Early complication detection after colorectal surgery (CONDOR): study protocol for a prospective clinical diagnostic...

Area of Science:

• Colorectal surgery
• Surgical complications
• Diagnostic algorithms

Background:

• Anastomotic leakage is a significant complication of colorectal surgery, associated with high morbidity and mortality.
• Despite identified risk factors, leakage remains a challenge.
• Early detection is critical for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a decision algorithm for the early detection of anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery.
• To provide a guideline for surgeons to identify patients with anastomotic leakage promptly.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter study enrolling patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.
• Prospective evaluation of daily physical examination and clinical decision-making.
• Analysis of diagnostic tools (laboratory, imaging) using logistic regression and decision tree analysis to assess their added value over physical examination.

Main Results:

• The study focuses on the accuracy of predicting anastomotic leakage.
• Evaluation of secondary parameters including clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings.
• Assessment of the impact of diagnostic tools on early detection accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The study aims to create an optimal diagnostic algorithm.
• This algorithm will serve as a guideline for early identification of anastomotic leakage.
• The goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this complication.