[Incidence of, risk factors for, and prevention of intestinal leakage]

Abstract

Background: Intestinal anastomotic leakage represents a major complication in visceral surgery with relevant morbidity and mortality.

Material and methods: Based on a literature -search in Medline / PubMed the available data are presented, critically reviewed and summarised.

Results and conclusion: Beside optimisation of surgical technique, patient-dependent risk factors - such as relevant comorbidity, certain medications or previous radiochemotherapy - play a major role in the development of anastomotic leak-age. The effort for optimisation of these patient-dependent risk factors is not incorporated within the compensation scheme in German hospitals.