A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Surgical Site Infection After Intracorporeal Anastomosis and Extracorporeal Anastomosis for Left Colon Cancer (STARS)

For patients in the control group, the surgeon uses wound edge protectors to exteriorize the colon through a small incision in the midline of the abdomen. A ruler and methylene blue solution are employed to mark the area for colon resection. This guarantees a 10-cm margin from the tumor. Guided by these markers, the marginal vessels and mesentery are divided outside the body. The method of anastomosis is at the surgeon's discretion. A side-to-side anastomosis (including antiperistaltic, isoperistaltic, or overlapping anastomosis) is recommended. Side-to-end or end-to-end anastomosis (sewn by hand or by inserting a circular stapler through the anus or proximal colon) is also allowed. After completing the anastomosis, the incision is sutured. An abdominal drainage tube is inserted at the end of the operation.

In the experimental group, the surgeon will use a 10-cm medical suture and methylene blue solution to mark the resection margin. The marginal vessels and mesentery will be divided inside the body. The proximal and distal colons are resected using a 60mm linear laparoscopic stapler. Side-to-side intracorporeal anastomotic techniques like anti-peristaltic, iso-peristaltic, or overlap methods will be applied. Once the anastomosis is completed, the specimen is retrieved. The surgeon can place the specimen in a sterile plastic bag for retrieval. Alternatively, the surgeon can use a disposable incision retraction fixator to protect the wound. An abdominal drainage tube is inserted.