Factors determining delay in relaparotomy for anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the time interval ('delay') between the first occurrence of clinical parameters associated with anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection and subsequent relaparotomy.


METHODS
In 36 out of 289 consecutive patients with colorectal anastomosis, leakage was confirmed at relaparotomy. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively analysed and type and time of appearance of clinical parameters suggestive of anastomotic leakage were recorded. These parameters included heart rate, body temperature, local or generalized peritoneal reaction, leucocytosis, ileus and delayed gastric emptying. Factors influencing delay of relaparotomy and consequences of delayed recognition and treatment were determined.


RESULTS
First documentation of at least one of the predefined parameters for anastomotic leakage was after a median interval of 4 +/- 1.7 d after the operation. The median number of days between first parameter(s) associated with leakage and relaparotomy was 3.5 +/- 5.7 d. The time interval between the first signs of leakage and relaparotomy was significantly longer when a weekend was included (4.2 d vs 2.4 d, P = 0.021) or radiological evaluation proved to be false-negative (8.1 d vs 3.5 d, P = 0.007). No significant association between delay and number of additional relaparotomies, hospital stay or mortality could be demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
An intervening weekend and negative diagnostic imaging reports may contribute to a delay in diagnosis and relaparotomy for anastomotic leakage. That delay was more than two days in two-thirds of the patients.
Doeksen
A
A
Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Tanis
P J
PJ
Vrouenraets
B C
BC
Lanschot van
J J B
JJ
Tets van
W F
WF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D003125:Colostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors