Complications after gastrointestinal surgery, such as anastomotic leaks, can have profound consequences for patients, and can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stays.
Early diagnosis and management of complications are critical to minimizing adverse consequences for the patient. However, the diagnosis of leaks still largely relies on clinical presentation of symptoms and imaging studies, and in many cases, leaks do not present until 8 or more days after surgery.