Experiences with the EEA stapling instrument for colorectal anastomosis.

Early experiences and results with the EEA stapling instrument for colorectal anastomosis are reported. 39 patients underwent anterior resection or left hemicolectomy with end-to-end anastomosis performed by means of the EEA stapler. Two patients had a clinically recognizable anastomotic leakage, both of which healed spontaneously. One patient died from pulmonary embolism, but at autopsy the anastomosis was intact. No significant problems in the control of anorectal function developed. On follow-up sigmoidoscopic examinations two patients showed a distinct narrowing of the anastomotic site, but both of these stenoses were spontaneously dilated by six months. It seems that an anastomosis performed with the EEA stapler is at least as reliable as a hand sutured one and apparently more so. With this instrument an anastomosis can be achieved at a lower level than would be feasible with conventional hand suture techniques. In addition, it is much more easily and rapidly performed, especially in patients with a narrow pelvis or other anatomical difficulties.