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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
The C-seal: A Biofragmentable Drain Protecting the Stapled Colorectal Anastomosis from Leakage
Published on: November 4, 2010
Calcium score: a new risk factor for colorectal anastomotic leakage
Niels Komen1, Pieter Klitsie, Jan Willem Dijk
1Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Kingdom of the Netherlands. nielskomen@hotmail.com
Background:
Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most feared complication of colorectal surgery. Atherosclerosis is suggested to have a detrimental effect on anastomotic healing. This study aimed to analyze the calcium score, a measure for atherosclerosis, as a risk factor for AL.
Study Design:
The calcium scores of colorectal patients operated on in 2 Dutch university medical centers were determined using a computed tomography scan and calcium scoring software. The aorta, common iliac arteries, internal and external iliac arteries were studied. Additionally, patient- and operation-related factors were scored.
Results:
A total of 122 patients were included. In patients with AL, calcium scores were significantly higher in the left common iliac artery (561.4 vs 156.0, P = .028), right common iliac artery (542.0 vs 144.4, P = .041), both common iliac arteries together (1,103.3 vs 301.9, P = .046), and the left internal iliac artery (716.3 vs 35.3, P = .044).
Conclusions:
Patients with higher calcium scores in the iliacal arteries have an increased leakage risk.
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