title: The single-layer continuous polypropylene colon anastomosis. A prospective assessment using water-soluble contrast enemas.
abstract: Fifty consecutive unselected patients with anastomoses to the left side of the colon were studied. Each patient had an anastomosis constructed with a single layer of continuous 4-0 polypropylene. On the seventh postoperative day, or sooner, a water-soluble contrast enema was obtained to evaluate the integrity of the anastomosis. Two patients developed radiographic and clinical evidence of anastomotic leakage, and one patient developed a late pelvic abscess and colocutaneous fistula. The documented leak rate of 6 percent attests to the safety of this method of colonic anastomosis.
authors.affiliation: Colon and Rectal Clinic, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Skakun
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Reznick
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Max
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003287:Contrast Media; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010969:Plastics; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D010969:Plastics; D011126:Polypropylenes