Table 1. Risk factors for anastomotic leak.

Preoperative considerations	Intraoperative considerations
Non-modifiable risk factors	Increased risk
Male gender Distal rectal anastomosis Tumor size >3 cm Advanced tumor stage Metastatic disease History of radiotherapy ASA >2 Diabetes mellitus Pulmonary disease Vascular disease Emergency surgery Past Smoker (>40 pack year history)	Intraoperative contamination Operative duration >4 h Inotropes Blood loss Blood transfusion
Modifiable	Reduced risk
Current smoker Obesity Alcohol excess Corticosteroids Bevacizumab Malnutrition/hypoalbuminemia	Preoperative antibiotics intravenous and mechanical and oral bowel prep