International journal of colorectal disease
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Feb 1990
A retrospective study of colostomies, leaks and strictures after colorectal anastomosis.
A review was undertaken of 360 patients undergoing elective left-sided colonic or rectal resections with primary anastomosis, under the care of one surgeon, over a nineteen year period. The incidence, aetiology and management of anastomotic leaks and strictures was studied and the role of proximal diverting colostomy considered. Perioperative mortality was 2.7%. ⋯ It was not possible to determine whether the presence of a colostomy affected the incidence of leaks but the local effects of such leaks were mitigated in patients with colostomies. Where a minor leak had occurred it was not necessary to wait for complete anastomotic healing before closing the colostomy. After major leaks, colostomy closure before complete healing was associated with further anastomotic problems in 16.0% of cases.