Primary Medical Effects and Economic Impact of Anastomotic Leakage in Patients with Colorectal Cancer. A Middle-Income Country Perspective

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious surgical complications that can increase the potential postoperative morbidity, mortality, and overall costs of patient care. Aim of study: To assess the economic burden of anastomotic leakage and to estimate its major clinical effects on patient evaluation. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed single-surgeon data about patients who underwent surgical intervention for colorectal cancer at the 2nd Surgery Department of the Mureș County Emergency Clinical Hospital between January 2019 and July 2020. We assessed general characteristics, surgical data, postoperative information, oncologic results, and financial aspects for each patient. Depending on the presence of anastomotic leakage, patients were divided into two groups: a study group (SG) – patients with postoperative anastomotic failure, and a control Group (CG) – patients without postoperative anastomotic failure. Results: Patients with anastomotic leakage presented increased use of antibiotics, greater number of surgical reinterventions, longer period of intensive care treatment, prolonged hospitalization, increased overall costs, and significantly greater financial loss for the hospital. Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage leads to important negative effects, including longer hospitalization, prolonged intensive care unit stay, greater incidence of surgical reintervention, increased hospitalization costs, and significant financial loss.