Frequency and Outcomes of Anastomotic Leak in Gastrointestinal Surgery at Public Sector Hospital

Objective: The objective of this study was to find out frequency of anastomotic leak at a hospital and deplore the morbidities, duration of hospital stay.Methods: A total of 102 patients of both genders from 18 – 60 years in age underwent for bowel resection and anastomosis through laparotomy incision at surgical unit one of People’s University of Medical & Health Sciences, Nawabshah, from January 2013 to December 2016 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Every patient received appropriate antibiotics for duration according to need post-operatively. Follow-up was every fortnightly for four months to evaluate the primary outcome as prevalence of leak and secondary outcome as morbidities, length of hospital stay incisional hernia and mortality.Results: The results showed that, out of 102 patients underwent open primary hand sewn gastro intestinal anastomosis, 16 (15.68%) were found with anastomotic leak. Among these 16 patients having anatomic leak, 11 (11%) were male & 5 (5%) were female. While, mortality occurred in 05 (5%%) patients.Conclusions: Anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal anastomosis is less complication in this study. Further studies are requested with large data and more follow-ups to ensure the findings of this study at national level.