Prevalence of and factors associated with anastomotic leakage among surgical patients at 2 teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Gastrointestinal resection and anastomosis is a very common procedure globally. Anastomotic leak is a complication affecting 2% to 10% of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Different factors have been attributed to the development of leak. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors for anastomotic leakage in a period of three years at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and Menilik II Memorial Hospital (MIIMH).

Methods

A retrospective data of 157 patients, for whom intestinal anastomosis was done from 2014 to 2016 at TASH and MIIH, were includ­ed in this study. Descriptive statistics were done to assess the prevalence and association of different factors with anastomotic leakage.

Results

Among the patients operated a total of 17 patients developed postoperative anastomotic leakage, which makes the prevalence rate 10.8%. There was a statistically significant association between emergency presentation, ASA class (≥3) and the need for intra­operative blood transfusion with the occurrence of anastomotic leakage.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anastomotic leakage in this study was 10.8% a bit higher from the usual range (2%-10%). Emergency presenta­tion, those in need of blood transfusion and having higher ASA class were associated with anastomotic leakage.