Comparative analysis of functional end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer

Background: Despite advancements in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for right-sided colon cancer, the choice between functional end-to-end anastomosis and end-to-side anastomosis remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to compare these 2 techniques in terms of postoperative complications and disease-free survival. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 1,202 patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for nonmetastatic colon cancer at Samsung Medical Center between January 2007 and February 2016. The patients were divided into functional end-to-end anastomosis (n = 968) and end-to-side anastomosis (n = 234) groups based on the anastomosis technique used. Patients’ characteristics, oncologic results, operative outcomes, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: The baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups, except for a higher incidence of cancer obstruction in the end-to-side anastomosis group (P < .001). After matching, no significant differences were observed in operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, time to the first meal, or time to first flatus. Anastomotic leakage rates were comparable (functional end-to-end anastomosis 0.6% vs end-to-side anastomosis 0.4%, P > .999). The functional end-to-end anastomosis group had a higher rate of postoperative ileus (4.9% vs 1.3%, P = .017). Multivariable analysis indicated age, sex, and anastomosis type as significant predictors of postoperative ileus. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate that both functional end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis techniques in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy are comparable in terms of operation metrics and disease-free survival. However, functional end-to-end anastomosis is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative ileus. These findings can guide surgical decision-making in the treatment of right-sided colon cancer.