In this PHRT project, we seek to design and develop a new technology, termed SensAL, enabling the continuous, electronic-free monitoring of the anastomotic site based on drain fluid fingerprints. We will develop responsive colorimetric sensing units, allowing continuous and ultrasensitive detection of AL specific biomarkers in drain fluid. Due to the visible change in sensor color, the sensors can be readily read out by the naked eye, without relying on equipment.
Millions of gastrointestinal surgeries are carried out annually due to cancer or other gastrointestinal diseases. These procedures typically involve the resection of diseased tissues and the reconnection of healthy tissue ends in a procedure known as anastomosis. While these procedures are oftentimes life-saving for the patients, in 10% or more of the cases, the surgical reconnections fail, leak and do not heal properly. Such anastomotic leaks have devastating consequences, including peritonitis and sepsis, are associated with high mortality (up to 30%) and cause significant additional costs (+40 kCHF per patient). While superficial wounds already pose significant challenges to wound management, deep tissue wounds, such as anastomotic sites, which cannot be visually inspected are even more challenging to manage. Especially the lack of available tools for early diagnosis is highly problematic, and as a result, leaks are discovered only at stages when they are fully developed and clinically symptomatic.
