Single-layer continuous anastomosis in gastrointestinal surgery: A prospective audit

Background: Single-layer intestinal anastomoses have been constructed conventionally using an interrupted suture technique. It is, however, increasingly popular to perform such anastomosis using a continuous suture. Methods: One hundred and eighty consecutive patients with 254 continuous single-layer anastomoses performed over a 4 year period were included in the study. Sixty-one patients, underwent oesophagectomy, oesophageal bypass or gastrectomy, 32 underwent biliary bypass, hepatic, biliary or pancreatic resection and SE; had colorectal operations, The median age was 67 pears. Results: There were 254 anastomoses of which four leaked (1.6%). Fifteen patients (8.3%) died in hospital. Conclusion: These results show that the single-layer continuous suture technique is safe in gastrointestinal anastomoses.