Intraoperative Rectal Lavage to Prevent Local Recurrence After Laparoscopic Mid-to-Low Rectal Cancer Resection: A Multicenter Randomized Trial

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 75 years old.
* Pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma.
* Mid-to-low rectal cancer with the tumor lower margin located ≤10 cm from the anal verge.
* Underwent laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer with sphincter preservation.
* Without concomitant multiple primary malignancies.
* Adequate organ function.
* Patients or their family members were able to understand the study protocol, willing to participate in this study, and provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant other malignancies or a history of prior malignancies.
* Abdominal perineal resection (Miles' operation) or Hartmann's procedure.
* Failure to open the peritoneal reflection during surgery.
* History of previous pelvic floor surgery.
* Emergency surgery due to bowel obstruction.
* Severe hepatic, renal, cardiopulmonary, or coagulation dysfunction, or other severe comorbidities that render the patient unable to tolerate the procedure.
* History of severe psychiatric disorders.
* Pregnant or lactating women.
* Any other clinical or laboratory conditions considered unsuitable for participation in the trial by the investigators.