anastomotic leak

An anastomotic leak occurs when the connection made between two sections of the digestive tract after surgery, such as in bowel or stomach procedures, does not heal properly. This can cause fluids, including waste or digestive juices, to leak into the surrounding areas. It may lead to infection, pain, fever, and other complications. Detecting and treating this complication promptly is important to reduce serious health risks. The risk of leaks can be influenced by factors like tissue health, surgical technique, and patient health conditions.