Colorectal anastomosis by transanal end-to-end stapling

In 26 patients end-to-end colorectal anastomosis was attempted using a transanal stapling instrument. The anastomosis was successful in 19 patients. Permanent colostomy would have been the only alternative treatment in 12 patients. In five patients, other sphincter-saving methods of anastomosis would have been technically feasible but more difficult and hazardous. In the remaining two patients standard sutures or side-to-side stapling could have been used equally easily. The technique of anastomosis, the complications and the functional results are reviewed. The authors conclude that transanal end-to-end stapled anastomosis is an important technical advance in colorectal surgery.