[Outcome of sphincter-preserving stapled colorectal anastomoses]

Anterior colorectal end-to-end anastomosis by stapler was achieved in 61 patients between 1979 and 1981. The clinical occurrence of anastomotic leakage was 8,2%. The main advantage of the stapler is in anastomosis low in the pelvis where it allows easier access to the extraperitoneal part of the rectum. In patients with colorectal carcinoma in the middle part of the rectum the number of abdomino-perineal excisions decreased from 10,2% in 1979/80 to 3% in 1981. Recurrence of carcinoma took place in three cases after radical resection of rectosigmoidal tumor. Therefore repeated follow-up examinations with endoscopy in these cases are imperative.