Intraoperative antegrade lavage and anastomotic healing in acute colonic obstruction

The management of acute distal colonic obstruction remains controversial. The advent of intraoperative colonic irrigation has allowed primary anastomosis to be performed in obstructed bowel. Fifteen patients, with acute distal obstruction due to carcinoma, diverticulitis or sigmoid volvulus were managed by primary resection and anastomosis. There were two leaks (14 percent) and the duration of operation was prolonged. In an experimental study of...