How is an anastomotic leak treated?

How is an anastomotic leak treated?

You’ll be treated immediately with antibiotics to control infection. After that, your treatment will depend on the extent of the leak and how advanced your condition is. It may include:

• Drainage. Contaminated fluid and/or swelling from inflammation may need to be drained from your body. If possible, your healthcare provider will do this percutaneously — through a hollow needle inserted through your skin.
• Bowel rest. If your leak is in your intestines, you’ll have to avoid eating and drinking by mouth during treatment. Your healthcare provider will give you intravenous fluids and, if necessary, feed you intravenously.
• Repeat surgery. Your surgeon may need to revisit the anastomosis in a repeat surgery. When possible, they may use a minimally invasive technique such as a laparoscopy, which examines the abdomen through a tiny camera inserted through a tiny incision. Your surgeon can also place tiny tools through the incision to drain an abscess or wash out your cavity with antiseptic. If this doesn’t work, they’ll have to reopen the body cavity to access the leak. The anastomosis may need to be reinforced, or it may need to be re-created at a healthier section of your body channel. Sometimes, your body channel may need more time to heal before the anastomosis can be recreated. In the case of intestinal surgery, your surgeon may need to redirect part of your intestines to a temporary ostomy, a new opening that bypasses the anastomosis, to give it more time to heal.