“The risk factors and incidence of anastomotic leak following colorectal surgery are well reported in the literature. However, the management of the multiple clinical scenarios that may be encountered has not been standardized.”
In this study, “management scenarios were divided into those for intraperitoneal anastomoses, extraperitoneal (low pelvic) anastomoses, and anastomoses with proximal diverting stomas. Management options were then based on the clinical presentation and radiographic findings and organized into three interconnected algorithms.”

“A group of colorectal and interventional radiology experts have described their practices for the management of anastomotic leaks and abdominopelvic abscesses after colorectal surgery using a modified Delphi process. This process was a useful first step toward establishing guidelines for the management of this condition. Specific topics for further research that resulted from this study include determining the optimal management of drainage of low rectal and anastomotic leaks and standardizing definitions of major and minor anastomotic leaks. Ultimately, the results of this study can be used to develop future experimental trials to create evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of anastomotic leak.”

Phitayakorn, R et al. “Standardized algorithms for management of anastomotic leaks and related abdominal and pelvic abscesses after colorectal surgery.” World journal of surgery vol. 32,6 (2008): 1147-56. Full Text for Emory Users