New technique of anastomosis after resection of left colon and rectum

A novel technique of 'autorecanalizing' anastomosis has been developed experimentally to reduce the risk of anastomotic failure when resection of the left colon or rectum is performed in the face of suboptimal bowel preparation. The method has been used in nine patients who presented with large bowel obstruction. One patient developed a low output faecal fistula that closed spontaneously within 19 days of operation. No leakage was detected in the remaining eight patients. The delay between operation and recanalization ranged from 8-13 days and the caecostomy used for intubation closed spontaneously within 24 days of surgery.