Clinical characteristics of phenotypes of fecal incontinence.

PURPOSE: Fecal incontinence (FI) is common, but its etiology is complex with large knowledge gaps. Several phenotypes of FI are known, but the phenotype is often not decisive in the chosen therapy. In this study we aimed to assess the association of the clinical characteristics of patients with FI and the various phenotypes, in order to establish a targeted clinical treatment decision tree. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the charts of patients with FI, who visited our institute from January 2018 until December 2020. Patients were divided into the following groups: passive fecal loss, urge incontinence, combined fecal incontinence with predominantly passive fecal loss, and combined fecal incontinence with predominantly urge incontinence. We compared the characteristics between the passive and urge incontinence groups, the passive  and combined mainly passive groups, and the urge and combined mainly urge groups. RESULTS: Patients with passive incintinence were older, more often had a flaccid anus with presence of a mucosal prolapse, and had a lower resting pressure on anorectal manometry. Patients with urge incontinence were younger and more often had a history of birth trauma. The combined groups showed characteristics of both of the main types of FI. CONCLUSION: Differentiating into phenotypes of FI can be clinically meaningful. The patient history and clinical judgement of the consulting specialist, rather than the physical characteristics, seem to be decisive in the categorization. Additional diagnostic testing can be helpful in complicated cases, but should not be used routinely.

Non-dynamic graciloplasty is an effective treatment for patients with passive fecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence is a multifactorial problem and its etiology is complex. Various therapies are available and different success rates have been described. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of non-dynamic graciloplasty in patients with passive fecal incontinence. METHODS: We retrospectively studied charts of patients with fecal incontinence treated with graciloplasty at our institution from November 2015 until June 2018. Patients were included according to the following criteria: (1) presence of predominantly passive fecal incontinence and (2) presence of a lax perineal body. Primary outcome was the effectiveness, defined as a significant reduction or absence of the complaints of passive fecal incontinence at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Second, we studied the safety of the procedure evaluating the complications within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six of them, in addition to passive incontinence as the main symptom, had some degree of fecal urgency. The median age at the first visit to the outpatient clinic was 64.0 years (IQR 52-68). Most patients were female (n = 29, 94%). At 3 months after graciloplasty, 71% (22 of 31) of patients were successfully treated for their passive fecal incontinence. At 6 months, the success rate of the graciloplasty increased to 77%. At 12 months among the patients who were still seen in the clinic, the success rate was 58% (18/31). Two patients cancelled follow-up visits after 3 months, because of failure to control symptoms in 1 case. After 6 months, 9 patients were given the choice to do telephone follow-up only. Of these 11 patients without in-person follow-up, 10 were contacted 1 year after surgery and in 7 of them, the graciloplasty was effective in controlling their passive fecal incontinence for an overall success rate of 80% (25/31). Of the 26 patients with mixed passive and urge incontinence, 6 (23%) still complained of urge incontinence at 1 year. Of these patients with persistent urge incontinence, 6 underwent sacral nerve stimulation which was successful in 4. Two serious complications occurred within 30 days. A rectal perforation requiring temporary colostomy and a recto-vaginal fistula which was successfully repaired. CONCLUSION: Non-dynamic graciloplasty is an effective treatment for passive fecal incontinence. Differentiation based on subtypes of fecal incontinence might be important for a pattern-specific approach to treatment. More research is necessary to determine the right indications for more invasive treatments of fecal incontinence.

Is sterile exposure in perianal procedures necessary? A single-institution experience and results from a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSI) are the most common postoperative complications. To minimize the risk of SSI, there is a strict asepsis policy in the operating theatre. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk and cost-saving benefit of performing perianal surgery in a non-sterile setting. METHODS: All patients who had perianal surgery at our institution between January 2014 and December 2017 in a sterile (S) or non-sterile (NS) setting for an infectious or non-infectious cause were included. The primary outcome was the 30-day SSI rate. The secondary outcome was the reintervention rate. A questionnaire was sent to surgeons in the Netherlands to assess current policy with regard to asepsis in perianal procedures. Finally, a cost analysis was performed. RESULTS: In total, 376 patients were included. The rate of SSI in infectious procedures was 13% (S) versus 14% (NS, p = 0.853) and 5.1% (S) versus 0.9% (NS) in non-infectious procedures (p = 0.071). Reintervention rates in infectious procedures were 3.4% (S) versus 8.6% (NS, p = 0.187) and 1.3% (S) versus 0.0% (NS) in non-infectious procedures (p = 0.227). The questionnaire revealed that most surgeons perform perianal surgery in a sterile setting although they did not consider this useful. The potential national cost-saving benefit of a non-sterile setting is €124.61 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that it is safe to perform perianal surgery in a non-sterile setting with regard to the SSI and reintervention rate. Adjustment of the current practice will contribute to a reduction in healthcare expenses.

National cohort study on postoperative risks after surgery for submucosal invasive colorectal cancer.

Background: The decision to perform surgery for patients with T1 colorectal cancer hinges on the estimated risk of lymph node metastasis, residual tumour and risks of surgery. The aim of this observational study was to compare surgical outcomes for T1 colorectal cancer with those for more advanced colorectal cancer. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study of patients treated surgically for pT1-3 colorectal cancer between 2009 and 2016, using data from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. Postoperative complications (overall, surgical, severe complications and mortality) were compared using multivariable logistic regression. A risk stratification table was developed based on factors independently associated with severe complications (reintervention and/or mortality) after elective surgery. Results: Of 39 813 patients, 5170 had pT1 colorectal cancer. No statistically significant differences were observed between patients with pT1 and pT2-3 disease in the rate of severe complications (8·3 versus 9·5 per cent respectively; odds ratio (OR) 0·89, 95 per cent c.i. 0·80 to 1·01, P = 0·061), surgical complications (12·6 versus 13·5 per cent; OR 0·93, 0·84 to 1·02, P = 0·119) or mortality (1·7 versus 2·5 per cent; OR 0·94, 0·74 to 1·19, P = 0·604). Male sex, higher ASA grade, previous abdominal surgery, open approach and type of procedure were associated with a higher severe complication rate in patients with pT1 colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Elective bowel resection was associated with similar morbidity and mortality rates in patients with pT1 and those with pT2-3 colorectal carcinoma.

Colorectal cancer screening: Systematic review of screen-related morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of mass colorectal cancer screening, using faecal occult blood test or colonoscopy, is recommended by the European Union in order to increase cancer-specific survival by diagnosing disease in an earlier stage. Post-colonoscopy complications have been addressed by previous systematic reviews, but morbidity of colorectal cancer screening on multiple levels has never been evaluated before. AIM: To evaluate potential harm as a result of mass colorectal cancer screening in terms of complications after colonoscopy, morbidity and mortality following surgery, psychological distress and inappropriate use of the screening test. METHODS: A systematic review of all literature on morbidity and mortality attributed to colorectal cancer screening, using faecal occult blood test or colonoscopy, from each databases' inception to August 2016 was performed. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the pooled incidence of major complications of colonoscopy (major bleedings and perforations). RESULTS: Sixty studies were included. Five out of seven included prospective studies on psychological morbidity reported an association between participation in a colorectal screening program and psychological distress. Serious morbidity from colonoscopy in asymptomatic patients included major bleedings (0.8/1000 procedures, 95% CI 0.18-1.63) and perforations (0.07/1000 procedures, 95% CI 0.006-0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a colorectal cancer screening program is associated with psychological distress and can cause serious adverse events. Nevertheless, the short duration of psychological impact as well as the low colonoscopy complication rate seems reassuring. Because of limited literature on harms other than perforation and bleeding, future research on this topic is greatly needed to contribute to future screening recommendations.

High mortality rates after nonelective colon cancer resection: results of a national audit.

AIM: Colon cancer resection in a nonelective setting is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to identify risk factors for overall mortality after colon cancer resection with a special focus on nonelective resection. METHOD: Data were obtained from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Patients undergoing colon cancer resection in the Netherlands between January 2009 and December 2013 were included. Patient, treatment and tumour factors were analysed in relation to the urgency of surgery. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS: The study included 30 907 patients. A nonelective colon cancer resection was performed in 5934 (19.2%) patients. There was a 4.4% overall mortality rate, with significantly more deaths after nonelective surgery (8.5% vs 3.4%, P < 0.001). Older patients, male patients and patients with high comorbidity, advanced tumours, perforated tumours, a tumour in the right or transverse colon and postoperative anastomotic leakage were at risk of postoperative death. In nonelective resections, a right-sided tumour and postoperative anastomotic leakage were associated with high mortality. CONCLUSION: Nonelective colon cancer resection is associated with high mortality. In particular, right-sided resections and patients with tumour perforation are at particularly high risk. The optimization of patients prior to surgery and expeditious operation after diagnosis might prevent the need for a nonelective resection.

High complication rate after low anterior resection for mid and high rectal cancer; results of a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment for rectal cancer patients. Treatment options consist of a primary anastomosis, anastomosis with defunctioning stoma or end-colostomy with closure of the distal rectal stump. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcome of these three surgical options. METHODS: Data was derived from the national database of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Mid and high rectal cancer patients who underwent rectal cancer resection between January 2011 and December 2012 were included. Endpoints were postoperative complications including anastomotic leakage, reinterventions, hospital stay and mortality within 30 days postoperative. RESULTS: In total, 2585 patients were included. Twenty-five per cent of all patients received a primary anastomosis; 51% an anastomosis with defunctioning stoma, and 24% an end-colostomy. More than one third of patients developed postoperative complications, the lowest rate being in the primary anastomosis group. Anastomotic leakage rates were 12% in patients with a primary anastomosis, and 9% in patients with an anastomosis with defunctioning stoma (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed more postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, and increased mortality rates in patients with a defunctioning stoma or end-colostomy. The latter had proportionally less invasive reinterventions when compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a primary anastomosis had the best postoperative outcome. A defunctioning stoma leads to a lower anastomotic leakage rate, though is associated with higher rates of complications, prolonged hospital stay and mortality. The decision to create a defunctioning stoma should be focus of future studies.

High 1-year complication rate after anterior resection for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgical options after anterior resection for rectal cancer include a primary anastomosis, anastomosis with a defunctioning stoma, and an end colostomy. This study describes short-term and 1-year outcomes of these different surgical strategies. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical resection for primary mid and high rectal cancer were retrospectively studied in seven Dutch hospitals with 1-year follow-up. Short-term endpoints were postoperative complications, re-interventions, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality. One-year endpoints were unplanned readmissions and re-interventions, presence of stoma, and mortality. RESULTS: Nineteen percent of 388 included patients received a primary anastomosis, 55% an anastomosis with defunctioning stoma, and 27% an end colostomy. Short-term anastomotic leakage was 10% in patients with a primary anastomosis vs. 7% with a defunctioning stoma (P = 0.46). An end colostomy was associated with less severe re-interventions. One-year outcomes showed low morbidity and mortality rates in patients with an anastomosis. Patients with a defunctioning stoma had high (18%) readmissions and re-intervention (12%) rates, mostly due to anastomotic leakage. An end colostomy was associated with unplanned re-interventions due to stoma/abscess problems. During follow-up, there was a 30% increase in patients with an end colostomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high 1-year morbidity rate after anterior resection for rectal cancer. A defunctioning stoma was associated with a high risk for late complications including anastomotic leakage. An end colostomy is a safe alternative to prevent anastomotic leakage, but stomal problems cannot be ignored. Selecting low-risk patients for an anastomosis may lead to favorable short- and 1-year outcomes.

Preoperative risk information and patient involvement in surgical treatment for rectal and sigmoid cancer.

AIM: Surgery for rectal and sigmoid cancer is a model setting for investigating preoperative information provision and shared decision making (SDM), as the decision consists of a trade-off between the pros and cons of different treatment options. The aim of this study was to explore surgeons' opinion on the preoperative information that should be given to rectal and sigmoid cancer patients and to evaluate what is actually communicated. In addition, we assessed surgeons' attitudes towards SDM and compared these with patient involvement. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to Dutch surgeons with an interest in gastroenterology. Preoperative consultations were recorded. A checklist was used to code the information that surgeons communicated to the patients. The OPTION-scale was used to measure patient involvement. RESULTS: Questionnaires were sent to 240 surgeons, and 103 (43%) responded. They stated that information on anastomotic leakage and its consequences, the benefits and risks of a defunctioning stoma and the impact of a stoma on quality of life were necessary preoperative information. In practice, patients were inconsistently informed of these items. Most participants agreed to using SDM in their consultations. However, in practice, most patients were offered only one treatment option and little SDM was seen. The mean OPTION-score was low (7/100). CONCLUSION: Insufficient information is given to patients with rectal and sigmoid cancer to guide them on their preferred surgical option. Information should be given on all treatment options, together with their complications and outcome, before any decision is made.

Evaluating national practice of preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer based on clinical auditing.

OBJECTIVES: Internationally, the use of preoperative radiotherapy (RT) for rectal cancer varies largely, related to different decision-making based on the harm-benefit ratio. In the Dutch guideline, RT is indicated in all cT2-4 tumours. We aimed to evaluate the use of RT in the Netherlands and to discuss Dutch practice in the context of current literature. METHODS: Data of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit (DSCA) were used and 6784 patients surgically treated for primary rectal cancer in 2009-2011 were included. The application and type of RT were described according to age, comorbidity, tumour localization and tumour stage at population level with analysis of hospital variation for specific subsets. RESULTS: In total, 85% of patients who underwent resection for rectal cancer received RT. Comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index 2+) and older age (≥70 years) were associated with a slight decrease in application of RT (75 and 80% respectively). In stage I tumours, 77% of patients received RT, but large hospital variation existed (0-100%). The proportion chemoradiotherapy of the whole group of RT increased with increasing N-stage, increasing T-stage, decreasing distance from the anus, younger age and less comorbidity with hospital variation from 0 to 73%. CONCLUSION: From a European perspective, a high percentage of rectal cancer patients are treated with RT in the Netherlands. Considerable hospital variation was observed for RT in stage I and the proportion of chemoradiotherapy among all RT schemes. Data from clinical auditing enable evaluation of national practice and current standards from both a scientific and international perspective.

The Dutch surgical colorectal audit.

INTRODUCTION: In 2009, the nationwide Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit (DSCA) was initiated by the Association of Surgeons of the Netherlands (ASN) to monitor, evaluate and improve colorectal cancer care. The DSCA is currently widely used as a blueprint for the initiation of other audits, coordinated by the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing (DICA). This article illustrates key elements of the DSCA and results of three years of auditing. METHODS: Key elements include: a leading role of the professional association with integration of the audit in the national quality assurance policy; web-based registration by medical specialists; weekly updated online feedback to participants; annual external data verification with other data sources; improvement projects. RESULTS: In two years, all Dutch hospitals participated in the audit. Case-ascertainment was 92% in 2010 and 95% in 2011. External data verification by comparison with the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) showed high concordance of data items. Within three years, guideline compliance for diagnostics, preoperative multidisciplinary meetings and standardised reporting increased; complication-, re-intervention and postoperative mortality rates decreased significantly. DISCUSSION: The success of the DSCA is the result of effective surgical collaboration. The leading role of the ASN in conducting the audit resulted in full participation of all colorectal surgeons in the Netherlands. By integrating the audit into the ASNs' quality assurance policy, it could be used to set national quality standards. Future challenges include reduction of administrative burden; expansion to a multidisciplinary registration; and addition of financial information and patient reported outcomes to the audit data.

Failure-to-rescue after colorectal cancer surgery and the association with three structural hospital factors.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the association between structural hospital characteristics and failure-to-rescue (FTR) after colorectal cancer surgery. A growing body of evidence suggests a large hospital variation concerning mortality rates in patients with a severe complication (FTR) in colorectal cancer surgery. Which structural hospital factors are associated with better FTR rates remains largely unclear. METHODS: All patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery from 2009 through 2011 in 92 Dutch hospitals were analysed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, including casemix, hospital volume, teaching status, and different levels of intensive care unit (ICU) facilities, were used to analyse risk-adjusted FTR rates. RESULTS: A total of 25,591 patients from 92 hospitals were included. The FTR rate ranged between 0 and 39 %. In univariate analysis, high hospital volume (>200 vs. ≤200 patients/year), teaching status (academic vs. teaching vs. nonteaching hospitals) and high level of ICU facilities (highest level 3 vs. lowest level 1) were associated with lower FTR rates. Only the higher levels of ICU facilities (2 or 3 compared with level 1) were independently associated with lower failure-to-rescue rates (odds ratio 0.72; 95 % confidence interval 0.65-0.88) in multivariate analysis. DISCUSSION: Hospital type and annual hospital volume were not independently associated with FTR rates in colorectal cancer surgery. Instead, the lowest level of ICU facilities was independently associated with higher rates. This suggests that a more advanced ICU may be an important factor that contributes to better failure-to-rescue rates, although individual hospitals perform well with lower ICU levels.

An increasing use of defunctioning stomas after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Is this the way to go?

BACKGROUND: The last decade there has been an increased awareness of the problem of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer, which may have led to more defunctioning stomas. In this study, current use of defunctioning stomas was assessed and compared to the use of defunctioning stomas at the time of the TME-trial together with associated outcomes. METHODS: Eligible patients with rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection were selected from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit (DSCA, n = 988). Similar patients were selected from the TME-trial (n = 891). The percentages of patients with a defunctioning stoma, anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality rates were studied. Multivariable models were used to study possible confounding on the outcomes. RESULTS: At the time of the TME-trial, 57% of patients received a defunctioning stoma. At the time of the DSCA, 70% of all patients received a defunctioning stoma (p < 0.001). Anastomotic leakage rates were similar (11.4% and 12.1%; p = 0.640). The postoperative mortality rate differed (3.9% in the TME-trial vs. 1.1% in the DSCA; p < 0.001), but was not associated with a more frequent use of a stoma (OR 1.80, 95% CI 0.91-3.58). CONCLUSION: In current surgical practice, 70% of patients undergoing LAR for rectal cancer receives a defunctioning stomas. This percentage seems increased when compared to data from the TME-trial. Clinically relevant anastomotic leakage rates remained similar. Therefore, current routine use of defunctioning stomas should be questioned.

Anastomotic leakage as an outcome measure for quality of colorectal cancer surgery.

INTRODUCTION: When comparing mortality rates between hospitals to explore hospital performance, there is an important role for adjustment for differences in case-mix. Identifying outcome measures that are less influenced by differences in case-mix may be valuable. The main goal of this study was to explore whether hospital differences in anastomotic leakage (AL) and postoperative mortality are due to differences in case-mix or to differences in treatment factors. METHODS: Data of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit were used. Case-mix factors and treatment-related factors were identified from the literature and their association with AL and mortality were analysed with logistic regression. Hospital differences in observed AL and mortality rates, and adjusted rates based on the logistic regression models were shown. The reduction in hospital variance after adjustment was analysed with Levene's test for equality of variances. RESULTS: 17 of 22 case-mix factors and 4 of 11 treatment factors related to AL derived from the literature were available in the database. Variation in observed AL rates between hospitals was large with a maximum rate of 17%. This variation could not be attributed to differences in case-mix but more to differences in treatment factors. Hospital variation in observed mortality rates was significantly reduced after adjustment for differences in case-mix. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital variation in AL is relatively independent of differences in case-mix. In contrast to 'postoperative mortality' the observed AL rates of hospitals evaluated in our study were only slightly affected after adjustment for case-mix factors. Therefore, AL rates may be suitable as an outcome indicator for measurement of surgical quality of care.

Hospital variation in failure to rescue after colorectal cancer surgery: results of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative mortality is frequently used in hospital comparisons as marker for quality of care. Differences in mortality between hospitals may be explained by varying complication rates. A possible modifying factor may be the ability to let patients with a serious complication survive, referred to as failure to rescue (FTR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate how hospital performance on postoperative mortality is related to severe complications or to FTR and to explore the value of FTR in quality improvement programs. METHODS: All patients operated for colorectal cancer from 2009 to 2011, registered in the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit, were included. Logistic regression models were used to obtain adjusted mortality, complication, and FTR rates. Hospitals were grouped into 5 quintiles according to adjusted mortality. Outcomes were compared between quintiles. RESULTS: A total of 24,667 patients were included. Severe complications ranged from 19 % in the lowest to 25 % in the highest mortality quintile (odds ratio 1.5, 95 % confidence interval 1.37-1.67). Risk-adjusted FTR rates showed a marked difference between the quintiles, ranging from 9 % to 26 % (odds ratio 3.0, 95 % confidence interval 2.29-3.98). There was significant variability in FTR rates. Seven hospitals had significantly lower FTR rates than average. CONCLUSIONS: High-mortality hospitals had slightly higher rates of severe complications than low-mortality hospitals. However, FTR was three times higher in high-mortality hospitals than in low-mortality hospitals. In quality improvement projects, feedback to hospitals of FTR rates, along with complication rates, may illustrate shortcomings (prevention or management of complications) per hospital, which may be an important step in reducing mortality.

Focusing on desired outcomes of care after colon cancer resections; hospital variations in 'textbook outcome'.

AIMS: We propose a summarizing measure for outcome indicators, representing the proportion of patients for whom all desired short-term outcomes of care (a 'textbook outcome') is realized. The aim of this study was to investigate hospital variation in the proportion of patients with a 'textbook outcome' after colon cancer resections in the Netherlands. METHODS: Patients who underwent a colon cancer resection in 2010 in the Netherlands were included in the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. A textbook outcome was defined as hospital survival, radical resection, no reintervention, no ostomy, no adverse outcome and a hospital stay < 14 days. We calculated the number of hospitals with a significantly higher (positive outlier) or lower (negative outlier) Observed/Expected (O/E) textbook outcome than average. As quality measures may be more discriminative in a low-risk population, analyses were repeated for low-risk patients only. RESULTS: A total of 5582 patients, treated in 82 hospitals were included. Average textbook outcome was 49% (range 26-71%). Eight hospitals were identified as negative outliers. In these hospitals a 'textbook outcome' was realized in 35% vs. 52% in average hospitals (p < 0.01). In a sub-analysis for low-risk patients, only one additional negative outlier was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The textbook outcome, representing the proportion of patients with a perfect hospitalization, gives a simple comprehensive summary of hospital performance, while preventing indicator driven practice. Therewith the 'textbook outcome' is meaningful for patients, providers, insurance companies and healthcare inspectorate.

Meta-analysis of the risk for anastomotic leakage, the postoperative mortality caused by leakage in relation to the overall postoperative mortality.

BACKGROUND: Availability of anastomotic leakage rates and mortality rates following anastomotic leakage is essential when informing patients with rectal cancer preoperatively. We performed a meta-analysis of studies describing anastomotic leakage and the subsequent postoperative mortality in relation to the overall postoperative mortality after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: A systematic search was performed of the published literature. Data on the definition and incidence rate of AL, postoperative mortality caused by AL, and overall postoperative mortality were extracted. Data were pooled and a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies with 10,343 patients in total were analyzed. Meta-analysis of the data showed an average AL rate of 9%, postoperative mortality caused by leakage of 0.7% and overall postoperative mortality of 2%. The studies showed variation in incidence, definition and measurement of all outcomes. CONCLUSION: We found a considerable overall AL rate and a large contribution of AL to the overall postoperative mortality. The variability of definitions and measurement of AL, postoperative mortality caused by leakage and overall postoperative mortality may hinder providing reliable risk information. Large-scale audit programs may provide accurate and valid risk information which can be used for preoperative decision making.