[Incidence of, risk factors for, and prevention of intestinal leakage]. / Inzidenz, Risikofaktoren und Prävention der intestinalen Nahtinsuffizienz.

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.