Diagnosis Of Anastomotic Leakage Research Articles

High amylase concentration in drainage liquid can early predict proximal and distal intestinal anastomotic leakages: A prospective observational study.

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a serious complication in digestive surgery. Early diagnosis might allow clinicians to anticipate appropriate management. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of amylase concentration in drain fluid for the early diagnosis of digestive tract AL. Hundred and fourteen consecutive patients "at risk" of AL, in whom a flexible drainage was placed by surgeon's choice after digestive anastomosis were included. Patients with eso-gastric, bilio-digestive, and pancreatic anastomoses were excluded. Drain amylase measurement (DAM) was routinely performed on postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, 5-7. DAM values were compared between patients with postoperative AL versus patients without AL. A receiver-operating curve (ROC) with calculation of the areas under the ROC curves area under curves was performed and a cutoff value of DAM was calculated. AL occurred in 25 patients (AL group) and 89 patients did not present AL (C group). The mean DAM was significantly higher in AL group versus C Group on POD 1, 3, and 5. A cutoff value of 307 IU/L predicted the occurrence of AL with a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 100%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 97.5%, respectively. Patients with AL had an elevated DAM prior to the appearance of any clinical signs of AL. High level DAM could accurately predict AL for proximal and distal digestive tract anastomoses. This simple, noninvasive, and low-cost method can accurately predict early AL and help physicians to perform appropriate imaging and treatment.

Predicting mortality in patients with anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: development of a prediction model using data from the TENTACLE-Esophagus study.

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a common but severe complication after esophagectomy, and over 10% of patients with AL suffer mortality. Different prognostic factors in patients with AL are known, but a tool to predict mortality after AL is lacking. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for postoperative mortality in patients with AL after esophagectomy. TENTACLE-Esophagus is an international retrospective cohort study, which included 1509 patients with AL after esophagectomy. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality. Previously identified prognostic factors for mortality were selected as predictors: patient-related (e.g. comorbidity, performance status) and leak-related predictors (e.g. leucocyte count, overall gastric conduit condition). The prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression and validated internally using bootstrapping. Among the 1509 patients with AL, 90-day mortality was 11.7%. Sixteen predictors were included in the prediction model. The model showed good performance after internal validation: the c-index was 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.75-0.83). Predictions for mortality by the internally validated model aligned well with observed 90-day mortality rates. The prediction model was incorporated in an online tool for individual use and can be found at: https://www.tentaclestudy.com/prediction-model. The developed prediction model combines patient-related and leak-related factors to accurately predict postoperative mortality in patients with AL after esophagectomy. The model is useful for clinicians during counselling of patients and their families and may aid identification of high-risk patients at diagnosis of AL. In the future, the tool may guide clinical decision-making; however, external validation of the tool is warranted.

Risk factor and early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications after sphincter- preserving surgery for rectal cancer, which can significantly prolong the length of stay of patients, increase perioperative mortality, cause dysfunction, shorten overall survival and recurrence-free survival of patients. In order to reduce the serious consequences caused by AL, prediction of AL through preoperative and intraoperative risk factors are of great importance. However, the influences of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, protective stoma, laparoscopic surgery and some intraoperative manipulations on AL are still controversial. Through the auxiliary judgment of anastomotic blood supply during operation, such as indocyanine green imaging, hemodynamic ultrasound, etc., it is expected to achieve the source control of AL. Early diagnosis of AL can be achieved by attention to clinical manifestations and drainage, examination of peripheral blood, drainage and intestinal flora, identification of high risk factors such as fever, diarrhea and increased infectious indicators, and timely administration of CT with contrast enema.

CT scan for early diagnosis of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery: is rectal contrast useful?

Computed tomography (CT) scan with rectal contrast enema (RCE-CT) could increase the detection rate of anastomotic leaks (AL) in the early postoperative period following colorectal surgery, compared to CT scan without RCE. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of RCE-CT for the early diagnosis of AL following colorectal surgery. Patients who had a RCE-CT for suspected AL in the early postoperative period following colorectal surgery with anastomosis between January 2012 and July 2019 at the Dijon University Hospital were retrospectively included. All images were reviewed by two independent observers who were blinded to the original report. The reviewers reported for each patient whether an AL was present or not in each imaging modality (CT scan, then RCE-CT). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were then calculated to determine the diagnostic performance of each modality. One hundred and thirty-nine patients were included. RCE-CT had an increased NPV compared to CT scan (82% vs 77% (p = 0.02) and 84% vs 68% (p < 0.0001) for observers 1 and 2, respectively). RCE-CT had an increased sensitivity compared to CT scan (79% vs 48% (p < 0.0001) for observer 2). RCE-CT had a significant lower false-negative rate for both observers: 18% vs 23% (p = 0.02) and 16% vs 32% (p < 0.0001). RCE-CT improved the detection rates of AL in the early period following colorectal surgery. RCE-CT should be recommended when a CT scan is negative and AL is still suspected.

The Significance of Blood and Peritoneal Fluid Biochemical Markers in Identifying Early Anastomotic Leak following Colorectal Resection-Findings from a Single-Center Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of leukocyte, C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, lactate, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in blood and peritoneal fluid in early recognition of anastomotic leak (AL) after colorectal resections. Materials and Methods: Our pilot prospective cohort study was conducted at the abdominal surgery department at University Medical Center Ljubljana. A total of 43 patients who underwent open or laparoscopic colorectal resection because of benign or malignant etiology were enrolled. All of the patients had primary anastomosis without stoma formation. Results: Three patients in our patient group developed AL (7%). We found a statistically significant elevation of serum lactate levels in patients that developed AL compared to those who did not but noted no statistically relevant difference in the blood or peritoneal fluid levels of other biochemical markers. Conclusions: Elevated lactate levels may be considered a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of AL, but more research on bigger patient groups is warranted.

Usefulness of CT scan as part of an institutional protocol for proactive leakage management after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

PurposeHighly selective fecal diversion after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer requires a strict postoperative protocol for early detection of anastomotic leakage (AL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP)–based CT imaging in diagnosis and subsequent management of AL.MethodsAll patients that underwent a CT scan for suspicion of AL after transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer in a university center (2015–2020) were included. Outcome parameters were diagnostic yield of CT and timing of CT and subsequent intervention.ResultsForty-four out of 125 patients underwent CT (35%) with an overall median interval of 5 h (IQR 3–6) from CRP measurement. The anastomosis was diverted in 7/44 (16%). CT was conclusive or highly suspicious for AL in 23, with confirmed AL in all those patients (yield 52%), and was false-negative in one patient (sensitivity 96%). CT initiated subsequent intervention after median 6 h (IQR 3–25). There was no or minor suspicion of AL on imaging in all 20 patients without definitive diagnosis of AL. After CT imaging on day 2, AL was confirmed in 0/1, and these proportions were 6/6 for day 3, 7/10 for day 4, 2/4 for day 5, and 9/23 beyond day 5.ConclusionIn the setting of an institutional policy of highly selective fecal diversion and pro-active leakage management, the yield of selective CT imaging using predefined CRP cut-off values was 52% with a sensitivity of 96%, enabling timely and tailored intervention after a median of 6 h from imaging.

SP3.1.7 Does using intra-operative indocyanine green impact the clinical suspicion of anastomotic leak?

Abstract Aims To see if the beneficial impact of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography on anastomotic leak (AL) rate was reflected in the “suspicion” of leak in patients undergoing rectal or sigmoid cancer resection. Methods Patients who have intra-operative ICG fluorescence have reduced clinical AL rates, with a shorter length of stay (LOS). Recent publications have suggested stricter criteria to categorize AL. A prospectively-maintained database was reviewed to see if there was a difference in the suspicion of AL between patients who did and did not receive intra-operative ICG. A total of 159 rectal and sigmoid cancers were diagnosed between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021 in our health board, with 75 patients proceeding to surgery. Only patients receiving primary anastomosis were included in this study (n=33). Post-operative CT scans performed, diagnosis of AL, Clavien-Dindo complication rates, use of antibiotics beyond 48 hours, and LOS, were studied. Results 39.4% (n=13/33) received intra-operative ICG whilst 60.6% (n=20/33) did not. The median LOS was 3 days in the ICG group and 6.5 days in the non-ICG group. There were less CT scans, antibiotic use, complications, and post-operative interventions in the ICG cohort. Conclusion This is a small-sized snapshot audit, however it demonstrates that the reduced AL rate in patients having intra-operative ICG is reflected in their post-op journey of care, with a clear difference in interventions, and no greater number of “sub-clinical” leaks in the ICG cohort. The study will be expanded to see if this data is consistent in a larger study.

Intraoperative Colonoscopy in Laparoscopic Rectal Cancer Surgery Reduces Anastomotic Leakage.

Objectives: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most severe complication of colorectal surgery and is a frequent cause of postoperative mortality. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for AL, including the type of air leak test (ALT) performed, in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: This study involved a retrospective review of 201 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic procedures using circular stapled anastomosis for colorectal cancer between January 2015 and December 2020 at Kyorin University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. In all cases, the distance from the anal verge to the anastomotic site was within 15 cm. Results: Overall, AL was observed in 16 patients (8.0%). Univariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for AL included diabetes (P = 0.068), tumor location (P = 0.049), level of anastomosis (P = 0.002), number of linear stapler firings (P = 0.007), and intraoperative colonoscopy (IOCS; P = 0.069). Multivariate analysis revealed that the level of anastomosis (P = 0.029) and IOCS (P = 0.039) were significant and independent risk factors for AL. One of the 107 patients undergoing ALT without IOCS and 3 of the 94 patients undergoing ALT with IOCS were proven to be positive for air leak. However, these four patients underwent additional suturing intraoperatively and developed no AL following surgery. Conclusions: This study identified the level of anastomosis and ALT with IOCS as predictors for AL. The results of our study indicate that ALT with IOCS may be more effective than ALT without IOCS in the diagnosis and prevention of AL.

Endoluminal vacuum-assisted therapy as a treatment for anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery.

Anastomotic leakage (AL) has a wide range of clinical features ranging from radiological only findings to peritonitis and sepsis with multiorgan failure. An early diagnosis of AL is essential in order to establish the most appropriate treatment for this complication. Despite AL continues to be a dreadful compli-cation after colorectal surgery, there has been no consensus on its management. However, based on patient’s presentation and timing of the AL, there has been a gradual shift to a more conservative management, keeping surgery as the last option Reoperation for sepsis control is rarely necessary especially in those patients who already have a diverting stoma at the time of the leak. A nonoperative management is usually preferred in these patients. There are several treatment options, also for patients without a stoma who do not require a reoperation for a contained pelvic leak, including recently developed endoscopic procedures, such as clip placement or endoluminal vacuum-assisted therapy. More conservative treatments could be an option in patients who are clinically stable or in presence of a small defect.

Early postoperative endoscopic evaluation of rectal anastomoses: a prospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundReported incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) of rectal anastomoses is up to 29% with an overall mortality up to 12%. Nevertheless, there is no uniform evidence-based diagnostic procedure for early detection of AL.The objective of this prospective clinical trial was to demonstrate the diagnostic value of early postoperative flexible endoscopy for rectal anastomosis evaluation.MethodsFlexible endoscopy between 5 and 8th postoperative day was performed consecutively in 90 asymptomatic patients. Sample size calculation was made using the two-stage Simon design. Diagnostic value was measured by management change after endoscopic evaluation. Anastomoses were categorized according to a new classification. Study is registered in German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00019217).ResultsOf the 90 anastomoses, 59 (65.6%) were unsuspicious. 20 (22.2%) were suspicious with partial fibrin plaques (n = 15), intramural hematoma and/or local blood coagulum (n = 4) and ischemic area in one. 17 of these anastomoses were treated conservatively under monitoring. In three a further endoscopic re-evaluation was performed and as consequence one patient underwent endoscopic vacuum therapy. 11 (12.2%) AL were detected. Here, two could be treated conservatively under monitoring, four with endoscopic vacuum therapy and five needed revision surgery. No intervention-related adverse events occurred. A change in postoperative management was made in 31 (34.4%) patients what caused a significant improvement of diagnosis of AL (p < 0.001).ConclusionsEarly postoperative endoscopic evaluation of rectal anastomoses is a safe procedure thus allows early detection of AL. Early treatment for suspicious anastomoses or AL could be adapted to avoid severe morbidity and mortality.Graphical abstract

Endoscopic vacuum-assisted surgical closure (EVASC) of anastomotic defects after low anterior resection for rectal cancer; lessons learned

BackgroundEndoscopic vacuum-assisted surgical closure (EVASC) is an emerging treatment for AL, and early initiation of treatment seems to be crucial. The objective of this study was to report on the efficacy of EVASC for anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer resection and determine factors for success.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included all rectal cancer patients treated with EVASC for a leaking primary anastomosis after LAR at a tertiary referral centre (July 2012—April 2020). Early initiation (≤ 21 days) or late initiation of the EVASC protocol was compared. Primary outcomes were healed and functional anastomosis at end of follow-up.ResultsSixty-two patients were included, of whom 38 were referred. Median follow-up was 25 months (IQR 14–38). Early initiation of EVASC (≤ 21 days) resulted in a higher rate of healed anastomosis (87% vs 59%, OR 4.43 [1.25–15.9]) and functional anastomosis (80% vs 56%, OR 3.11 [1.00–9.71]) if compared to late initiation. Median interval from AL diagnosis to initiation of EVASC was significantly shorter in the early group (11 days (IQR 6–15) vs 70 days (IQR 39–322), p < 0.001). A permanent end-colostomy was created in 7% and 28%, respectively (OR 0.18 [0.04–0.93]). In 17 patients with a non-defunctioned anastomosis, and AL diagnosis within 2 weeks, EVASC resulted in 100% healed and functional anastomosis.ConclusionEarly initiation of EVASC for anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection yields high rates of healed and functional anastomosis. EVASC showed to be progressively more successful with the implementation of highly selective diversion and early diagnosis of the leak.Graphical abstract

Clinical value of routine contrast esophagram in the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage for three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis

Objective: To examine the clinical value of routine contrast esophagram (RCE) for the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage (AL) after three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis. Methods: Clinical data of 1 022 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent McKeown three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis from January 2015 to December 2019 at Department of Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital and Institute were analyzed retrospectively. There were 876 males and 146 females, aging(M(IQR)) 48(16) years (range: 36 to 84 years). There were 253 patients (24.8%) with neoadjuvant therapy, and 817 patients (79.9%) with minimally invasive esophagectomy. According to the diagnosis and treatment habits of the attending surgeons, 333 patients were included in the RCE group, and RCE was performed on the 7th day postoperative, while 689 patients were included in the non-RCE group, and RCE was performed when the patients had suspicious symptoms. Taking clinical symptoms, RCE, CT, endoscopy and other methods as reference to the diagnosis of AL, the sensitivity and specificity were used to analyze and evaluate the efficacy of RCE for the diagnosis of AL. The data were compared by U test or χ² test between groups. Results: The incidence rate of AL after three-incision esophagectomy was 7.34% (75/1 022), including 30 cases in the RCE group and 45 cases in the non-RCE group (9.0%(30/333) vs. 6.5%(45/689), χ²=2.027, P=0.155). The diagnostic time of AL was 9(5) days postoperative (range: 4 to 30 days). Among them, 23 cases showed cervical leakages, 50 cases showed intro-thoracic leakages, and 2 cases both cervical and intro-thoracic leakages. The diagnostic time of patients with intro-thoracic leakages was longer than that of cervical leakages (10(4) days vs. 6(3) days, Z=-2.517, P=0.012). Among the 333 patients in the RCE group, 16 cases of RCE indicated leakages including 11 cases of true positive and 5 cases determined to be false positive, while 317 cases indicated no abnormalities including 19 cases developed leakages. The sensitivity and specificity of RCE to detect AL were 36.7%(11/30) and 98.3%(298/333), respectively. The Youden-index was 0.35, and the diagnostic accuracy was 92.8%(309/333). The positive and negative predictive value were 11/16 and 94.0%(298/317), respectively. Conclusions: Routine contrast esophagram after three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis has low sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of AL. The diagnostic time of AL is the 9th day after surgery. It is necessary to prolong the observation time clinically, and combine RCE with CT, endoscopy and other inspection methods for diagnosis.

Development of the Severity of Esophageal Anastomotic Leak (SEAL) score: a tool to predict mortality at time of diagnosis in patients with anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and severe complication after esophagectomy, but it is largely unknown how to assess leakage severity at the time of diagnosis. We aimed to develop the Severity of Esophageal Anastomotic Leak (SEAL) score, a tool to determine leak severity at diagnosis of AL.

Surgical management and long-term functional outcomes after anastomotic leak in patients undergoing minimally invasive restorative rectal resection and without a diverting ileostomy.

Anastomotic leak (AL) is the anathema of colorectal surgery, with well-documented adverse impacts on patient morbidity and mortality. The long-term consequences of AL on bowel function and quality of life (QoL) is less well-defined after minimally invasive surgery. By omitting a temporary diverting ileostomy (TDI), it is postulated that the minimally invasive approach will lead to early diagnosis and expedient management of AL. This retrospective and cross-sectional study included patients who underwent minimally invasive restorative rectal surgery with a low pelvic colorectal anastomosis and without a TDI at two tertiary hospitals in Brisbane, Australia between 2004 and 2018. Surgical management of AL is described and long-term functional outcomes were evaluated through validated questionnaires. Two hundred and twenty-four patients met inclusion criteria. AL was associated with lesion proximity to the anal verge (P=0.011), total mesorectal excision (TME) (P <0.001) and advanced malignant disease (P=0.019). Twenty-four patients experienced an AL (11%) diagnosed at a median of 5.5 days post-operative. Survey responders (n=99, 62%) included 10 (10%) AL and 89 (90%) non-AL patients, with a median follow-up of 4 and 6.4 years. SF-36 and FISI scores were comparable between groups, however AL patients had worse LARS scores (P=0.028). Patients undergoing TME, irrespective of AL, had poorer low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) (P <0.001) and FISI scores (P=0.001). AL in patients undergoing minimally invasive low pelvic colorectal anastomosis without a TDI does not impact long term QoL. The occurrence of LARS is dependent on the extent of resection, rather than the occurrence of AL.

Drain fluid amylase as a biomarker for the detection of anastomotic leakage after rectal resection without a diverting ileostomy.

Anastomotic leak (AL) is the anathema of colorectal surgery. Early diagnosis is an essential segue to early intervention. A temporary diverting ileostomy (TDI) does not prevent an AL and presents inherent complications of its own. Numerous drain fluid biomarkers (BM) have been studied in colorectal surgery and extravasated intraluminal substances (EILS) such as amylase have shown promise. The aim of this study was to assess drain fluid amylase (DFA) as a BM of AL after minimally invasive rectal resection without a TDI. A single centre prospective cohort study performed from 2018 to 2021. The primary outcome was DFA measured daily whilst the drain was in situ. Rectal tube amylase was also measured for the first two post-operative days to quantitate the intra-luminal levels of the enzyme. DFA was compared between patients who experienced AL and those who did not. Of the 62 patients studied, six (9.7%) experienced AL. There was a statistically significant difference in DFA between patients who experienced AL (Median:1373.5U/L; IQR: 306-7953) and patients who did not experience an AL (Median: 27.0U/L; IQR: 16-38); p< 0.0001. The measurement of drain fluid amylase is a highly sensitive BM of early clinical anastomotic leak in patients undergoing a rectal resection with an extraperitoneal anastomosis and when a TDI is not incorporated. This simple, inexpensive and non-invasive test should be considered in all patients as an adjunct to the clinical diagnosis and differentiation of AL from other postoperative complications.

Procalcitonin is one of the predictive factors of dehiscence of the colorectal anastomosis

Background/Aim: Dehiscence of the colorectal anastomosis is one of the most serious complications in digestive surgery that is still present in a large percentage today, which significantly increases the cost of treatment and can lead to death. Due to all the above, early detection of anastomotic dehiscence is very important, as well as the decision on surgical treatment. Procalcitonin (PCT) is thought to be an important marker of inflammation and sepsis. Aim of this paper was to confirm PCT as a marker of great sensitivity in early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage. Methods: The study included patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer in the period from 2016 to 2020. Patients were operated according to an elective protocol and with an open surgical approach. In patients, PCT values were measured on the 2nd and 4th postoperative day (POD) to determine the association between elevated PCT values and the onset of dehiscence of the colorectal anastomosis. Results: A study was conducted in 118 patients in whom a stapler colorectal anastomosis was created. Colorectal anastomosis dehiscence occurred in 10 patients. In 4 patients with dehiscence, no re-surgical intervention was required, but they were taken care of by conservative methods. Repeated surgery was performed in 6 patients. In all patients with dehiscence, there was a multiple increase in the value of PCT above normal. Conclusion: PCT has high sensitivity and specificity (85 and 74 % respectively) as a marker in dehiscence of colorectal anastomosis. In this study it was found that PCT values were significantly correlated with the dehiscence of anastomo-sis 2nd POD and especially 4th POD.

Bacteriological concentration of peritoneal drainage fluid could make an early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage following rectal resection

To investigate that the bacteriological concentration and pH value in peritoneal drainage fluid might serve as indicators of early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage following rectal resection. We prospectively analyzed consecutive patients who were treated for rectal diseases with anastomosis at the department of general surgery, the affiliated hospital of Nanjing University Medical School between August 2018 and December 2020. The bacteriological concentration and the pH value in peritoneal drainage fluid were tested on the first, fourth, seventh days postoperatively. A total of 300 consecutive patients underwent rectal resection were tested. 21 patients present with AL and the overall AL rate was 7%. The bacteriological concentration in peritoneal drainage fluid of AL group was significantly higher than that in non-AL group. The AUC value was 0.98 (95% confidence intervals 0.969–1.000) according to the ROC curve. The best cut-off value was 1143/uL. The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 93.19% respectively. There was no difference of pH value between the AL and non-AL groups. According the results of present study, a high bacteriological concentration in peritoneal drainage fluid is a good marker for predicting and diagnosing AL following rectal resection. However, owing to the limitation of the sample, there was no validation attempt in the study. A large sample study is needed to validate the conclusion.

Diagnosis of Anastomotic Leak.

Anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the impact of anastomotic leaks and their risk factors can help the surgeon avoid any modifiable pitfalls. The diagnosis of an anastomotic leak can be elusive but can be discerned by the patient's global clinical assessment, adjunctive laboratory data and radiological assessment. The use of inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin have recently gained traction as harbingers for a leak. A CT scan and/or a water soluble contrast study can further elucidate the location and severity of a leak. Further intervention is then individualized on the spectrum of simple observation with resolution or surgical intervention.

Serum markers for the early diagnosis of intestinal anastomotic leak after gyne-oncological operations.

To analyse the serum markers for the early diagnosis of intestinal anastomotic leak (AL) after the gyne-oncological operations. Between September 2017 and March 2021, patients with an intestinal anastomosis performed during the gyne-oncological surgeries were identified from a tertiary centre in Turkey. As the local guideline of the clinic, all these patients were followed by measuring serum samples including procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on postoperative day (POD) 1 through the day of discharge or the day of re-operation for AL. 12.5% (5/40) of the patients suffered an AL and 4 of them were re-operated. The mean albumin values on POD 3-4 and the mean platelet values on POD 1 were lower in the AL group (P < .05). Although it was not statistically significant (P > .05), median PCT values (ng/mL) on POD 8-10 were higher in the AL group compared with no leak group. The best cut-off point for PCT on POD 9 was determined to be 0.11ng/mL (AUC: 0.917, Sensitivity = 100.0%, specificity = 66.7%, positive predictive value = 66.7%, negative predictive value = 100.0%). Serum PCT and CRP concentrations were not found to be helpful for the early diagnosis of AL in patients operated for gyne-oncological malignancies. Low levels of albumin and platelets in the first days after the operation may be clue for a possible AL.

Clinical features and prognosis of anastomotic leak after anterior resection for rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

Objective: To explore clinical features and prognosis of anastomotic leak (AL) after anterior resection following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Data were retrieved from colorectal cancer database of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. The clinical data of 470 patients with rectal cancer who underwent anterior resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy at our department from September 2010 to December 2018 were enrolled. Clinical features and outcome of postoperative AL were analyzed. The primary outcomes were the short-term and long-term incidence and severity of AL (ISREC grading standard was adopted). The secondary outcomes were the prognostic indicators of AL, including the secondary chronic presacral sinus, anastomotic stenosis and persistent stoma. Patients received regular follow-up every 3-6 months after surgery, including physical examination, blood test, colonoscopy and image; those received follow-up once a year after postoperative 2-year; those who did not return to our hospital received telephone follow-up. Data of this study were retrieved up to January 2020. Univariate χ(2) test and multivariate logistic analysis were used to identify risk factors of AL and prognostic factors of persistent stoma. Results: There were 331 males (70.4%) with the average age of (53.5±11.6) years. Distance from tumor to anal verge ≤ 5 cm was found in 228 (48.5%) patients. The diverting stoma was performed in 440 (93.6%) patients. After a median follow-up of 28 months, AL was found in 129 (27.4%) patients, including 67 (14.3%) patients with clinical leak (ISREC grade B-C). The median time for diagnosis of AL was 70 days (2-515 days) after index surgery. Common symptoms included sacrococcygeal pain (27.9%, 36/129), purulent discharge through anus (25.6%, 33/129), and rectal irritation (17.8%, 23/129). Sixty five point one percent (84/129) of the defect site was at the posterior wall of the anastomosis. Transanal incision and drainage or lavage (27.9%, 36/129) and percutaneous drainage under ultrasound or CT (17.1%, 22/129) were the most common management. Chronic presacral sinus tract could not be evaluated in 12 patients because imaging was performed more than 1 year after the operation. Evaluation beyond 1 year showed that 73 of 458 eligible patients (15.9%) were found with chronic presacral sinus, accounting for 62.4% (73/117) of patients with AL; 69 of 454 (15.2%) were diagnosed with anastomotic stenosis, of whom 49 were secondary to AL; 59 of 470 (12.6%) had persistent stoma due to AL. Univariate analysis showed that male, operative duration > 180 minutes, intraoperative blood loss >150 ml, and pelvic radiation injury were associated with AL (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that male (OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.04-2.86, P=0.036), intraoperative blood loss > 150 ml (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.11-2.97, P=0.017), and pelvic radiation injury (OR=4.90, 95% CI: 3.09-7.76, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of AL after anterior resection. For patients with AL, clinical leak (ISREC grade B-C) (OR=9.59, 95% CI: 3.73-24.69, P<0.001), age ≤55 years (OR=3.35, 95% CI: 1.35-8.30, P=0.009), distance from tumor to anal verge ≤ 5 cm (OR=3.33, 95% CI: 1.25-8.92, P=0.017), and pelvic radiation injury (OR=3.29, 95% CI: 1.33-8.14, P=0.010) were independent risk factors of persistent stoma. Conclusions: AL after anterior resection following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer patients is common. Among patients with AL, the proportion of those needing persistent stoma is high. Pelvic radiation injury is significantly associated with occurrence of AL and subsequent persistent stoma. Sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer should be selectively used based on the risk of pelvic radiation injury, which is beneficial to reduce the incidence of AL and improve the quality of life.