The EEA stapler in low colorectal anastomoses: initial experience

The initial experience of several colonic and rectal surgeons with the EEA stapling device for low colorectal anastomoses is reviewed. It was found that the EEA gives a better anastomosis than is possible by hand and that a surgeon familiar with doing a low anterior resection can perform it on patients for whom it is not possible by hand. However, the results with the EEA are not perfect or guaranteed. The many complications associated with its use are reviewed, and ways to avoid them are discussed.