Inclusion Criteria:  Adult (≥18 years-old) patients Underwent restorative proctectomy by a laparoscopic, robotic, transanal total mesorectal excision, or open approach with creation of a diverting loop ileostomy for the treatment of rectal cancer Negative anastomotic "leak test" via CT scan with rectally-administered water-soluble contrast on post-operative day 7, 8 or 9.  Exclusion Criteria:  Peri-operative immunosuppression (within 6 weeks of surgery date); Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index >6; Other major surgery during the index operation; Any major complications (Clavien Dindo Grade III or greater) following restorative proctectomy; Inability to speak or comprehend English or French and inability to give informed consent.