Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage

What is Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage?

Anastomotic leakage occurs when there is a breakdown at the surgical site where two sections of the colon or rectum are reconnected after a colorectal resection. This leakage allows fecal contents to spill into the abdominal or pelvic cavity, causing infection, inflammation, abscesses, and in severe cases, sepsis. Colorectal anastomotic leakage is one of the most dangerous and common complications of colorectal surgery and remains a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Why Does Anastomotic Leakage Happen?

CAL can result from a range of factors, including poor tissue healing, infection, or inadequate blood supply to the anastomosis. It can also occur due to surgical technique issues or patient-related factors like smoking, obesity, or underlying conditions such as diabetes.

The complications from CAL can be extensive and include:

• Peritonitis: Infection caused by leakage of bowel contents.
• Abscess formation: Localized infections in the abdomen or pelvis requiring drainage.
• Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection leading to organ failure.
• Extended hospital stays: CAL can prolong recovery, increasing healthcare costs and complications.

Anastomotic leakage can significantly impact patient recovery, leading to extended hospitalizations, additional surgeries, and lower quality of life for patients.

The Need for Better Solutions

Approximately 33% of patients undergoing colorectal surgery face complications due to anastomotic leakage, and traditional treatments — such as ostomy creation or surgical revisions — carry their own risks and challenges. Some patients may even experience permanent ostomies, which bring ongoing health costs and dramatically affect quality of life.

The Revolutionary ColoSeal ICD System

At Averto Medical, we have developed the ColoSeal ICD System, a breakthrough solution designed to transform patient recovery by protecting the anastomosis from fecal flow, thereby preventing complications like anastomotic leakage, and supporting better and faster recovery after colorectal surgeries.

The ColoSeal ICD System is poised to redefine recovery after colorectal surgery, offering a simpler, safer, and more cost-effective solution. It addresses both patient and healthcare provider needs by:

• Reducing the need for stomas and the associated complications.
• Cutting hospital stay durations and reducing the burden of additional surgeries.
• Providing a simpler, safer alternative that does not require further surgical intervention for device removal.