[Personal experience with the single-layer extramucosal anastomosis suture in resection of the left colon].

A series of 50 patients who underwent resection and anastomosis of the left colon have been analysed to determine the risk of anastomotic leakage. In all the patients one layer interrupted extramucosal suture of the bowel-wall was performed. Postoperatively healing of the anastomosis was evaluated by the clinical examination and monitoring of the discharge through the abdominal drain. A partial leak occurred in one patient only. The fistula healed spontaneously. Anastomotic leaks mostly occur as a result of infection and abscess formation within the bowel wall. This can to a large extent be prevented with the use of sutures that do no penetrate the mucosa. The results obtained in the study group are compared with literature reports and with a similar series of patients treated by the author in whom anastomosis of the colon was performed with one or two layer sutures involving the entire thickness of the bowel wall.