Introduction.

Anastomotic leak is the most serious complication of surgical treatment of colon cancer due to its high morbidity and mortality. The obvious diagnosis manifested by the exit of intestinal content through drains or the operative wound, occurs late (between the 6th and 8th day). The objective of this work was to study the postoperative C-reactive protein values ​​to make an early diagnosis.

Methods.

Observational, analytical, retrospective study of a cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery for neoplasia, between January 2019 and December 2021, who underwent oncological surgery with intestinal anastomosis and measured CRP blood values on 1st, 3rd and 5th post-operative days.

Results.

Two-hundred-twenty-five operated cases that did not present leaks were compared with 45 cases with leaks, with CRP values ​​on the 3rd and 5th day of 148mg/l and 71mg/l in cases without leakage and CRP values ​​of 228.24mg/l and 228.04 mg/l in cases with leakage on the 3rd and 5th day, respectively (p<0.05), CRP value of 197mg/l on the 3rd day has a sensitivity of 77%; CRP value of 120mg/l on the 5th day, has a sensitivity of 84%.

Conclusions.

The best result for CPR to early diagnosis of anastomotic leak was observed on the 5th day, having the value of 127 mg/l the best sensitivity, specificity and NPV, which would allow early diagnosis and timely management.

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