Anastomotic leaks: technique and timing of detection.
BACKGROUND
Despite the proven benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, the rate of anastomotic leaks has not changed. This study looks at the time of presentation of anastomotic leaks between laparoscopic and open colectomies.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review was performed between July 2008 and 2012. Two groups were created, laparoscopic and open. The time of presentation of significant leaks requiring reoperation were compared between the groups by index colectomies. Statistical analysis is presented as paired t test and chi-square test (P < .05).


RESULTS
From 1,424 segmental colectomies, the anastomotic leak rate between the two groups was not statically significant (P = .69). No difference in the time of leak detection was evident (P = .67). Mortality rate was equal between the groups. The overall complication rate of the entire cohort was statically significant (P ≤ .001).


CONCLUSIONS
The timing of anastomotic leak detection does not differ between laparoscopy and open colorectal resections.
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA. Electronic address: leandrofeo@gmail.com.
Leandro J
LJ
Feo
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Nezar
N
Jrebi
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Theodore
T
Asgeirsson
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Nadav
N
Dujovny
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Ryan
R
Figg
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Rebecca
R
Hoedema
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Heather
H
Slay
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Donald
D
Kim
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University, Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Martin
M
Luchtefeld
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
Anastomotic leak; Laparoscopic and open colectomies; Timing of detection