Predictive Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Anastomotic Leaks in Colorectal Surgeries: A Systematic Review

Anastomotic leaks (ALs) remain a serious postoperative complication in colorectal surgery, often resulting in significant morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and increased mortality risk. This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of predictive biomarkers in the early detection of ALs, focusing on their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science, identifying studies that examined biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood cell (WBC) count in the context of AL. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 59 to 2,655 patients undergoing colorectal surgeries with primary anastomosis. CRP emerged as the most widely studied and reliable biomarker, with studies suggesting that elevated CRP levels, particularly on postoperative days 3-4, can effectively indicate AL risk, showing high negative predictive value. PCT has also shown promise as a complementary biomarker, offering enhanced specificity for infectious complications. Although WBC count alone was a limited predictor, it may add diagnostic value when used with other markers. In addition, innovative biomarkers, such as inflammatory indices in peritoneal fluid, demonstrated potential for further improving AL detection accuracy.