Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated with Anastomotic Leaks (AL) following Oesophagectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Introduction Anastomotic leaks (AL) are a major complication after oesophagectomy. This meta-analysis aimed to determine identify risks factors for AL (pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative factors) and assess the consequences to outcome on patients who developed an AL. Methods This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to 31st December 2018. A meta-analysis was conducted with the use of random-effects modelling and prospectively registered with the PROSPERO database (Registration CRD42018130732). Results This review identified 174 studies reporting outcomes of 74,226 patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The overall pooled AL rates were 11%, ranging from 0 - 49% in individual studies. Majority of studies were from Asia (n=79). In pooled analyses, 23 factors were associated with AL (17 preoperative and six intraoperative). AL were associated with adverse outcomes including pulmonary (OR: 4.54, CI95%: 2.99 - 6.89, p<0.001) and cardiac complications (OR: 2.44, CI95%: 1.77 - 3.37, p<0.001), prolonged hospital stay (mean difference: 15 days, CI95%: 10 - 21 days, p<0.001 and in-hospital mortality (OR: 5.91, CI95%: 1.41 - 24.79, p=0.015). Conclusion AL are a major complication following oesophagectomy accounting for major morbidity and mortality. This meta-analysis identified modifiable risk factors for AL which can be a target for interventions to reduce anastomotic leak rates. Furthermore, identification of both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors will facilitate risk stratification and prediction of AL enabling better perioperative planning, patient counselling and informed consent.