Intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis following laparoscopic left colon resection.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an intracorporeal double-stapled colorectal anastomosis upon the outcome of laparoscopic left colon resection.


METHODS
Fifty-four selected patients underwent elective laparoscopic left colon resection for benign disease. Once resection was completed, a 33-mm suprapubic port allowed insertion of the anvil of a circular stapler into the colon, which was closed by a handsewn purse-string suture using the T-needle technique. The circular stapler was passed transanally to perform a double-stapled anastomosis. Specimens were delivered in a plastic bag via the suprapubic port.


RESULTS
There were no deaths. Minor intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 3.7% and 9.2% of the patients, respectively. Median operating time was 125 min (range 80-210 min). Complete proximal and distal doughnuts were obtained in all patients and anastomoses were all methylene blue tight. Median hospital stay was 4 (range 3-7) days.


CONCLUSIONS
Fashioning double-stapled colorectal anastomoses intracorporeally is feasable and safe.
Bergamaschi
R
R
Department of Visceral Surgery, Angers University Hospital, France.
Arnaud
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D016896:Treatment Outcome