Staple suturing of the colon above the peritoneal reflection

We review the few reports in the literature involving the results of stapled colonic anastomoses. Our personal experience with 88 consecutive stapled colonic anastomoses performed above the peritoneal reflection is analyzed. There were no mortalities and no evidence of anastomotic leaks in our series. With proper attention to the usual tenets of good colonic surgery and knowledge of the limitations of the stapling instruments, stapling colonic anastomoses is a safe technique.