Title
ANASTOMOTIC LEAK AFTER COLORECTAL SURGERY: AN INSIGHT OF RISK FACTORS
Author(s)
H Younus, J Nunoo Mensah, L Barker, A Haji, A Haq
Institution
King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
Aims
The aim of this study was to evaluate different risk factors associated with the development of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery.
Methods
A cohort of 1592 patients who had undergone colorectal surgery between 2009 and 2015 were studied their medical notes were reviewed for preoperative demographics, co morbidities, biochemical markers, type of surgery, degree of contamination and stage of cancer. We studied the relationship of these factors in the development of anastomotic leak (AL).
Results
Out of 1592 patients, 2% developed anastomotic leak. These patients had significantly higher BMI, higher percentage of major and complex major procedures (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, possum mortality risk, cardiac comorbidities, ASA-score, biochemical markers, type of surgery, peritoneal contamination, Dukes staging and operating surgeon.
Conclusion
High BMI and complex colorectal surgery may be associated with higher anastomotic leak based on our studied cohort. Such cases should be carefully monitored for early detection of this complication to improve patient outcome.
Key statement
Anastomotic leak is one of the most concerning complications following colorectal surgery due to high mortality rate of up to 39%. The understanding of risk factors may help us improve patient outcome. High BMI and complex colorectal surgery may be associated with higher anastomotic leak based on our studied cohort.