[The problem of anastomosis of the large intestine]

Healing problems following surgery of the colo-rectal junction seem to be due primarily to the blood supply of the anastomosis. Radical resections of the draining lymph system (metastatic road) including the dissection of the inferior mesenteric artery in patients with distal colonic cancer may reduce the blood flow to the oral stump of the anastomosis dramatically. In a retrospective analysis, this kind of resection technique will have a much higher incidence in anastomotic stenosis compared to controls without ligation of the artery. By using the electrical knife versus scalpel or scissors a significant higher damage of the colonic wall in animals and increased healing problems of anastomoses can be expected clinically.