Single-layer large-bowel anastomosis: a report of 250 cases

Single-layer mucosa-excluding intestinal anastomoses involving the large bowel were evaluated in 249 patients (250 procedures). All patients operated on electively had mechanical bowel preparation but not all received antibiotics. Forty-nine anastomoses were performed as part of emergency procedures in which antibiotics were given intravenously. Three leaks were noted in two patients, a rate of 1.2%. There were no deaths attributable to anastomotic dehiscence. These results compare favourably with both hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses described in the literature.