ABSTRACT
The incidence of anastomotic disruption varies widely in the literature.(2) The majority of studies report rates of leak for both small bowel and colonic anastomosis in the range of 1.0-4.3%. (1) In a review of 1,223 patients undergoing resection and anastomosis for all etiologies, Hyman reported a leak rate of 2.7%. (2) In a comprehensive retrospective review, Pickleman and colleagues delineated leak rates based on anatomic location. Out of 798 enterectomies reviewed, a leak rate of 1.1% was identified. For 1,217 partial colectomies with primary anastomosis, anastomotic disruption occurred in 1.7% of patients. Out of 234 patients with subtotal colectomy, the leak rate was 3%, including both emergent and elective procedures.
