title: Primary anastomosis without colonic lavage for the obstructed left colon.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Resection, on-table lavage (OTL) and primary anastomosis is the treatment of choice for the obstructed left colon. OTL is time-consuming, requires considerable mobilisation/bowel handling, an enterotomy and potentially exposes the patient to mesenteric vascular injury, faecal contamination and a prolonged ileus. We have assessed outcome following primary resection and anastomosis without prior lavage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four consecutive, obstructed patients underwent splenic flexure mobilisation and high anterior resection (concomitant small bowel resection in 2) with primary side-to-side colorectal anastomosis without either prior lavage or covering stoma. Outcome was audited.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four patients, 17 female aged 48-92 years (median. 76 years) presented with left-sided obstruction due to carcinoma (Dukes' B [3], C [6], D [1]) or chronic diverticulitis (14). Median operative time was 85 min (range, 40-105 min). Colonic ileus resolved on day 2 (29%) and day 3 (58%). Median hospital stay was 7 days (range, 6-72 days); 92% discharged by day 10. There were no deaths or re-admissions. A return to theatre followed a reactionary haemorrhage in one. This latter patient's anastomosis leaked on day 4 (no faecal contamination) and was converted to an end stoma. Urinary and wound infections were seen in two. Late complications comprised two anastomotic strictures; both responded to balloon dilatation at 5 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Resection and primary anastomosis without on-table lavage is an easy, practical, predictable and safe treatment option for left-sided colonic obstruction with minimal complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, North Bristol NHS Trust, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: K L R
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cross
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Rees
authors.forename: R H R
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Soulsby
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Dixon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods