Transrectal stapling for colonic resection and anastomosis (10 cases).

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the feasibility of using the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapling device transrectally for managing distal colonic disease in clinical veterinary cases. Ten animals met the criteria of having distal colonic or rectal resection and anastomosis with the EEA stapling device. The only complications seen after discharge from the hospital were colonic stricture at the anastomosis site in two animals and transient colitis in two animals. The stapled anastomosis has good success when properly applied, and the incidences of stricture formation, leakage, and other potential complications can be kept to a minimum.