Abstract
Rates of anastomotic leak following intestinal resections in the setting of inflammatory
bowel disease are significantly influenced by clinical characteristics. While the
literature can be contradictory due to significant heterogeneity in the published
data, several common themes appear to consistently arise. With respect to Crohn's
disease, low serum albumin, preoperative abscess, reoperative abdominal surgery, and
steroid use are associated with an increased risk of postoperative intra-abdominal
septic complications. On the contrary, biologic therapy, immunomodulator use, and
method of anastomosis appear not to confer increased anastomotic-related complications.
Undoubtedly, a low rate of anastomotic leakage is inherent to procedures within colorectal
surgery but diligent attention must be paid to identify, optimize, and, therefore,
reduce known risks.
Keywords
Crohn's disease - anastomotic leak - hypoalbuminemia - intra-abdominal abscess - steroids
- biologics
