Microvascular reconstruction of a devascularized ileal segment during ileo-anal anastomosis

Endorectal ileo-anal anastomosis has become a mainstay of continent bowel reconstruction after total colectomy. However, the procedure is often aborted because of lack of vessel length for the formation of the ileal pouch. The use of microsurgical techniques to lengthen mesenteric vessels and to allow completion of this valuable procedure is reported.