Anastomotic leaks after bariatric surgery: it is the host response that matters

The results of our study have shown that one third of patients with anastomotic leaks after bariatric surgery present with minimal clinical symptoms (non-SIRS) and are only detected if contrast studies are performed. Such leaks are unlikely to lead to death. Two thirds of patients with anastomotic leaks present with a systemic inflammatory response to the leak. Such leaks require urgent treatment that might not always prevent death.