Systematic use of the serum C-reactive protein concentration and computed tomography for the detection of intestinal anastomotic leaks.

Background: This study aimed to characterize the time-dependent relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and anastomotic integrity in the early post-operative period and to develop a systematic use of CRP and computed tomography.

Methods: Patients aged 18 years or over who had the formation of a left-sided colonic or a colorectal anastomosis, in Royal Sussex County Hospital, were included. The post-operative day (POD) CRP cut-off values were calculated according to receiver operating characteristic analysis to evaluate the sensitivities and specificities of the proposed cut-off parameters.

Results: A total of 125 left-sided colonic and colorectal anastomoses were recruited and analysed. When comparing to POD1 CRP cut-off, the calculated CRP ratio cut-off values of all the rest of PODs (2-5) were highly significant in the laparoscopic group and the overall group (P < 0.001). This statistically significant ratio was also demonstrated in the open group at POD2 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: CRP and CRP ratios cut-off values were sensitive to detect an anastomotic leak in the early post-operative period. The cut-off values could facilitate the development of systematic use of CRP and computed tomography.