Endoscopic management of complete colorectal anastomotic occlusion: Where do we stand?

We recently read with interest the article by Chi et al published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. In this article, the authors reported a novel technique for re-establishing luminal continuity in a completely occluded colorectal anastomosis involving two endoscopes, one for radial electrical incision and the other serving as a guide light. However, this technique can be applied only in selected cases. Given the absence of a standardized guideline-based algorithm for the management of complete anastomotic obstruction, by reviewing the available literature, we provide a brief overview of relevant endoscopic techniques while underlining their importance in the management of this postoperative complication to provide clinicians with the necessary knowledge to improve their daily practice.