Intraoperative antegrade lavage and anastomotic healing in acute colonic obstruction

The management of acute distal colonic obstruction remains controversial. The advent of intraoperative colonic irrigation has allowed primary anastomosis to be performed in obstructed bowel. Fifteen patients, with acute distal obstruction due to carcinoma, diverticulitis or sigmoid volvulus were managed by primary resection and anastomosis. There were two leaks (14 percent) and the duration of operation was prolonged. In an experimental study of anastomotic healing after acute obstruction, intraoperative irrigation improved early anastomotic colonic collagen content (P less than 0.02) and perianastomotic proximal and distal collagen content (P less than 0.002, P less than 0.05). Intraoperative lavage is a useful technique to permit safer primary resection and anastomosis in obstructed colon.