Intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis following laparoscopic left colon resection.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an intracorporeal double-stapled colorectal anastomosis upon the outcome of laparoscopic left colon resection.

METHODS

Fifty-four selected patients underwent elective laparoscopic left colon resection for benign disease. Once resection was completed, a 33-mm suprapubic port allowed insertion of the anvil of a circular stapler into the colon, which was closed by a handsewn purse-string suture using the T-needle technique. The circular stapler was passed transanally to perform a double-stapled anastomosis. Specimens were delivered in a plastic bag via the suprapubic port.

RESULTS

There were no deaths. Minor intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 3.7% and 9.2% of the patients, respectively. Median operating time was 125 min (range 80-210 min). Complete proximal and distal doughnuts were obtained in all patients and anastomoses were all methylene blue tight. Median hospital stay was 4 (range 3-7) days.

CONCLUSIONS

Fashioning double-stapled colorectal anastomoses intracorporeally is feasable and safe.