Transanal treatment of strictured rectal anastomosis with a circular stapler device: simple and safe.
BACKGROUND
Several methods of treatment for benign anastomotic strictures after low anterior resection have been described. We report and illustrate a simple, safe, and effective method for treating benign rectal anastomotic strictures by means of a transanal circular stapling device.


METHODS
Three patients with a clinically significant rectal stricture underwent transanal resection of the fibrous stenosis by a circular stapler device (CEEA stapler 29 or 31 mm calibre; Tyco Co., USA).


RESULTS
No complications occurred. Patients were discharged from the hospital on the first postoperative day. After a follow-up period of 8, 12 and 14 months respectively, no recurrence of the stricture was observed. The stool habits of all 3 patients were normal with 1-3 formed, asymptomatic fecal passages per day.


CONCLUSIONS
Transanal reanastomosis by means of a circular stapler device is a simple and effective method. However, a larger number of patients need to be treated with this relatively new method to draw further conclusions.
Pabst
M
M
Department of General Surgery, Kantonsspital Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
Giger
U
U
Senn
M
M
Gauer
J M
JM
Boldog
B
B
Schweizer
W
W
D001003:Anal Canal; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D003287:Contrast Media; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013528:Surgical Staplers
D003287:Contrast Media