A system and method for monitoring a surgical site within a body, including an elongate sensory subsystem adapted to be placed or implanted near to the surgical site including a sensor for collecting physiological data from the surgical site and a communication subsystem in communication with the elongate sensory subsystem. An elongate probe extending from the communication subsystem to the vicinity of the surgical site adapted to collect physiological data pertaining to the surgical site. A method for monitoring the surgical site to determine the early onset of complications is disclosed. A method for monitoring the integrity of an organ and in particular monitoring the integrity of an anastomosis is also disclosed.