![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HNmpW3TvJXORrWuURqapJ9ut1jHGku47CCTvRdyDioqLn60mtqgmj8as0NFbd0uRbSGs3_KOo6P9HimvmAaW7-7MJUu9K0Vg3S0_N_NYbZ0FGwQKMnxoiFV_tWJ7q4Mg6Y7zTGJLig/s280/collection-leakage-bowel-resection1.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1pab1tPiOxLvu2EbPLXtB5ZbTmQ28E5fKneW6CoCCp5ANTGKyahTJRLnuX6ohPKiP4rYO4de8kgnB2BNAMoYTYGXqrC1eDR9klBAZWa5A81VYwh6-LawZCCFCITbH2zkDBjimcZEtw/s280/collection-leakage-bowel-resection2.jpg)
Two coronal-reformatted CT images of the abdomen show a localized fluid collection (arrows) in the right abdomen, which contains air bubbles, fluid and oral contrast material, in a patient who had recent small bowel resection.
Facts: Anastomotic Disruption
- One of the most fearful complication after intestinal surgery
- Can present early or late. The latter can be difficult to distinguish from other postoperative infectious complications
- In a prospective study of 1223 patients who had intestinal resection and anastomosis without fecal diversion, the incidence of anastomotic leak was 2.7%.
- Location of anastomosis is among the most significant factors associated with leak. Those in the pelvis have a higher rates of leakage
- Clinical presentation: pain, tachycardia, high fevers, rigid abdomen accompanied by hemodynamic instability. Typically, leak is discovered 5-7 days after surgery.
Imaging
- CT is helpful to determine whether there is an associated abscess. Gastrograffin enema may aid the diagnosis of leak.
- Visualization of administered contrast (on CT or enema) is the direct sign of anastomotic leak. Neither CT nor enema is perfect to show the leak, unfortunately.
- Many CT features of postoperative bowel overlap between patients with and without a leak. The most specific feature of a leak is the presence of extraluminal contrast.
Reference:
1. Hyman N, Manchester TL, Osler T, Burns B, Cataldo PA. Anastomotic leaks after intestinal anastomosis. Ann Surg 2007; 245:254-258.
2. Mulholland MW, Doherty GM. Complications in Surgery, 2005.
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