Colonoscopy is the first choice for early postoperative rectal anastomotic bleeding

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic bleeding is rare but is one of the dangerous complications, with associated morbidity and mortality, at the early stage of rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to report our experiences in the treatment of this emergency condition. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the general characteristics, treatment and outcome of patients with severe anastomotic bleeding after undergoing rectal cancer resection with stapled anastomosis at the Department of Colorectal Surgery of Changhai Hospital (China) between January 2011 and December 2013. RESULTS: Anastomotic bleeding occurred in six out of 2,181 patients (0.3%) who underwent anterior resection with stapled anastomosis due to rectal cancer. All patients’ bleeding was stopped with colonoscopic techniques. There were no anastomotic leakages or strictures in these six patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anastomotic bleeding was a very rare complication after rectal cancer resection with stapled anastomosis. Colonoscopic treatment, including electrocoagulation and clipping, were both safely and effectively used in the early postoperative period to cease persistent anastomotic bleeding.