Anastomotic leakage after resection of colorectal cancer generates prodigious use of hospital resources

Objective  The aim of this study was to determine the demand for hospital resources generated by anastomotic leakage, including surgical, medical, imaging, pathology, and other allied health consultations or services and length of postoperative hospital stay. Method  Data were obtained from a compre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Colorectal disease 2009-11, Vol.11 (9), p.917-920
Main Authors: Frye, J., Bokey, E. L., Chapuis, P. H., Sinclair, G., Dent, O. F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Anastomosis, Surgical - adverse effects
Anastomosis, Surgical - economics
Anastomotic leak
colorectal cancer
Colorectal Neoplasms - surgery
Digestive System Surgical Procedures - adverse effects
Digestive System Surgical Procedures - economics
Female
hospital resources
Humans
Intensive Care Units - economics
Length of Stay - economics
Male
Referral and Consultation - economics
Registries
Retrospective Studies
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Summary:Objective  The aim of this study was to determine the demand for hospital resources generated by anastomotic leakage, including surgical, medical, imaging, pathology, and other allied health consultations or services and length of postoperative hospital stay. Method  Data were obtained from a comprehensive, prospective hospital registry of all resections for colorectal cancer from January 1995 to December 2004 and from retrospective review of patients’ notes. Results  Forty‐one patients with a leak spent 92 days in intensive care, required 129 days of total parenteral nutrition, 69 days of enteric feeding and 41 days on ventilation and had a median postoperative hospital stay of 28 days (range 11–104). These patients required 24 re‐operations and 2273 separate medical consultations or allied services. Conclusion  Anastomotic leakage generates a very considerable demand for hospital resources and diverts these resources from the hospital population at large.
ISSN:1462-8910
1463-1318
DOI:10.1111/j.1463-1318.2008.01728.x