[Intra-operative irrigation during colonic resection and anastomosis in colonic obstruction]

The faecal loading associated with colonic obstruction is a fundamental deterrent to constructing a primary distal colonic anastomosis. The authors describe their preliminary experience of intraoperative colonic irrigation in the management of left sided large bowel emergencies. Five patients were operated using this technique (4 cancer obstruction and one sigma volvulus). They show good results performing primary anastomosis after emergency distal resection combined with complete colonic cleansing.