| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>This study was designed to analyze whether routine radiological controls of anastomoses in the upper gastrointestinal tract an early detection of anastomotic leaks.</p> <p>Patients and Methods</p> <p>135 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal tract surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the first group (n = 55) underwent routine radiological control of the anastomoses. In the second group (n = 80) the radiological control was only performed in case of clinical symptoms or signs of anastomotic leaks.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence of anastomotic leaks in the patients seen by us was 5.2%, equivalent to 7 of 135 patients In Group 1 leaks were seen in 4 of 55 patients (7,2%) in group 2 leaks were seen in 3 of 80 (3,8%). The radiological control of the anastomoses with contrast swallow showed the leakage in two cases. Twice the results were false negative. The sensitivity of computed tomography was 100%.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Routine radiological control of anastomoses with contrast swallow only has low sensitivity. This procedure should not be performed routinely any more.</p> <p>The radiological control should be used in cases with signs of anastomotic leakage or with postoperatively impaired gastrointestinal passage.</p>
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