Table 1 Baseline characteristics of patients undergoing low anterior resection (n = 115)

Age- mean, years (SD)

63 (11)

Gender (M: F)

73:42

Tumor distance from anal verge - mean, cm (SD)

6.9 (3.1)

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy -n (%)

109^a (92%)

Adjuvant chemotherapy – n (%)

33 (29%)

Type of anastomosis

 Colorectal anastomosis– n (%)

77 (67%)

 Coloanal anastomosis– n (%)

38 (33%)

Temporary protective ileostomy– n (%)

110 (96%)

Post-surgery complication (including pelvic abscess, anorectal fistula, and strictures) - n (%)

23 (20%)

Tumor Stage (TNM) at surgery

 0 or 1 n (%)

40 (35%)

 2– n (%)

38 (33%)

 3– n (%)

36 (31%)

 4– n (%)

1 (1%)

Time to stoma closure- mean, months (SD)

6 (4)