Perioperative Complications in Colorectal Surgery

 

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ABSTRACT

Colorectal procedures are at risk for both major and minor complications, the majority of which are potentially preventable by an experienced surgeon. Preventable technical complications include inadvertent injury to adjacent viscera (vascular supply, urinary tract, spleen, small bowel, peripheral nerves, sphincter muscles, or presacral vessels) and reconstructive problems (stapler-related complications, anastomotic leak, and wound closure). The former can be avoided by meticulous dissection and by respecting tissue planes, even in the face of prior laparotomy. The latter requires a well-vascularized, tension-free anastomosis. Early recognition and management of postoperative ileus, urinary retention, wound, and intra-abdominal infection are important means of reducing morbidity and mortality for the colorectal surgical patient.

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