Colorectal: Management of Postoperative Complications in Colorectal Surgery

The complications encountered in colorectal surgery can be categorized into early and late. The most consequential early complication is anastomotic leak, which can be managed with percutaneous drainage or reoperation, depending on the patient's clinical status. Other early complications include anastomotic bleeding, surgical site infection, ileus, postoperative urinary retention, and stoma-related complications. Most stoma-related complications can be managed without reoperation. Late complications, such as bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and anastomotic stricture, are usually managed expectantly and should be discussed in the preoperative setting. There is growing interest in prevention of postoperative outcomes with preoperative nutritional supplementation and prehabilitation.