Anastomosis is the surgical connection of separate or severed tubular hollow
organs to form a continuous channel, as between two parts of the intestine; a
communication between or coalescence of blood vessels; the surgical union
of parts and especially hollow tubular parts. Anastomotic leak refers to the
escape, entry, or passage of fluid as the result of breakdown of a suture line
(e.g., leakage of gastric or intestinal fluid following surgery involving joining
stomach and bowel structures.