Abstract

A crucial element of colorectal surgery is ensuring a safe anastomosis. In order to avoid the most significant complication - anastomotic leakage - two factors are essential: adequate blood supply and a tension-free suture. After extended resections, the mobilised colon sometimes cannot be connected to the rectal stump without tension. In these cases, transmesenteric placement of the transverse colon may facilitate a tension free anastomosis. The results of transmesenteric colorectal anastomoses performed at the Surgical Department of the BAZ County Central Hospital and University Teaching Hospital are reviewed and compared with literature data. Eight patients underwent transmesenteric colorectal anastomosis. No anastomotic insufficiency was observed. Intra-operative blood loss, postoperative intestinal passage induction were similar to those expected with conventional anastomosis. Six cases were completed by laparoscopy, two by laparotomy, and two patients have been converted after laparoscopy. Extended left sided colorectal resections may result in inadequate residual bowel length, which could compromise the anastomosis. When the mobilised left colon does not reach the rectum without tension, transmesenterically placed transverse colon can be used. This surgical technique, which can also be performed laparoscopically, represents a safe alternative of achieving a tension-free anastomosis.

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