title: Intra-operative air testing: an audit on rectal anastomosis.
abstract: Thirty three patients having an anastomosis to the rectum were studied prospectively to determine the usefulness of intra-operative air testing. The pelvis was filled with saline and the anastomosis was distended with air. Any leaks demonstrated were oversewn. A Gastrografin enema was performed on all the patients on the eighth postoperative day. Overall, there were 4 (12%) clinical leaks and 10 (30%) radiological leaks. In six patients with air leaks demonstrated at operation, two had a radiological leak, one of which presented clinically as well. We believe that in the other four patients a potential leak was probably avoided as a result of intra-operative air testing. This technique is simple, safe and effective and probably helps reduce leakage after colorectal anastomosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Bartolo
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: McC Mortensen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000388:Air; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*