Perioperative vasopressors are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vasopressors on gastrointestinal (GI) anastomotic leaks. Vasopressors are commonly used in surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and their effects on GI anastomotic integrity are unknown.

Patients And Methods: Surgical patients admitted to the ICU in our tertiary university hospital following the creation of a GI anastomosis were studied by a retrospective chart analysis for anastomotic leaks and complications

Results: A total of 223 patients with 259 GI anastomoses, mostly for cancer, were admitted to the ICU immediately after surgery.