[Patient-unrelated Risk Factors for the Development and Treatment Course of Anastomotic Failure in Colorectal Surgery...

There are numerous published studies on patient-related risk factors for the development of anastomotic failure. We therefore investigated the influence of patient-unrelated risk factors for the development and course of treatment of anastomotic failure in colorectal surgery.

From May 1, 2015, until December, 31, 2016, n = 179 post-colorectal surgery patients were analysed. Overall, n = 14 patients suffered from anastomotic failure. These patients' course of treatment was analysed in a Morbidity and Mortality Conference (M+M conference) structured according to the London Protocol.

Irregularities in process quality were the most frequent analysis result (n = 8/14), followed by irregularities in post-treatment (n = 6/14). Irregularities in surgical technique (n = 2/14) and surgery procedure (n = 3/14) were less frequent. Future treatment approaches were identified for most patients (n = 11/14). On the basis of the analysis of data from four of these eleven patients, the strategy for future treatment was modified.

Therapist- and environment-specific irregularities can be systematically identified in M+M conferences structured according to the London Protocol. This analysis is the prerequisite for quality improvement and must systematically complement the analysis of patient-related risk factors.