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Single-layer continuous colon and rectal anastomosis using monofilament absorbable suture (Maxon®)

Study of 500 cases

  • Original Contributions
  • Published:
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

PURPOSE: The study purpose was to evaluate the results of continuous, single-layer colon and rectal anastomoses using a monofilament absorbable suture material (Maxon®). METHODS: Four hundred ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing five hundred colon and rectal anastomoses with the above technique were evaluated for outcome, including anastomotic leakage, stricture, and other complications, by means of chart review. RESULTS: Three patients (0.6 percent) died after surgery and 7 (1.4 percent) developed clinical evidence of anastomotic leakage. Twenty-four percent developed some postoperative complications, most of which were minor. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous, single-layer colorectal anastomosis using monofilament absorbable suture can be performed safely, quickly, and with a favorable cost ratio. Handsewn anastomoses should still be part of the armamentarium of the well-trained surgeon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    W. L. Law M.D.

  2. the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas

    H. Randolph Bailey M.D., Ernest Max M.D., Donald R. Butts M.D., Kenneth W. Smith M.D., David A. Thompson M.D. & Gary B. Skakun M.D.

  3. the Department of Surgery, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

    Ernie Graves M.D.

Authors
  1. W. L. Law M.D.
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  2. H. Randolph Bailey M.D.
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  3. Ernest Max M.D.
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  4. Donald R. Butts M.D.
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  5. Kenneth W. Smith M.D.
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  6. David A. Thompson M.D.
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  7. Gary B. Skakun M.D.
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  8. Ernie Graves M.D.
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Law, W.L., Randolph Bailey, H., Max, E. et al. Single-layer continuous colon and rectal anastomosis using monofilament absorbable suture (Maxon®). Dis Colon Rectum 42, 736–740 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02236928

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02236928

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