Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage Following Total or Subtotal Colectomy

Abstract

Introduction A higher rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) is reported after ileosigmoid anastomosis (ISA) or ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in total or subtotal colectomy (TSC) compared with colonic or colorectal anastomosis. The main aim of the present study was to assess potential risk factors for AL after ISA or IRA and to investigate determinants of morbidity. Methods We identified 180 consecutive patients in a prospective referral, single center database, in which 83 of the patients underwent TSC with ISA or IRA. Data regarding the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcome were assessed to determine their association with the cumulative incidence of AL and surgical morbidity. Results Ileosigmoid anastomosis was performed in 51 of the patients (61.5%) and IRA in 32 patients (38.6%). The cumulative incidence of AL was 15.6% (13 of 83 patients). A higher AL rate was found in patients under 50 years-old (p = 0.038), in the elective-laparoscopic approach subgroup (p = 0.049), and patients in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subgroup (p = 0.009). Furthermore, 14 patients (16.9%) had morbidity classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIA. Discussion A relatively high incidence of AL after TSC was observed in a relatively safe surgical procedure. Our findings suggest that the risk of AL may be higher in IBD patients. According to our results, identifying risk factors prior to surgery may improve short-term outcomes.