The incidence of anastomotic leakage was similar in both groups: 5.1% in patients without MBP versus 4.9% in patients with MBP (p=0.93; 95% confidence interval for the difference (no MBP minus MBP) ranges from –2.3% tot +2.7%). There were no significant differences in other septic complications, fascia dehiscence, or mortality. Fecal contamination, number of days until resumption of a normal diet, and duration of hospital stay were similar in both groups.