Anastomotic leak won't fix itself. What are the options for management of anastomotic leak?

Anastomotic leak can be a devastating complication. Early recognition is the most important step in avoiding mortality and significant morbidity. Once identified, the surgeon must decide how to best mitigate the problem. A variety of options are available and should be tailored to the unique characteristics of the patient. Choosing between operative and non-operative intervention will be guided by the presentation. Early presentation with septic complications will typically be treated with a more invasive approach, while a delayed or insidious presentation can often be managed with a non-operative approach.