Single layer anastomosis after rectosigmoid resection.

Anastomosis after resection of the rectosigmoid colon is often followed by leakage at the suture line. When occult leakage discovered on routine contrast study is included incidence rates of over 50 per cent have recently been reported. A single layer interrupted seromuscular inverting technique was used for the anastomosis after elective rectosigmoid resection in 52 consecutive patients. The total incidence of suture line leakage was 6 per cent. Therefore a high incidence of anastomotic dehiscence in the rectum can be avoided and it is concluded that a single layer technique is sound.