1 in 10 patients undergoing right colon resection experiences a leak from the new bowel connection (anastomosis). I am proud to be part of the EAGLE Study. The study was led by the ESCP EAGLE Safe Anastomosis Collaborative and NIHR Global Health Research Unit in Surgery. This study is designed to evaluate a quality improvement educational program to reduce anastomotic leaks following right colectomy.
332 hospitals from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) took part. The The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons. The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent before intervention to 5.1 per cent after intervention in high-engagement centres, but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals.
Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates!