[Colonic anastomoses. Mechanical and morphological findings].

In healthy mongrel dogs 45 colonic anastomoses were performed in one--and two layered inverting and single layered end-on technique. They were compared 4, 8, and 18 days after surgery macroscopically, histologically and by tension testing. All criteria showed the single layered end-on technique to be superior. The principle of Lembert, aiming for contact of large areas of serosa, should be replaced by a technique resulting in exact reconstruction of intestinal wall without mucosal damage.