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Management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding after colorectal resection and stapled anastomosis

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Abstract

Background

Although limited haematochezia with the first bowel movement is frequent in patients undergoing colorectal resection, postoperative life-threatening lower gastrointestinal bleeding is very rare. The purpose of this study was to review our results in the management of this complication.

Methods

We analysed the cases of patients with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding after colorectal surgery from 2000 to 2006 in our hospital. We studied the general characteristics, diagnostic data, therapeutic management and outcome. We also reviewed the published articles regarding this issue.

Results

This complication appeared in 7 (0.5%) of 1,389 colorectal procedures in the study period. In all the patients the anastomosis was stapled. In six of the seven patients bleeding resolved with conservative treatment including endoscopy. However, one patient required surgical treatment. There was no mortality and there were no anastomotic leaks in these seven patients.

Conclusion

Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding after colorectal resection and stapled anastomosis is a rare complication. Only in unstable patients or failure of conservative measures is surgery indicated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain

    Maria-Angeles Martínez-Serrano, David Parés, Miguel Pera, Marta Pascual, Ricard Courtier, Maria Jose Gil Egea & Luis Grande

Authors
  1. Maria-Angeles Martínez-Serrano
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  2. David Parés
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  3. Miguel Pera
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  4. Marta Pascual
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  5. Ricard Courtier
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  6. Maria Jose Gil Egea
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  7. Luis Grande
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Parés.

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Martínez-Serrano, MA., Parés, D., Pera, M. et al. Management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding after colorectal resection and stapled anastomosis. Tech Coloproctol 13, 49–53 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-009-0458-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-009-0458-6

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