The Effect of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection as A Cause of Increased Procalcitonin Levels on Colon Anastomotic Leakage in Post-Laparotomy Wistar Rats

Background: Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication with a 6–39% mortality rate. Pseudomonas aeruginosa impairs healing, while procalcitonin rises in systemic inflammation. This study assesses procalcitonin as an early predictor of leakage post-colorectal anastomosis. Objective: To evaluate the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in increasing procalcitonin levels and anastomotic leakage after laparotomy in Wistar rats. Method: An experimental study on 20 male Wistar rats post-anastomosis, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa given to the treatment group (n=10). Procalcitonin levels were measured on days 1, 3, and 5, followed by relaparotomy to assess leakage. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26. Results: Procalcitonin levels progressively increased in both groups, with significantly higher levels in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected group on postoperative day 5 (mean difference: 2.786 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Significant differences were observed between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.001) and within each group over time (control: p = 0.017; treatment: p = 0.009). Chi-square analysis showed that elevated procalcitonin levels (>2 ng/mL) increased the risk of anastomotic leakage (OR: 15, 95% CI: 1.652–136.17, p = 0.015). A significant association was also found between procalcitonin levels and hypertension risk (OR: 7, 95% CI: 1.14–42.97, p = 0.033), with a relative risk of 5 in the control group (95% CI: 1.87–28.86, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Samples infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited higher procalcitonin levels and a greater risk of anastomotic leakage following colonic laparotomy, particularly on postoperative day 5.