Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as predictive biomarkers of anastomotic leak in colorrectal surgery

Background: There has been recent interest in the seric levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and C reactive protein (PCR) as a marker of intraabdominal infection after a colorrectal surgery, however, the actual literature remains inconclusive.Objective: To test if C-Reactive Protein (PCR) and procalcitonin (PCT) as predictive factors of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery.Method: Retrospective cohort, of patients with ileostomy or colostomy who had intestinal transit restitution by general surgeons in our center, from march 2018 to march 2020.Results: We registered 4 (36.4%)anastomotic leaks.We compared median PCR and PCT between group 1 (without anastomotic leak) and group 2 (with anastomotic leak).Median PCT3PO was 4.86 ng/ml in group 1 vs 13.7 ng/ml in group 2, and PCT5PO was 1.3071 ng/ml vs 6.74 ng/ml (DS: 5.04 vs. 11.53 and 0.779 vs. 10.44).Median PCR3PO and PCR5PO was 194.7 mg/l in group 1 vs 100.97 mg/l in group 2, and 159.8 mg/l vs 65.67 mg/l, (DS: 88.78 vs. 82.01 and 94.77 vs. 58.009).Conclusions: Persistent higher levels of seric PCR and PCT at 3 rd and 5 th postoperative day could be an anastomotic leackage.This biomarkers might be added as additional criteria of discharge.