This is a 2-arm, non-inferiority RCT. Patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer will be randomly assigned into two groups:~pelvic drain~no pelvic drain. Patients will be followed-up to assess the rates of anastomotic leaks, pelvic sepsis and secondary outcomes.
This RCT aims at assessing the effects of a pelvic drain after total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer on the rates of pelvic sepsis and anastomotic leaks.