Kang et al identified risk factors for an anastomotic leak after an anterior resection for rectal cancer. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authros are from the University of California at Irvine.
Patient selection: status post anterior resection of a rectal cancer
Outcome: anastomotic leakage
Risk factors associated with risk for anastomotic leak:
(1) weight loss and/or malnutrition
(2) fluid and electrolyte disorders (hyperosmolarity/hypernatremia, acidosis or alkalosis, hypo- or hyperkalemia, other)
(3) male gender
(4) stoma placement
Factors associated with decreased risk:
(1) laparoscopy
In the implementation failure to perform a laparoscopic procedure will be coded as a risk factor.
A patient with anastomotic leakage may be at increased risk for:
(1) postoperative ileus
(2) surgical site infection
(3) respiratory failure
(4) renal failure
(5) urinary tract infection
(6) pneumonia
(7) deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
(8) myocardial infarction
