Mauser M, et al. - Researchers aimed at prospectively studying the effect of CD4 count 24 hours after surgery on the anastomotic leak rate and identify risk factors for anastomotic leaks. They analyzed 98 patients with small or large bowel resection and subsequent anastomosis due to penetrating abdominal trauma. Outcomes suggest that irrespective of HIV-serostatus, anastomotic leaks could be predicted with a low post-operative CD4 count. Risk factors for anastomotic complications further included low postoperative serum albumin, high injury severity, gunshot wound as mechanism of injury, blood transfusion requirement >6 units and delayed anastomosis. They recommend considering postoperative CD4 count and serum albumin in the decision-making process of performing an anastomosis or diverting stoma for patients after “clip and drop” of the bowel as part of damage control surgery.