Single layer colonic anastomosis with a continuous absorbable monofilament polyglyconate suture.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with a single layer continuous absorbable monofilament polyglyconate suture technique in colonic anastomosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, Denmark.

SUBJECTS

105 consecutive patients operated on electively during the period January 1987-June 1990.

INTERVENTIONS

Single layer continuous monofilament polyglyconate end-to-end anastomosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical signs of anastomotic leak and stricture, wound infections, and duration of hospital stay postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of the 105 patients in the study, 1 developed an anastomotic leak (1%, 95% confidence interval 0 to 5.2%). Median duration of hospital stay was 8 days (range 4-72) and wound infections were recorded in 7 patients (7%, 95% confidence interval 2.7 to 13.2%). None of the patients had symptoms of anastomotic stricture at follow-up (median 19 months, range 2-48).

CONCLUSION

Single layered continuous colonic anastomosis with an absorbable monofilament suture is a safe technique, easily learned even by relatively inexperienced surgeons and less expensive than other methods.