Single-stapled double-pursestring anastomosis after anterior resection of the rectum.
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).
Marecik
Slawomir J
SJ
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Department of Surgery, 1775 W. Dempster St., 8 South, Park Ridge, IL 60068, USA
Chaudhry
Vivek
V
Pearl
Russell
R
Park
John J
JJ
Prasad
Leela M
LM
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