A novel BADCAL score improves risk assessment for anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery.

• In a study of 109 patients, leaks occurred in 13 (11.9%).
• The BADCAL score showed exceptional predictive ability with an AUC of 0.97; a score of ≤3 had a 100% negative predictive value.
• High-risk scores (≥7) correlated with a 71.4% leak rate.

Use this score to enhance patient selection and monitoring post-surgery, but seek further validation for broader application.

• Key predictors include CRP >60 mg/L, ASA grade ≥III, and blood loss >200 mL.