Journal Article

Early Detection and Monitoring of Anastomotic Leaks via Naked Eye‐Readable, Non‐Electronic Macromolecular Network Sensors

Jessernig, Alexander, Anthis, Alexandre H.C., Widmer, Jeannette, Schlegel, Andrea A., Vonna, Emilie, Rosendorf, Jachym, Liska, Vaclav, Herrmann, Inge K.

2024

Overview

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the leaking of non‐sterile gastrointestinal contents into a patient's abdominal cavity. AL is one of the most dreaded complications following gastrointestinal surgery, with mortality rates reaching up to 27%. The current diagnostic methods for anastomotic leaks are limited in sensitivity and specificity. Since the timing of detection directly impacts patient outcomes, developing new, fast, and simple methods for early leak detection is crucial. Here, a naked eye‐readable, electronic‐free macromolecular network drain fluid sensor is introduced for continuous monitoring and early detection of AL at the patient's bedside. The sensor array comprises three different macromolecular network sensing elements, each tailored for selectivity toward the three major digestive enzymes found in the drainage fluid during a developing AL. Upon digestion of the macromolecular network structure by the respective digestive enzymes, the sensor produces an optical shift discernible to the naked eye. The diagnostic efficacy and clinical applicability of these sensors are demonstrated using clinical samples from 32 patients, yielding a Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under the Curve (ROC AUC) of 1.0. This work has the potential to significantly contribute to improved patient outcomes through continuous monitoring and early, low‐cost, and reliable AL detection. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the leaking of pathogenic, non‐sterile gastrointestinal contents into the abdominal cavity of a patient, with mortality rates of up to 27%. In this work, a naked eye‐readable, electronic‐free sensor for the continuous monitoring of drain fluid enzymes and early detection of AL is introduced.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,John Wiley and Sons Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Abdomen / Anastomotic Leak - diagnosis / Biomarkers / Biosensing Techniques - instrumentation / Biosensing Techniques - methods / Design / device / drain fluid / Early Diagnosis / Enzymes / Gastrointestinal surgery / Hospitals / Humans / Leak detection / postoperative complications / Recovery (Medical) / sensing / Sensors / Surgical anastomosis / wearables