Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics nomogram model for predicting postoperative anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer.

purposeAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious postoperative complication after colorectal cancer surgery, and accurate preoperative prediction remains challenging. This study aimed to develop and validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of AL.

methodsA total of 146 patients with colorectal cancer, including 11 with AL, were retrospectively enrolled and randomly divided into training and validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. Clinical variables and preoperative MRI-based radiomic features were analyzed. A clinical model was constructed using logistic regression. Radiomic features were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method to develop a radiomics model, from which a radiomic score was calculated. A combined radiomics nomogram integrating the radiomic score and significant clinical factors was subsequently established. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in both cohorts.

resultsThe clinical model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.766 in the training cohort and 0.583 in the validation cohort. The radiomics model demonstrated improved discrimination, with AUCs of 0.822 and 0.800, respectively. The combined radiomics nomogram showed the best predictive performance, yielding AUCs of 0.869 in the training cohort and 0.858 in the validation cohort.

conclusionThe proposed MRI-based radiomics nomogram demonstrates good predictive performance for postoperative anastomotic leakage and may serve as a useful tool for preoperative risk stratification in patients with colorectal cancer.