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Using CRP to predict anastomotic leakage after open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery: is there a difference?

 

Original Article found : DOI: 10.1007/s00384-016-2547-0

Aim

C-reactive protein (CRP) has proven to be a useful adjunct in early diagnosis of anastomotic leak (AL) after colorectal surgery. It would be of considerable value to examine whether modality of surgery has influence upon postoperative CRP serum levels and their predictive value in the diagnosis of AL.

Methods

All patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery with anastomosis were enrolled into a prospective database between 2011 and 2014. AL was defined with strict operative and radiological criteria. Outcomes between open and laparoscopic resections were assessed statistically and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis performed.

Results

Seven hundred twenty-seven patients with an intestinal anastomosis were identified including 468 laparoscopic procedures  

Conclusion

CRP levels are higher after open surgery compared with laparoscopic surgery, both with and without AL. AL generates a significant detectable increase in CRP within 2–4 days after surgery.