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Background and objective: Some colorectal surgeons advocate routine splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) when performing anterior resection for rectal cancer to ensure a tension-free anastomosis. Meta-analyses of smaller studies suggest that this approach does not influence anastomotic leakage rates, but larger multicentre studies are needed to confirm the safety of a selective strategy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of SFM on anastomotic leakage.

Methods: This is a retrospective multicentre cohort study, comprising 1109 patients operated with anterior resection for rectal cancer in 2014–2018. Exposure was SFM, while anastomotic leakage within a year constituted the outcome. Stratified analyses were performed for type of mesorectal excision and surgical approach, as well as sensitivity analysis considering vascular tie placement. Multivariable Cox regression with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was employed to adjust for confounding, while multiple imputation was used for missing data.

Results: SFM was performed in 381 patients (34.4%). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 83 (21.8%) and 123 (20.3%) patients operated with and without SFM, respectively. SFM was neither clearly detrimental nor beneficial regarding anastomotic leakage (adjusted HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.59–1.15), with no apparent differences for total or partial mesorectal excision and minimally invasive or open surgery. Concurrent high vascular ligation did not impact these results, and there was no evidence of interaction from centers with a more common use of SFM.

Conclusions: SFM did not seem to influence the risk of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer, regardless of type of mesorectal excision, use of minimally invasive surgery, or high vascular ligation.