[Anterior resection of the rectum by double stapling. Retrospective study of 100 consecutively operated patients]

The double stapling technique for anterior resection of the rectum since its first description in 1980 has greatly facilitated the anastomosis of the low rectum. Few people use it also for high anastomosis of the rectum, the majority preferring hand-suture. We used this technique for 100 consecutive anterior resections of the rectum performed between August 1990 and November 1992. 51 patients had diverticulitis, 46 had carcinoma of the rectosigmoid colon, 2 had complications after pelvic irradiation and one had Crohn's disease. Surgical complications occurred in 22 patients. They include 8 patients with anastomotic leak (4 severe and 4 minor), all operated for carcinoma. Mortality was 3%. Our experience shows that this technique can be safely performed in a teaching hospital with many surgeons. It was a safe technique for high anastomosis. Surgical complication rate was higher in patients with recurrence of carcinoma and in patients previously irradiated.