Results of 1,000 single-layer continuous polypropylene intestinal anastomoses

Between 1979 and 1988, we created intestinal anastomoses in 1,000 patients using a single-layer, continuous suturing technique and a polypropylene suture. The technique is easily learned, flexible in its application, and incurs less cost than most other techniques. The anastomoses involved all levels of the colon and the upper (intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal) rectum. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The clinically suspected anastomotic leak rate was 1%. Other morbidity included wound complications (2%), obstruction of the small intestine (2%), anastomotic stricture (1%), and death (1%). No death was due to anastomotic complications. These rates of complications are comparable with, and in many instances lower than, those reported with other techniques of intestinal anastomosis.