Intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis following laparoscopic left colon resection

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an intracorporeal double-stapled colorectal anastomosis upon the outcome of laparoscopic left colon resection. Methods: Fifty-four selected patients underwent elective laparoscopic left colon resection for benign disease. Once resection was completed, a 33-mm suprapubic port allowed insertion of the anvil of a circular stapler into the colon, which was closed by a handsewn purse-string suture using the T-needle technique. The circular stapler was passed transanally to perform a double-stapled anastomosis. Specimens were delivered in a plastic bag via the suprapubic port. Results: There were no deaths. Minor intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 3.7% and 9.2% of the patients, respectively. Median operating time was 125 min (range 80–210 min). Complete proximal and distal doughnuts were obtained in all patients and anastomoses were all methylene blue tight. Median hospital stay was 4 (range 3–7) days. Conclusions: Fashioning double-stapled colorectal anastomoses intracorporeally is feasable and safe. Received: 26 March 1996/Accepted: 9 September 1996