RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAK FOLLOWING COLORECTAL SURGERY

Background: Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious complications following colorectal surgery and can result insepsis, reoperation, prolonged hospitalization, and increased mortality. Identifying factors associated with leakage may helpimprove perioperative management and postoperative outcomes. The aim is to identify patient-related and operative riskfactors associated with anastomotic leakage and to evaluate its effect on postoperative outcomes following colorectal surgery.Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 100 patients undergoing colorectal surgeryin the Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Korba, Chhattisgarh, over a 6-month period.Demographic, clinical, preoperative, and operative factors were assessed, and postoperative outcomes were compared betweenpatients with and without anastomotic leakage. Results: Among 100 patients undergoing colorectal surgery, 22 (22.0%)developed anastomotic leakage. Leakage was significantly associated with older age (p=0.032), male sex (24.2% vs. 18.4%;p=0.041), diabetes (37.5% vs. 17.1%; p=0.015), smoking (34.5% vs. 16.9%; p=0.009), anaemia (33.3% vs. 15.6%; p=0.006),hypoalbuminaemia (39.3% vs. 15.3%; p<0.001), higher ASA grade (41.4% vs. 14.1%; p=0.003), neoadjuvant therapy (34.6%vs. 17.6%; p=0.028), emergency surgery (50.0% vs. 15.9%; p=0.004), low pelvic anastomosis (35.5% vs. 15.9%; p=0.006),prolonged surgery (31.5% vs. 10.9%; p<0.001), and increased blood loss (41.7% vs. 15.8%; p=0.011). Leakage was associatedwith significantly higher postoperative complications, reoperation, ICU admission, prolonged hospital stay, and 30-daymortality (18.2% vs. 2.6%; p=0.008). Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage substantially worsened postoperative outcomes. Earlyidentification of high-risk patients and meticulous perioperative management are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.