Predicting anastomotic leak: Can we?

Anastomotic leaks remain a feared complication in colorectal surgery. A myriad of variables have been evaluated, but the variability among those studies provides little consensus on absolute risk factors and clinical application. Nevertheless, identifying these risk factors may assist the surgeon in mitigation of risk with preoperative optimization, intraoperative decision-making for diversion, and heightened postoperative vigilance for anastomotic leak. These risk factors can be organized into surgeon-, patient-, and pathology-related categories.