anastomotic leakage is one of the most important postoperative complications for colorectal cancer patients undergoing curative surgery. Early recognition of patients in risk would be essential for preventing the high mortality rates associated with these complications. C reactive protein (PCR), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), cortisol levels and granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio (G/L) were compared in this period in patients who developed leakage vs patients without this complication. Material and methods: 52 colorectal cancer patients who underwent elective surgery in a private clinical hospital were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for the patients. Results: 14 patients (26,9%) developed clinically significant anastomotic leakage. The best cut-off value for preoperative G/L ratio of 5,8 had sensitivity of 71,43% and specificity of 73,68%. Conclusions: Preoperative G/L ratio can be used as a largely available tool for identifying the colorectal cancer patients at high risk for anastomotic leakage.