Double stapling technique for low colorectal anastomoses after anterior resection for rectal cancer

A group of 26 patients submitted to anterior colorectal resections for carcinoma is reported: all of the anastomoses were performed using the so-called "Double Stapling Technique" (DST), first introduced by Knight and Griffen in 1980. The technical results are discussed, in the light of recent reports. "DST" offers clear advantages, over both traditional hand-stitched and end-to-end stapled anastomosis. This procedure is considered cost-effective and time-saving and offers lower intra-operative risks. It permits optimal sterility of the operative field and lower risk of neoplastic spreading. Furthermore it eliminates some technical problems such as the preparation of the distal purse-string suture and the inequality between the two intestinal stumps to be anastomosed.