Side-to-end anastomosis in low anterior resection with the EEA stapler

A technical variant of the end-to-end colorectal anastomosis performed with the EEA stapler is described. It realizes a side-to-end anastomosis, performed via the oral-aboral route. In this manner, indications for stapled anastomoses can be extended to patients with discrepancy in bowel size, and where operative findings involve low anterior resection, with the patient not in the lithotomy--Trendelenburg position. The technique has been used with safety in 17 patients with colorectal and ileorectal anastomoses.