporeal gastro-jejunal and jejuno-jejunal anastomoses, one of the big challenging tasks is handsewn knot tying. We analysed the better way to fashion a handsewn intracorporeal enterotomy closure after a stapled anastomosis. METHODS: All 579 consecutive patients from January 2009 to December 2019 who underwent minimally invasive partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer were retrospectively analysed. Different ways to fashion intracorporeal anastomoses were investigated: robotic versus laparoscopic approach; laparoscopic high definition versus three-dimensional versus 4K technology; single-layer versus double-layer enterotomies. Double-layer enterotomies were analysed layer by layer, comparing running versus interrupted suture; the presence versus absence of deep corner suture; and type of suture thread. RESULTS: Significantly lower rates of bleeding (p = 0.011) and leakage (p = 0.048) from gastro-jejunal anastomosis were recorded in the double-layer group. Barbed suture thread was significantly associated with reduced intraluminal bleeding and leakage rates both in the first (p = 0.042 and p = 0.010) and second layer (p = 0.002 and p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Double-layer sutures using barbed suture thread both in first and second layer to fashion enterotomy closure result in lower intraluminal bleeding and anastomotic leak rates.
Minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) is technically challenging, and only a few reports have described surgical approaches for minimally invasive SPDP. This report demonstrates our novel gast...Minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) is technically challenging, and only a few reports have described surgical approaches for minimally invasive SPDP. This report demonstrates our novel gastrohepatic ligament approach in robotic SPDP with preservation of the splenic vessels (the superior window approach in the Kimura technique). Our gastrohepatic ligament approach for robotic SPDP included four steps. First, the gastrohepatic ligament was divided extensively, and the pancreas was confirmed (step 1). In this step, we did not lift the stomach, nor did we divide the gastrocolic ligament. Next, the superior and inferior borders of the pancreas were dissected, and the tunneling of the pancreas on the superior mesenteric vein was performed (step 2). Following the division of the pancreas (step 3), the pancreatic body and tail were dissected from the medial to the lateral side with preservation of the splenic vessels (step 4). Using this approach, the pancreas can be directly accessed via the gastrohepatic ligament route and dissected without division of the gastrocolic ligament or retraction of the stomach. The present approach for robotic SPDP preserves splenic vessels, facilitating easy access to the pancreas with minimal dissection, and may be optional in selected patients, including those with low body mass index.
INTRODUCTION: Surgery remains essential in the curative treatment of esophageal cancer (EC), but it is known for its high morbidity and impaired health-related QoL. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) was introduced t...INTRODUCTION: Surgery remains essential in the curative treatment of esophageal cancer (EC), but it is known for its high morbidity and impaired health-related QoL. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) was introduced to reduce surgical trauma and improve QoL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate long-term HRQoL after MIE in comparison with the general population. HRQoL assessment was based on three questionnaires: the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core 30 (QLQ-C30, version 3), the EORTC QLQ Oesophago Gastric 25 (QLQ-OG25), and the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF34). Results were compared to a healthy reference population. RESULTS: One hundred and forty eligible MIE patients were identified, of whom met the inclusion criteria, and 49 completed all questionnaires. Patients reported a significantly better mean score on the global health status and QoL than the healthy reference population (71.5 ± 15.1 vs. 66.1 ± 21.7; p = 0.016). However, patients scored significantly worse about functioning (physical, role, and social) (p < 0.05), fatigue (p = 0.021), eating, dysphagia, pain and discomfort, reflux, appetite loss, weight loss, coughing, and taste (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: EC survivors can reach a high global health status and QoL at least 1 year after MIE, despite long-term functional, nutritional, and gastrointestinal complaints. Patients provided written informed consent, and the study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ghent University Hospital (identifier: ID B670201940737).
INTRODUCTION: Postoperative antibiotic treatment is indicated for 3-5 days following appendectomy for complex appendicitis. However, meeting discharge criteria may allow for safe discontinuation of antibiotics and discha...INTRODUCTION: Postoperative antibiotic treatment is indicated for 3-5 days following appendectomy for complex appendicitis. However, meeting discharge criteria may allow for safe discontinuation of antibiotics and discharge. This study assessed the association between time to reach discharge criteria and duration of postoperative antibiotic use and length of stay. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent appendectomy for complex appendicitis and received postoperative antibiotics for >24 h. Main outcome measures were time to reach discharge criteria, duration of postoperative antibiotic use, length of hospital stay, and postoperative infectious complications. Discharge criteria were defined as absence of fever (temperature ≤38°C) for 24 h, ability to tolerate oral intake, and pain controlled by oral analgesics. RESULTS: Between May 2014 and January 2015, 124 patients were included. Time to reach discharge criteria was 2 days (interquartile range [IQR] 1-3). Patients received postoperative antibiotics and were in hospital for a median of 5 (IQR 3-5) and 5 (IQR 4-6) days, respectively. Infectious complications occurred in 12% and did not differ between patients reaching discharge criteria before or after 2 postoperative days. DISCUSSION: Discharge criteria were met by a median of 2 days after appendectomy for complex appendicitis. This suggests that postoperative antibiotics duration and thereby hospital stay can be reduced. In daily practice, prescribed antibiotics are not reduced in total days given. Prospective studies that evaluate limited postoperative antibiotic use, based on these criteria, are necessary.
INTRODUCTION: The impact of surgery on nutritional status, pancreatic function, and symptoms of patients affected by chronic pancreatitis (CP) has not been unequivocally determined. This study aimed to evaluate clinical...INTRODUCTION: The impact of surgery on nutritional status, pancreatic function, and symptoms of patients affected by chronic pancreatitis (CP) has not been unequivocally determined. This study aimed to evaluate clinical follow-up after surgery for CP in an Italian-Austrian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients operated for CP at two high-volume centers between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. The following parameters were compared between the pre- and postoperative period: nutritional status, endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions, and chronic pain. RESULTS: Overall, 186 patients underwent surgery for CP. Among these, 68 (40%) answered a specific follow-up questionnaire. The body mass index showed a significant increase between pre- and postoperative assessments (21.1 vs. 22.5 p = 0.003). Furthermore, a 60% decrease in the prevalence of chronic pain (81 vs. 21%, p < 0.001) was observed. On the contrary, both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions pointed toward a worsening after surgery, with consistent higher rates of patients presenting with diabetes mellitus, as well as patients requiring insulin therapy and oral intake of pancreatic enzymes. The analysis of body composition performed on 40 (24%) patients with a complete imaging pack revealed no significant change in the nutritional status after surgery. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Despite the good results observed in terms of pain relief, the surgical approach led to a consistent worsening of the global pancreatic function. No significant influence of surgery on the nutritional status of patients was detected.
INTRODUCTION: Proper handling and firing of the circular stapler are important for secure anastomosis in rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the association between the first assistant and anastomotic...INTRODUCTION: Proper handling and firing of the circular stapler are important for secure anastomosis in rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the association between the first assistant and anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer surgery with double-stapling anastomosis. METHODS: Patients with primary rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection with double-stapling anastomosis between January 2015 and September 2019 were included. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, including the first assistant's sex and experience level, were retrospectively reviewed, and the risk factors for AL were analyzed using propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: Among 758 rectal cancer surgeries, residents participated in 401 (52.9%) surgeries, and fellows participated in 357 (47.1%) surgeries as first assistants. After propensity score matching (n = 650), AL occurred in 5.4% (35/650). The first assistant's experience level (resident: 5.5% vs. fellow: 5.2%, p = 0.862) and sex (male: 5.4% vs. female: 4.9%, p = 0.849) were not associated with the occurrence of AL. Male sex in patients was the only significant predictive factor for AL (odds ratio = 2.804, 95% confidence interval 1.070-7.351, p = 0.036). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The first assistant's sex and experience level were not associated with AL after rectal cancer surgery with double-stapling anastomosis. These findings may justify resident participation in rectal cancer surgeries in which circular staplers are used.