**1. Introduction**

Many colorectal diseases, both benign and malignant, are managed surgically. The magnitude of surgical intervention varies from the minor incision to drain a perianal abscess to the complex exenteration for recurrent rectal cancer.

All operations are associated with a degree of risk of complications. The more complex the operation is, the higher the risk of complications. Postoperative complications have been noted in up to 35% of patients who undergo radical colorectal cancer surgery. Surgical complications contribute to increased mortality, length of hospital stay and an increased level of community care, as well as having a deleterious effect on quality of life.

Surgical complications may be classified in a number of ways. However, the classification by Clavien and Dindo [1] is the one that has gained most widespread acceptance. This classification, based on the type of intervention required to rectify the complication, is simple, reproducible, and reliable.

In general, complications can be divided into intra-operative and postoperative. Postoperative complications can be immediate, early, and late. Occurrence of intraoperative complications such as bleeding, bowel injury, ureteric and bladder injuries are affected by the presence of intra-abdominal adhesions, anatomic abnormalities, the experience of the surgeon, and many other factors. Major postoperative complications include anastomotic dehiscence, paralytic ileus, and bleeding [2].
