title: Results of 1,000 single-layer continuous polypropylene intestinal anastomoses.
abstract: Between 1979 and 1988, we created intestinal anastomoses in 1,000 patients using a single-layer, continuous suturing technique and a polypropylene suture. The technique is easily learned, flexible in its application, and incurs less cost than most other techniques. The anastomoses involved all levels of the colon and the upper (intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal) rectum. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The clinically suspected anastomotic leak rate was 1%. Other morbidity included would complications (2%), obstruction of the small intestine (2%), anastomotic stricture (1%), and death (1%). No death was due to anastomotic complications. These rates of complications are comparable with, and in many instances lower than, those reported with other techniques of intestinal anastomosis.
authors.affiliation: Colon and Rectal Clinic, Houston, Texas 77030.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Max
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Oommen
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Butts
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Zamora
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Skakun
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D007422:Intestines / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes