Advantages of an indwelling rectal tube in anterior resection and anastomosis for lesions involving the terminal portion of the colon

Abstract

Summary To increase the safety of a primary anastomosis of the left colon and rectum after anterior resection, a method has been employed to protect the anastomosis, utilizing a large rectal tube passed through the anal canal into the distal colon, through the suture line of the anastomosis and left in place postoperatvely for 10 days. A group of 32 patients in whom this procedure was utilized is presented. Presence of the tube did not impede healing of the anastomosis, allowed for early elimination of nasogastric intubation, provided effective colonic decompression and prevented anastomotic leaks.