Anastomosis with EEA stapler after anterior colonic resection.

The end-to-end anastomosis by stapling for left colonic and rectal resections is proving to be a relatively safe and fast procedure. Results of a survey of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons reveals 15.1 per cent intraoperative complications, 3.7 per cent early postoperative complications, 0.5 per cent deaths, and 13.8 per cent late complications. The majority of late complications, stenosis and incontinence, were either subclinical or transient for most patients. Technique and prevention of complications are stressed.