Rationale: The interaction between macro and microcirculation remains uncertain. Microvascular alterations can occur when systemic hemodynamic parameters are within an acceptable range. Perfusion changes and microvascular alterations may play an important role in anastomotic healing and the onset of anastomotic leakage after gastrointestinal surgery. Nowadays, assessment of bowel perfusion is macroscopically performed by the surgeon prior to anastomosis creation. However, local oxygen delivery may still be compromised as little is known about microcirculatory alterations of the bowel during colorectal surgery. Dark Field (DF) imaging is a technique using a stroboscopic light-emitting diode ring-based imaging modality incorporated in a hand-held device, which illuminates an area of interest and provides high contrast dynamic images of the microvasculature. DF-imaging enables to visualize the bowel's microcirculation.