Menahem B, et al. - The authors conducted this meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials to ascertain whether drainage of the extraperitoneal anastomosis after rectal surgery influenced the postoperative complication rate. Following the extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis, prophylactic use of pelvic drainage had no effect on the incidence of anastomotic leakage or postoperative death. It, however, significantly increased the rate of postoperative small bowel obstruction.