Low Incidence of Anastomotic Insufficiency in Rectal Cancer Resections in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract Degree Project, Programme in Medicine, Low Incidence of Anastomotic Insufficiency in Rectal Cancer Resections in Sri Lanka, Marie Jerabek, 2017, Department of Surgery, University of Gothenburg, Sweden Background: Colorectal cancer is increasing in Sri Lanka, along with an increasing life expectancy. One of the most severe complications of colorectal surgery is anastomotic insufficiency. It is most common following rectal resections. Aim: To investigate the incidence and presentation of anastomotic insufficiency in rectal cancer resections and to look at different risk factors on the influence of this complication. Method: A retrospective medical record review including 66 patients who have undergone rectal cancer resections at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka, during the time period of 1st of January 2012 – 30th of October 2017. Results: Of the 66 patients there were 37 women and 29 men and the mean age was 61 years. Three of the 66 patients suffered an anastomotic insufficiency. All three were male, two of them had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Adverse events occurred during surgery for two of them. The postoperative length of hospital stay was 5, 19 and 60 days respectively. All three patients were reoperated. Conclusions: It was found that the patient group who undergo rectal cancer resections in Sri Lanka are younger compared to patients in other countries and the incidence of anastomotic insufficiency appears to be low. However, because of the small sample size and low incidence of anastomotic insufficiency, the results need to be verified in a more extensive study.