THREE-row Circular STAPLER in Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
2. Stated consent to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
3. Male or female
4. For females of reproductive potential: not pregnant at the time of screening
5. For males of reproductive potential: use of condoms or other methods to ensure effective contraception with partner
6. Histologically proven primary rectal adenocarcinoma located within 5 to 15 cm from anal verge not involving internal and/or external sphincter muscle

Non-inclusion Criteria:

1. Current use of antiplatelet drugs, acetylsalicylic acid or anticoagulants within 7 days prior to intervention
2. Unresectable tumour, inability to perform a TME with colorectal anastomosis, inability to complete R0 resection or presence of T4b tumour necessitating a multi-organ resection
3. Inability to save the left colic artery
4. Diameter of rectal lumen is unable to contain the working part of the stapler
5. Infection requiring antibiotic treatment within 30 days prior to intervention
6. Anal incontinence prior to surgery (Wexner Continence Grading Scale \>=10)
7. Significant comorbidities - ASA \> III

Exclusion criteria:

1. Patient lost for observation
2. Inability to complete all the trial procedures
3. Death due to causes unrelated to anastomotic leak in early postoperative period

8\. Current smoker or tobacco use within \<specify timeframe\> 9. Patient wants to withdraw from the clinical trial