Is Rectal Washout Necessary in Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer? A Prospective Clinical Study

Background Implantation of exfoliated malignant cells has been suggested as a possible mechanism of tumor recurrence in colorectal anastomoses that might be prevented by cytocidal washout. The aim of our study was to assess whether malignant cells are likely to be collected by a circular stapler introduced transanally to perform an anastomosis and to observe local recurrences during follow-up, with special attention to the washout status of patients.