The 14-Day Incidence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leak Among Adult Patients in Mulago Hospital.

IntroductionAnastomotic leak is a dreaded complication following gastrointestinal (GI) anastomotic surgery. It increases morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing GI surgery. However, there is paucity of data on the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal surgery in Uganda. The main objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal surgery in Mulago Hospital. MethodsWe consecutively recruited adult patients admitted to the general surgery wards in Mulago Hospital, 24 hours following gastrointestinal surgery. The recruitment process started on 22nd April 2024 and ended on 11th July 2024. The participants provided informed written consent prior to enrolment into the study. Patient related factors including preoperative anemia, preoperative albumin level, and ASA status were recorded on entry, while the outcome (anastomotic leak) was obtained upon 14 days follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for anastomotic leak, p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsEighty-five participants were studied. The incidence of anastomotic leak was 8.2% (n=7). Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dl was the only independent predictor for anastomotic leak in this study. (RR, 8.15; 95% C.I, 1.16 - 57.48; p=0.035). ConclusionThe incidence of anastomotic leak in Mulago National Referral Hospital was low. Low Hemoglobin (Hb<10g/dl) was associated with increased rates of anastomotic leak.