title: Single-layer continuous colon and rectal anastomosis using monofilament absorbable suture (Maxon): study of 500 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study purpose was to evaluate the results of continuous, single-layer colon and rectal anastomoses using a monofilament absorbable suture material (Maxon).
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hundred ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing five hundred colon and rectal anastomoses with the above technique were evaluated for outcome, including anastomotic leakage, stricture, and other complications, by means of chart review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three patients (0.6 percent) died after surgery and 7 (1.4 percent) developed clinical evidence of anastomotic leakage. Twenty-four percent developed some postoperative complications, most of which were minor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Continuous, single-layer colorectal anastomosis using monofilament absorbable suture can be performed safely, quickly, and with a favorable cost ratio. Handsewn anastomoses should still be part of the armamentarium of the well-trained surgeon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Max
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Butts
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Skakun
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Graves
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011108:Polymers; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; C046409:polyglyconate