Triangulating anastomosis using a linear cutter in a colectomy.
OBJECTIVE
We have performed end-to-end anastomosis by the triangulating method using a linear cutter for the reconstruction in colectomy. In this report, we present our technique of triangle anastomosis and its convenience and merits.


METHODS
Patients who underwent end-to-end anastomosis with the triangulating method, or the Gambee procedure, for reconstruction after colon cancer surgery from 1998 to 2003 in our department, were analyzed retrospectively. The anastomosis time and complications were compared in these two groups.


RESULTS
The mean anastomosis time was 14.7+/-3.5 minutes, which is 17+/-0.7 shorter than the 31.7+/-4.2 minutes it took for the Gambee anastomosis performed during the same period. There were no significant differences in the incidences and variety of complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Triangulating anastomosis using a linear cutter is a safe and easy technique that can be performed in a short amount of time. It is, therefore, considered a useful method for reconstructive surgery for colon cancer.
Yoshimatsu
Kazuhiko
K
Department of Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan. kyoshsu@dnh.twmu.ac.jp
Ishibashi
Keiichiro
K
Yokomizo
Hajime
H
Umehara
Arihiro
A
Yoshida
Kiyohito
K
Fujimoto
Takashi
T
Watanabe
Kiyo
K
Ogawa
Kenji
K
D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D003082:Colectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology