Anastomosis
A surgical connection between two structures, like two ends of bowel or two blood vessels.
Anastomoses are critical surgical connections — bowel-to-bowel after resection, vessel-to-vessel in bypass surgery. Anastomotic leak is a feared complication, especially in GI surgery (5-10% rate at experienced centers).
What this means for you: post-op vigilance for leak symptoms (fever, pain, increased drain output) is essential. Don't fly home until anastomotic integrity is confirmed.
What a term means for you depends on your own reports. Ask your treating doctor, or send your reports for a free review.