Novel nomogram with microvascular density in the surgical margins can accurately predict the risk for anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer

s Background Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication after anterior resection. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of microvascular density (MVD) in AL and to develop a nomogram to accurately predict AL. Methods This study retrospectively enrolled 477 consecutive patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer from January 2011 to January 2019. Tissue samples of the resection margins were assessed for MVD. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for AL. Results The incidence of clinical AL was 6.7%. MVD in the distal margin was associated with AL (P