Over-utilisation of radiography in the assessment of stapled colonic anastomoses.

We have reviewed the radiological studies in 31 patients who underwent stapled colorectal anastomoses using the EEA staple gun. In 10 patients there was clinical evidence to suggest anastomotic dehiscence. Nine of these patients had a disrupted staple ring on plain abdominal radiograph. In these days of audit and financial constraint, we suggest that radiological investigation should be reversed for those patients with questionable clinical evidence of an anastomotic leak.