The Role of Plain Radiographs in the Diagnosis of Delayed Anastomotic Leak: A Case Report from a Resource Limited Setting
Keywords:
Anastomosis, Plain radiograph, Delayed leak, PneumoperitoneumAbstract
Gastrointestinal surgery related anastomotic leaks are one of the serious causes of morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period. The rate of expected anastomotic leak depends on the location of gastrointestinal tract anastomosis. The expected leak rate for small intestinal anastomosis is 1-3%. There are several factors that are attributed to leakage of small intestinal anastomosis. Anastomotic leaks usually present within days after surgery. Late presentations more than 30 days after surgery are uncommon. This case report is a prototype example of delayed presentation of anastomotic leak of the small intestine done on an 18 years old male patient. Plain radiograph was used for the timely diagnosis and management of the case. High index of clinical suspicion and early surgical management of delayed anastomotic leaks is recommended in resource limited settings for the better outcome of such patients.
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