The impact of anastomotic leakage on recurrence and long-term survival in patients with colonic cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/objective: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most severe complications following colorectal cancer surgery and is associated with increased short and long term mortality. The literature is conflicting regarding increased risk of recurrence after AL. The aim of this study was to systematically review the impact of anastomotic leakage on the risk of local or distant recurrence and overall survival, cancer specific survival, and disease-free survival.