[One- or two-stage colon resection? (author's transl)]

Colon resection with immediate ileo-colonic or colo-colonic anastomosis without temporary praeternatural anus was carried out in 42 patients with serious complications of malignant and benign diseases of the colon. In 33% a leakage of the anastomosis occurred with a lethality of 16.6%. With regard to this high rate of complications and high lethality the authors hold that the so-called "ideal" colectomy has to be discarded with exception of very seldom cases and the two-stage operation has to be preferred absolutely.