Early transanal closure after vacuum‐assisted drainage for anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer surgery – a video vignette

Early transanal closure of the remaining anastomotic defect, after endoscopic vacuum-assisted drainage (EVAC) of the abscess cavity associated with an anastomotic leak, might be beneficial for patients following rectal cancer surgery. Compared to conventional treatment by percutaneous or transanal drainage, vacuum-assisted early transanal closure showed higher anastomotic healing rates and lower permanent stoma rates [Gardenbroek 2015, Borstlap 2018].