FIG. 1.

Sample questions and responses of participants. (1A) When an intestinal anastomosis is performed by a highly qualified, high-volume surgeon, the most common cause of a leak is: A. Technical, B. Patient factors, or C. Unknown; (1B) When an intestinal anastomosis is performed by a highly qualified, high-volume surgeon, an anastomotic leak is most often: A. Predictable or B. Not predictable; (1C) When an anastomotic leak occurs, a detailed analysis of the precise cause of leakage is able to be determined: A. Most of the time (>50%), B. Sometimes (<50%), or C. Never; (1D) The true incidence of anastomotic leak is: A. Higher than reported, B. Lower than reported, or C. Same as reported; n=35.