title: Anastomotic insufficiency in small bowel surgery--incidence and treatment.
abstract: In the period 1977-1981 234 small bowel anastomoses were constructed in 143 patients. Eight anastomoses showed leakage (3.4%) and from nine anastomoses a fistula developed (3.8%): a total rate of disturbed healing of small bowel anastomoses (7.3%). In the presence of intra-abdominal infection this rate was 14.8%, in the absence of infection 0.8%. The results of treatment with oversewing and with resection and immediate anastomosis were disappointing. Better results were obtained by dismantling of the anastomosis, establishment of a split-enterostomy and reestablishment of continuity in a second stage. Mortality was 3/17 (18%). The literature is reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D012086:Reoperation; D012306:Risk; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000601:surgery*