ObjectiveTo investigate risk factors of anastomotic fistula after total mesorectum excision (TME) in middle and low rectal cancer. MethodsThe clinical data of 446 patients with middle and low rectal cancer received TME surgery from June 2004 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Single-factor analysis of risk factors was used by χ2 test,multiple-factor analysis was used by logistic regression analysis. ResultsThere were 36 patients with anastomotic fistula in these 446 patients,which of 22 patients were recovered after conservative treatment,of 14 patients were recovered after colostomy.The results of single-factor analysis showed that the age>60 years,preoperative hemoglobin<110 g/L,preoperative albumin<35 g/L,accompanied with diabetes mellitus,neoadjuvant chemoradiation,distance from anasto-mosis to anus<5 cm,non-strengthen suture by hand were the risk factors of anastomotic fistula after TME in the middle and low rectal cancer (P<0.05).The results of multiple-factor analysis showed that the preoperative hemoglobin<110 g/L,preoperative albumin<35 g/L,accompanied with diabetes mellitus,neoadjuvant chemoradiation,and distance from anastomosis to anus<5 cm were the independent risk factors of anastomotic fistula after TME in the middle and low rectal cancer (P<0.05). ConclusionsRisk of anastomotic fistula after TME in middle and low rectal cancer is higher.Basic complications of patient and local conditions of anastomosis,and intraoperative factors could affect incidence of anastomotic fistula,it should be paid enough attention.In general,most of anastomotic fistula could be cured with conservative treatment,in case of conservative treatment is invalid,colostomy is feasible.