Extramucosal single layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis - a better alternative

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the technique of extra mucosal interrupted single layer intestinal anastomosis in different diseases where anastomosis is needed in different parts of gastrointestinal tract both in elective and emergency situations. Design: Prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Surgical Unit 1 Jinnah Hospital Lahore, over a period of 2`/2 years from December 2000 to June 2003. Material and Methods: In this study 123 anastomosis were performed in 100 patients. All these patients were operated upon by the senior surgeons in the emergency/elective operating rooms. Single layer interrupted extramucosal anastomosis with vicryl 2/0 or 3/0 was done in all cases. Results: Overall anastomotic leak was just 0.81%. Wound infection was observed in 6%, without any increase in morbidity and zero percent mortality. Conclusion: Extramucosal single layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis is the safest technique both for the small and large bowel, with minimal possible complications.