International journal of colorectal disease
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Anastomotic leak is a devastating complication of an intestinal anastomosis. Optimal management and outcome is not routinely described, and much of our knowledge relies upon historical data. We wished to examine the management and outcome of anastomotic leaks on a colorectal surgery unit in the twenty-first century. ⋯ Anastomotic leaks are not detected until late in the post-operative period and are associated with a high mortality. Demand on hospital resources is high. In this series, patients who leaked after a colonic anastomosis had a higher mortality and permanent stoma rate than after leaks from a rectal anastomosis.