Comparison analysis of short-term outcomes between degradable stent placement and diverting ileostomy in mid-to-low rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication of low anterior resection (LAR) of rectal cancer. While ileostomy is the most commonly used method for AL alleviation, it has associated risks of permanent stoma and stoma-related complications, and also requires additional surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the use of a novel technique to protect the anastomosis after LAR. Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to an LAR combined with degradable stent group (n = 32) or an LAR combined with ileostomy group (n = 33). The study was conducted between January 2023 and December 2024. Demographic information, laboratory findings, surgical results, and tumor characteristics were recorded. One case of anastomotic stricture (3%) and four cases of intestinal obstruction (12.5%) were observed in the LAR + degradable stent group, and two cases of intestinal obstruction (6%) occurred in the LAR + ileostomy group. No complications, such as abscesses, bleeding, bowel perforation, and anastomotic leakage, were observed in either group. There was no difference in short-term postoperative complications between patients treated with degradable stent or ileostomy, suggesting that the potential of degradable stents as a novel method of preventing anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection of rectal cancer.