• I L Post, P M Verheijen, A Pronk, I Siccama, and P L Houweling.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. i.l.post@amc.uva.nl
• Int J Colorectal Dis. 2012 Jun 1; 27 (6): 765-72.

PurposeAnastomotic leakage is a serious complication after colorectal surgery. Pre- and intraoperative factors may contribute to failure of colorectal anastomosis. In this study we have tried to determine risk factors for anastomotic leakage, with special emphasis on intraoperative blood pressure changes.MethodsDuring a 24-month period, patients receiving a colorectal anastomosis were prospectively evaluated. For each patient preoperative characteristics, intraoperative adverse events and surgical outcome data were collected. Blood pressure changes were calculated as a relative decrease (>25% and >40%) from preoperative baseline values.ResultsDuring the study period, 285 patients underwent colorectal surgery with an anastomosis. Fifteen patients developed an anastomotic leakage (5.3%). All patients who developed a leakage had a left-sided procedure (P < 0.001). When blood loss was more than 250 mL (P = 0.003) or an intraoperative adverse event occurred (P = 0.050), the risk for developing an anastomotic leakage was significantly increased. A preoperative high diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mmHg (P = 0.008) and severe intraoperative hypotension [>40% decrease in diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.049)] were identified as univariate risk factors for anastomotic leakage.ConclusionsThe development of an anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery is related to surgical, patient and anaesthetic risk factors. A high preoperative diastolic blood pressure and profound intraoperative hypotension combined with complex surgery, marked by a blood loss of ≥250 mL and the occurrence of intraoperative adverse events, is associated with an increased risk of developing anastomotic leakage.

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