Prospective study of primary anastomosis without colonic lavage for patients with an obstructed left colon

Traditionally, left-sided colon obstruction is managed by a multistaged defunctioning colostomy and resection. However, there is growing acceptance of one-stage primary resection and anastomosis with on-table antegrade irrigation. This paper presents a series of patients managed prospectively by primary anastomosis without intraoperative colonic lavage.

Emergency resection of acutely obstructed left-sided colonic carcinomas was performed. This was followed by primary anastomosis without on-table lavage after bowel decompression using a new technique.

Fifty-eight consecutive, unselected patients underwent bowel decompression, resection and primary colocolic anastomosis. Only one patient developed a leak at the anastomotic site, requiring pelvic abscess drainage and transverse loop colostomy. One death occurred 12 h following surgery. Autopsy confirmed that this was due to myocardial infarction. Mean hospital stay was 9.8 days.

Emergency surgery on the obstructed left colon can be carried out safely after decompression alone, without intraoperative colonic lavage.