Anastomotic leak still represents the most feared surgical complication following colorectal resection and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.

A new study published in Surgical Endoscopy assessed the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic reoperation for symptomatic anastomotic leak (AL) after laparoscopic right colectomy with mechanical intracorporeal anastomosis (IA).

In this study, 428 consecutive laparoscopic right colectomy with IA were performed between January 2012 and December 2019. Overall symptomatic AL rate requiring reoperation was 5.8%. Data on patient demographics as well as operative findings; time elapsed from primary surgery and from the onset of symptoms of anastomotic leak; time and duration of re-laparoscopy; ICU stay; morbidity; mortality rate; length of hospital stay; and readmission, were all retrospectively reviewed.

It was noted that laparoscopic approach was attempted in 88.4% hemodynamically stable patients while the conversion rate was 21.4%. Reasons for conversion were gross fecal peritonitis (n = 2), colonic ischemia (n = 1) and severe bowel distension (n = 2). Eighteen (78.2%) patients underwent successfully laparoscopic (LPS) reoperation. A repair of the anastomotic defect was done in 11 (61.1%) patients while in 7 patients the intracorporeal mechanical anastomosis was refashioned. A diverting ileostomy was done in 22.2% of cases (n = 4). A second reoperation for leak persistence was necessary in two cases (11.1%). Median (range) length of postoperative hospital stay from re-laparoscopy was 15.5 (9-53) days. Overall morbidity rate was 38.7% and the mortality rate was 5.5%.

Thus, it was inferred that laparoscopic re-intervention for the treatment of anastomotic leak following LPS right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis in hemodynamically stable and highly selected patients in the experienced hands of dedicated laparoscopic surgeons, is a safe option with acceptable morbidity and mortality rate.

Source: Surgical Endoscopy. 2020 Oct 26. doi: 10.1007/s00464-020-08113-2.