title: The low stapled anastomosis.
abstract: The complications of 100 stapled anastomoses onto the rectum or anus are reviewed. Anastomotic leakage in very low cases is the major problem; no leak occurred if the anastomosis was performed above 7 cm, but 3 leaks in 17 patients occurred if the anastomosis was performed between 5.5 and 7 cm, and 10 leaks occurred in 52 patients if the anastomoses was less than 5 cm from the anal margin. A covering colostomy is essential for these lower anastomoses, and for those not covered by a colostomy, an immediate colostomy with a distal loop washout is performed, if a leak develops. Attention to technique is mandatory, with a good blood supply, absence of tension and the elimination of the pelvic cavity being of great importance.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003125:Colostomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D013528:Surgical Staplers