Predictors of Colorectal Resection and Primary Anastomosis outcome at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Background: Anastomotic leakage is among the most common complications after bowel resection and primary anastomosis, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. As a result it tends to affect the quality of life and increase burden to the patients and caretakers. This study focused on the assessment of the predictors and outcome of anastomotic leakage among patients who underwent large bowel surgery that involved resection and primary anastomosis.

Methodology: Hospital based prospective observational study at Muhimbili National Hospital. Data of the patients who underwent colorectal resection and primary anastomosis were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Consecutive recruitment sampling technique was applied to get the required sample size and followed for 30 days. Subjects' information including age, sex, perioperative information was documented and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software.

Results: The study included 141 participants. Among those operated, 23 (16.3%) developed anastomotic leakage with a mortality rate of 30.4%. Predictors which were statistically significantly associated with anastomotic leakage were hypertension, body mass index > 30kg/m², history of radiation therapy, female sex, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade III-IV score and peritonitis. Increased length of hospital stay, re-admission and re-operation rate together with high mortality are among the outcomes of anastomotic leakage found in this study. No loss to follow up event occurred.

Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage remains a considerable problem among patients undergoing large bowel surgery at Muhimbili National Hospital. From the study site, factors such as peritonitis, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, history of radiation, obesity, high ASA score (III-IV) and female sex were found to be independent predictors of anastomotic leakage. Optimization of co-morbidities conditions before surgery, choosing best surgical option such as creating temporary stoma versus primary anastomosis in dirty wound may help to reduce the rate of anastomotic leakage.