Colonic anastomotic disruption in the immediate postoperative period.

BACKGROUND

Muscle relaxation is administered to patients undergoing laparotomy for colonic surgery. At the end of the procedure, relaxation needs to be reversed to facilitate extubation. This may be achieved by administering anticholinesterases such as neostigmine.

PATIENT PRESENTATION: We present a case of colonic anastomotic dehiscence in the immediate postoperative period following the use of neostigmine to reverse intra-operative muscle relaxation.

CONCLUSION

Neostigmine is frequently used to reverse muscle relaxation at the end of colonic surgery. However, the drug should be used with caution as it has been implicated as a cause of early anastomotic disruption.