Anterior resection: right colon mobilization for colo-rectal anastomosis.

A variety of problems may compromise the safety of colo-rectal anastomosis when there is insufficient length of left colon available to provide well-vascularized bowel without tension. This may occur when there has been previous surgery or when the marginal artery is inadequate or when, following mobilization of the splenic flexure, there is insufficient length of bowel. This article is a description of a technique used to overcome such difficulties.