INITIAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE EEA STAPLER

In the initial clinical experience using the EEA stapler in twenty patients there were no instances of anastomotic leakage in five patients undergoing sigmoid colectomy and partial upper rectal excision or high anterior resection of the rectum. There were five Instances of confirmed anastomotic leakage (radiological or autopsy) of fifteen patients undergoing low anterior resection of the rectum. Benign anastomotic stenosis developed In three patients. The technique of anastomosis after low anterior resection remains a challenge and there is no justification lor less stringent training in hand sewn anastomoses because of the introduction of the EEA stapler.