Merih YILMAZ, Mustafa Celalettin HAKSAL, Metin KEMENT, Mahmut ZENCİROĞLU, Atıf TEKİN, Mustafa ÖNCEL
Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine - 2026;17(10):1042-1045
Aim: Anastomotic leakage is a significant problem in lower gastrointestinal surgery that can lead to serious complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CRP and procalcitonin on anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: The study included 303 patients who underwent lower gastrointestinal surgery at the Department of General Surgery at Istanbul Medipol University Mega Hospital Complex between March 2013 and May 2016. Patients were divided into two categories: leakage ( n = 29) and non-leakage ( n = 274). Patient demographics and clinical data, along with CRP, leukocyte count, and procalcitonin levels on postoperative days 3 and 5, were analyzed. Results: The ileocolic anastomosis region was significantly more common in the leaking group ( P < .05). Complication rates differed significantly, with a higher rate of wound infection in the leaking group ( P < .05). Sensitivity of CRP on the 3rd day was 79.3%, and on the 5th day, 72.4%. For procalcitonin, sensitivity on the 3rd day was 79.3% and on the 5th day after the operation was 75.9%. ROC analysis results showed that the area under the curve was the highest for CRP on the 5th day, followed by procalcitonin on the 3rd day, CRP on the 3rd day, and procalcitonin on the 5th day. All predictive values for both indicators on both measuring days were over 70%. Conclusion: CRP and procalcitonin levels on postoperative days 3 and 5 may be diagnostic of anastomotic leaks in lower gastrointestinal surgery. Further studies on this topic are recommended for greater predictive value.
