Introduction Anastomotic leak is a dreaded complication following gastrointestinal (GI) anastomotic surgery. It increases morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing GI surgery. However, there is paucity of data on the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal surgery in Uganda. The main objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal surgery in Mulago Hospital, between April, 2024 and July, 2024.

Methods We consecutively recruited adult patients admitted to the general surgery wards in Mulago Hospital, 24 hours following gastrointestinal surgery. Patient related factors including preoperative anaemia, preoperative albumin level, and ASA status were recorded on entry, while the outcome (anastomotic leak) was obtained upon 14 day’s follow-up. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for anastomotic leak, p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results Eighty-five participants were studied. The incidence of anastomotic leak was 8.2% (n=7). Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dl was the only independent predictor for anastomotic leak in this study. (RR, 8.15; 95% C.I, 1.16 - 57.48; p=0.035).

Conclusion The incidence of anastomotic leak in Mulago National Referral Hospital was low. Low Hemoglobin (Hb<10g/dl) was associated with increased rates of anastomotic leak.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding

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Makerere University School of Medicine Ethics committee gave approval for this work. Mak-SOMREC-2024-899

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