Surgical and non-surgical risk factors affecting the insufficiency of ileocolic anastomosis after first-time surgery in Crohn’s disease patients

BACKGROUND Crohn's disease (CD) often necessitates surgical intervention, particularly when it manifests in the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve. Despite undergoing radical surgery, a subset of patients experiences recurrent inflammation at the anastomotic site, necessitating further medical attention. AIM To investigate the risk factors associated with anastomotic insufficiency following ileocecal resection in CD patients. METHODS This study enrolled 77 patients who underwent open ileocolic resection with primary stapled anastomosis. Patients were stratified into two groups: Group I comprised individuals without anastomotic insufficiency, while Group II included patients exhibiting advanced anastomotic destruction observed endoscopically or those requiring additional surgery during the follow-up period. Surgical and non-surgical factors potentially influencing anastomotic failure were evaluated in both cohorts. RESULTS Anastomotic insufficiency was detected in 12 patients (15.6%), with a mean time interval of 30 months between the initial surgery and recurrence. The predominant reasons for re-intervention included stenosis and excessive perianastomotic lesions. Factors associated with a heightened risk of anastomotic failure encompassed prolonged postoperative obstruction, anastomotic bleeding, and clinically confirmed micro-leakage. Additionally, patients in Group II exhibited preoperative malnutrition and early recurrence of symptoms related to CD. CONCLUSION Successful surgical outcomes hinge on the attainment of a fully functional anastomosis, optimal metabolic status, and clinical remission of the underlying disease. Vigilant endoscopic surveillance following primary resection facilitates the timely identification of anastomotic failure, thereby enabling noninvasive interventions.