title: Single-stapled double-pursestring anastomosis after anterior resection of the rectum.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Single-stapled double-pursestring technique for colorectal anastomosis to the mid-rectum or upper rectum is the most commonly used technique in the single institution reported here. The investigators evaluate single-stapled double-pursestring anastomosis after anterior resection of the rectum performed at a single institution.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of patients who underwent single-stapled double-pursestring anastomosis between January 2000 and May 2005 were analyzed to identify postoperative anastomotic complications. Patients with previous radiation, diverting stoma, coloanal, and hand-sewn and double-stapled anastomoses were excluded. The primary goal was to identify postoperative anastomotic complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 160 patients, 153 (96%) no septic complications. One patient (.6%) developed anastomotic leak requiring diversion. Of the 4 patients with pelvic abscesses (2.5%), 2 were treated with antibiotics and 2 with computed axial tomography-guided drainage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Single-stapled double-pursestring anastomosis is reliable, with very low rates of leak, subsequent diversion, and pelvic abscess (.6%, .6%, and 2.5% respectively).
authors.affiliation: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Department of Surgery, 1775 W. Dempster St., 8 South, Park Ridge, IL 60068, USA
authors.forename: Slawomir J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Marecik
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pearl
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Leela M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Prasad
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000379:methods*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome