Virtual ileostomy following TME and primary sphincter-saving reconstruction for rectal cancer.

Surgical management of rectal cancer has undergone a significant change during the past two decades. Low anterior resection (LAR) with total mesorectal excision (TME) is, at the moment, the "gold standard" for carcinoma of the mid or lower rectum. Because the most specific complication following rectal resection with anastomosis is symptomatic leakage, which is associated with 18% mortality rate, routine formation of a temporary stoma is suitable after sphincter-saving resection for anastomoses situated at or less than 5cm from the anal verge.