Management of anastomotic leak after low anterior resection with transanal endoscopic microsurgical (TEM) debridement and repair

Anastomotic leak after low anterior resection (LAR) in patients with rectal cancer who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiation can be challenging to treat and can lead to the creation of a permanent stoma. We report the case of a post-operative anastomotic leak after a Baker-type anastomosis during a low anterior resection was successfully managed with transanal endoscopic microsurgical (TEM) debridement and repair. TEM can be a successful endoluminal alternative treatment in the management of anastomotic leak after LAR and can prevent the morbidity associated with re-exploration and colostomy.