Single-stapled versus double-stapled colorectal anastomosis after anterior resection: Systematic review and meta-analysis of short-term and functional outcomes

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the surgical and functional outcomes of single-stapled versus double-stapled colorectal anastomosis following anterior rectal resection. The analysis of 2,537 patients revealed that while single-stapled anastomosis showed a nonsignificant reduction in risks of anastomotic leak and major postoperative complications, no significant differences were found between the two techniques regarding major low anterior resection syndrome. The authors suggest that single-stapled anastomosis may be a safe alternative, but further large-scale randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.