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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2021; 34(06): 400-405
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735271
Review Article

Management of Acute Anastomotic Leaks

Traci L. Hedrick
1   Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
,
William Kane
1   Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Abstract

Management of the acute anastomotic leak is complex and patient-specific. Clinically stable patients often benefit from a nonoperative approach utilizing antibiotics with or without percutaneous drainage. Clinically unstable patients or nonresponders to conservative management require operative intervention. Surgical management is dictated by the degree of contamination and inflammation but includes drainage with proximal diversion, anastomotic resection with end-stoma creation, or reanastomosis with proximal diversion. Newer therapies, including colorectal stenting, vacuum-assisted rectal drainage, and endoscopic clipping, have also been described.

Keywords

anastomotic leak - colorectal surgery - colostomy - ileostomy - endoscopy


Publication History

Article published online:
01 October 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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