Clinical Challenges in Colorectal Surgery: Management of Anastomotic Leaks

This episode offers a practical, case-based overview of evaluating and managing anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgery. It highlights early clinical warning signs, optimal imaging, and a framework for choosing nonoperative versus operative strategies, including when to drain, divert, repair, or revise an anastomosis. The discussion also covers management considerations in diverted patients and those with Crohn’s disease, as well as long-term issues such as chronic leak–related complications and planning for stoma reversal. Join Drs. Jared Hendren, Elissa Dabaghi, Joseph Trunzo, Ajaratu Keshinro, and David Rosen as they discuss this clinical challenge in colorectal surgery.Hosts: - Jared Hendren, MDο      Institution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio- Elissa Dabaghi, MDο      Institution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio- Joseph Trunzo, MDο      Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohioο      Social Media Handle: X/Twitter @joseph_trunzo- Ajaratu Keshinro, MDο      Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohioο      Social Media Handle: X/Twitter- @AJKesh-  David Rosen, MDο      Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio- Social Media Handle: X/Twitter- @davidrrosenmdLearning Objectives: By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: Assess postoperative changes that warrant imaging and/or intervention in suspected anastomotic leaks. Apply a structured decision-making approach to determine when nonoperative management, drainage, diversion, or operative intervention is most appropriate. Recognize key considerations in managing leaks in diverted patients and those with Crohn’s disease, including long-term complications and factors influencing stoma reversal planning. Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium:General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US