Intrarectal bypass graft in low anterior resection and sigmoid obstruction--an experimental study

The most common causes for morbidity and mortality in colorectal resections are anastomotic leaks. In low anterior resection, the incidence of anastomotic leakage ranges from 17 to 50%. With the use of the stapler technique, leakage incidence rate remains high and ranges from 10 to 25%. Colostomy formation and closures are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Due to the high incidence of anastomotic leakage rate in low anterior resection, and the additional complications of diverting colostomy formation and closure, the use of a rectal stent-intrarectal bypass graft has been instituted. This is carried out by means of a silastic graft, which prevents the fecal stream and gas pressure from coming into contact with the anastomotic site at the low rectum. The efficacy of intrarectal bypass graft was examined in two high-risk surgical situations, the first in very low anterior resection and the other, after early sigmoid obstruction. In both situations the intrarectal bypass graft provided for a safe anastomosis. Even when dehiscence and early obstructions occur, the tube may prevent leakage. This procedure presents effective practical implications which obviate the need for a proximal colostomy formation, thereby eliminating the physical and psychological stress that accompanies colostomies.