Drain Fluid Amylase as an early biomarker of anastomotic leak in low colorectal anastomoses

Interventions: Measure amylase levels in drain fluid daily after low colorectal anastomoses as an early indicator of anastomotic leak.
- a small sample of drain fluid will be collected daily while pelvic drain is in situ during hospital admission following colorectal surgery and samples will be sent to the local pathology service for measurement of amylase
- the amylase levels in drain fluid at each collection while the drain is in-situ will be collected and correlated to the clinical course
- clinical course following surgery will be observed during admission (and data collected after patient has been discharged, retrospective data collection).
- Follow up consultation at 6 weeks following surgery
Primary outcome(s): Daily amylase levels in the drain fluid post-operatively. The measurement of amylase in drain fluid is measured and reported by local pathology service.[Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5, post operatively, or until pelvic drain is removed. ]
Study Design: Purpose: Screening;Duration: Longitudinal;Selection: Defined population;Timing: Both