Anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery: Where are we and where do we go from here?

Anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery is a significant complication which is feared by surgeons and has considerable consequences for patients. It affects up to 17% of rectal resections and although there is significant knowledge regarding its detection and treatment, there are still no reliable methods for its prevention. We proposed the routine use of intra-operative endoscopy as a method of reducing the risk of anastomotic leak. This thesis explores current knowledge regarding anastomotic leaks, including the causes, prevention and management. We also present the findings from a feasibility trial into intra-operative endoscopy as a method for reducing anastomotic leak rate. We found that the prevention of anastomotic leak is multi-faceted. Current methods cannot prevent it entirely but intra-operative endoscopy is a safe and potentially beneficial method of identifying leaks and preventing complications but further large-scale trials are required. If it cannot be prevented, early diagnosis and treatment is important to reduce further complications.

Author dc:creator

• Rossi, Benjamin William Peter

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mark Coleman, Sebastian Smolarek, Simon Rule

• Anastomotic leak Colorectal surgery

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

10026.1/21877

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pearl.plymouth.ac.uk:pms-theses-1043