Investigation of the Benefit of Using an Autologous Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix (Obsidian ASG®) for Treatment of Anastomosis During Rectal Surgery

The following inclusion criteria will be considered:

• Written informed consent
• Age > 18 years
• Indication for elective oncological rectal resection in the presence of malignant rectal disease and the lower edge of the tumor, measured from the anal verge with the rigid rectoscope, ≤ 14cm
• Use of a circular anastomosis using the "double stapling technique"(6) during creation of the anastomosis
• Expected availability within the maximum 45-day period of study participation
• The use of "golden standard" stapling technology devices; 3 rows endo linear stapler; 2 rows circular stapling devices should be used in an open and laparoscopic approach

Exclusion Criteria:

The following exclusion criteria will be considered:

• Pregnancy, or the non-exclusion of pregnancy (for women of childbearing potential). In the case of menopause having occurred more than 2 years ago or postmenopausal sterilization or surgical sterilization, the authorized physician is free to classify the female study participant as non-pregnant, so that the pregnancy test otherwise required at the beginning of study participation (or during subject screening) may be omitted.
• Risk of pregnancy occurring while taking part in the study in women not meeting at least one of the following criteria: Onset of menopause more than 2 years ago, postmenopausal sterilization, surgical sterilization, a promise to use contraception (with hormones, coil or diaphragm/condom + spermicide), while enrolled in the study) In the case of onset of menopause more than 2 years ago, postmenopausal sterilization or surgical sterilization, the authorized doctor is free to classify the patient in question as infertile. Furthermore, it is at the discretion of the authorized physician to classify the patient in question on the basis of continuous inpatient care in such a way that the occurrence of pregnancy during participation in the study can be ruled out ("continuous determination of the absence of pregnancy"). If one of the above classifications applies, further measures to ensure that a pregnancy does not occur during the patient's participation in the study may not be required.
• Breastfeeding period
• Lack of legal capacity
• Vulnerable persons according to the law
• Comorbidity with the potential for relevant impairment of anastomosis durability (leukemia, cirrhosis of the liver, Child Pugh C, etc.)
• Preoperative anemia with Hb \<8g/dL
• Participating in another study
• Patients on Aspirin not able to stop using Aspirin for medical reasons minimum 3 days before taking the blood sampling.
• Patients on Clopidogrel not able to stop using Clopidogrel for medical reasons minimum 7 days before blood sampling.
• Patients on other platelet aggregation inhibitor therapies
• Contraindication for Obsidian ASG®
• Surgical technique of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)
• Application of a circular powered stapler in the course of anastomosis supply with GSTTM technology or a 3 row circular stapler use while creating the study anastomosis