Based on all these results, we aim to combine and translate observational results from individual studies into one multicentre prospective study in which several aspects of anastomotic leakage will be investigated. With the results of this study, we expect to be able to provide patients an adequate risk estimation regarding anastomotic leakage. This will help surgeons to make the decision to create a stoma instead of performing a primary anastomosis and to detect anastomotic leakage at an earlier stage. Furthermore, this study may provide new insights that can lead to potential new treatment.