Recurring Anastomotic Leak-A Prospective Clinicopathological Investigation of a Distinct Disease Pattern.

Background: Intestinal anastomotic insufficiency (AI) is a common problem in visceral surgery associated with overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In some patients it occurs more than once. The etiology of recurring anastomotic insufficiency (RAI) is not understood yet and should be addressed as an independent disease entity.