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Review
. 2021 Oct 1;34(6):412-416.
doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1735273. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Special Considerations of Anastomotic Leaks in Crohn's Disease

N Nimalan A Jeganathan  1 , Walter A Koltun  1
Affiliations
Review

Special Considerations of Anastomotic Leaks in Crohn's Disease

N Nimalan A Jeganathan et al. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. .

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; biologics; hypoalbuminemia; intra-abdominal abscess; steroids.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

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