FP7.13 - Is There A Difference In Anastomotic Leak Rates Requiring Re-Operation Following Emergency Right Hemicolectomy Between Colorectal And Non-Colorectal Surgeons?

Abstract Aim Right sided colonic cancers can often obstruct and present as an emergency. The decision to perform an anastomosis following the right hemicolectomy resection is often multifactorial. This study explores whether there are differences in leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons in the context of emergency right hemicolectomy operations performed for malignancy. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at a 3-site Trust in South-East England between 2017 and 2022. Theatre and Infoflex Cancer records were used to obtain patients who had undergone an open right hemicolectomy for malignancy and their operating surgeon. Discharge summaries and clinic letters were then used to ascertain return to theatre for an anastomotic leak. Results There were 281 patients who had undergone an emergency right hemicolectomy in this time interval. There was a 152:129 female:male ratio. 17 out of 37 patients had an anastomosis undertaken by an Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon. 2 out of the 17 (12%) had an anastomotic leak. 129 out of 244 had an anastomosis undertaken by a Colorectal Surgeon. 17 of the 129 (13%) had an anastomotic leak. There was no significant difference between the leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons (p=0.888). Conclusion The study shows that there is no statistical difference in right hemicolectomy anastomotic leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons in the emergency setting.