Real-time semi-quantitative assessment of anastomotic blood perfusion in mini‑invasive rectal resections by Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging technology: a prospective in vivo pilot study.

Purpose: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the severe complications after rectal surgery, and anastomotic ischemia is one of the main factors. This prospective in vivo pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging in quantitative assessment of anastomotic microcirculation and to analyze its correlation with AL.

Methods: Thirty-three patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection from 2019 to 2020 were enrolled.