The Effect of Preoperative Factors and Surgical Technique on Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Resections at South-eastern Europe.

Colorectal resection due to benign and malignant diseases is a commonly performed procedure. The continuity of the gastrointestinal tract is re-established by creating an anastomosis. Although such procedures are often performed, anastomotic techniques and postoperative outcomes usually vary. Failure of the anastomosis might be a life-threatening condition after colorectal resection. A relatively high incidence of anastomotic leaks (up to 30%) has been reported worldwide. Anastomotic failure could happen due to several reasons, that are divided into surgeon-related factors and patient-related factors. So far, there has been no data about the incidence of anastomotic leak in the Western Balkans and the Mediterranean countries.The aim of EAST-WEST Colorectal Study 2022 is to investigate differences in patients undergoing colorectal resections, including pre-operative patient preparation, history of prior surgeries and anastomotic techniques. In addition, this study aims to collect data about post-operative complication rate within 30 days post-surgery across Balkan countries (Slovenia, Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, BIH and Monte Negro), Greece, Romania and Malta, hence the study outcomes could be applicable to the Mediterranean region, in which patients share a common set of characteristics. This would enable variabilities in practice to be identified and differences regarding postoperative outcomes to be highlighted.