Does anastomotic leakage after surgery for colorectal cancer affect survival?

This study investigated the impact of anastomotic leak on patient survival after surgery for colorectal cancer.

The main treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer is surgery. One major complication that can occur after surgery is anastomotic leakage. Anastomotic leakage involves the leaking of fluid from the point where the intestines are reconnected following removal of the tumor. This is a serious complication and understanding the best way to manage it may improve long-term survival of patients.

The current study examined the effects of anastomotic leakage on survival rates. This study examined results for 1,048 patients who had surgery for colorectal cancer. 9.4% of patients experienced anastomotic leakage after surgery. Of the patients who developed leakage, 43% were treated with antibiotics and the fluid was drained. The remaining 57% of patients required more surgery and fluid drainage.

The mortality risk was 2.74 times higher for patients who required more surgery after anastomotic leakage than for those who had no leakage. The risk of mortality was not increased in patients who received antibiotics for anastomotic leakage.

There was a trend towards increased risk of the cancer returning in patients with anastomotic leakage compared to those who had no leakage.

The authors concluded that patients who suffered from anastomotic leaks and required further surgery had an increased risk of mortality.