Abstract
Fifty consecutive unselected patients with anastomoses to the left side of the colon were studied. Each patient had an anastomosis constructed with a single layer of continuous 4-0 polypropylene. On the seventh postoperative day, or sooner, a water-soluble contrast enema was obtained to evaluate the integrity of the anastomosis. Two patients developed radiographic and clinical evidence of anastomotic leakage, and one patient developed a late pelvic abscess and colocutaneous fistula. The documented leak rate of 6 percent attests to the safety of this method of colonic anastomosis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 163-168 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Diseases of the Colon & Rectum |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1988 |
Keywords
- Colonic anastomosis
- Polypropylene
- Single layer
- Water-soluble contrast enema
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology