[Suture insufficiency of enteroanastomoses: overview paper]

Anastomotic dehiscence has become rarer, but as it still occurs in every patient group, it is vital that it be considered. Factors for anastomotic healing are discussed. The submucosa is the most important layer for a patent anastomosis. Single-layer anastomosis using only the submucosa gives excellent results. If precautionary drainage is desired, there should be no direct contact between anastomosis and drain. For treatment of severe peritonitis serial peritoneal lavage has recently been used at the Wuerzburg University Hospital.