The extramucosal interrupted end-to-end intestinal anastomosis in infants and children; a single surgeon 21 year experience

Background/PurposeTo report outcomes of a standardised technique for intestinal anastomosis in infants and children.MethodsData were prospectively collected on all paediatric intestinal anastomosis by a single surgeon over a 21 year period. Anastomoses were constructed using an end-to-end extramucosal technique with interrupted polypropylene sutures. Demographic and clinical data were recorded.ResultsSix-hundred and thirteen anastomoses were constructed in 550 patients. Median age at time of anastomosis was 6 months (range 1 day–226 months). The most common reason for anastomosis was stoma closure (n = 271, 49%). For those patients that required multiple anastomoses the most common pathology was acute NEC (n = 22/41, 54%). One-hundred and one (18.4%) patients passed stool within 24 hours of surgery, 175 (31.8%) between 24–48 hours and 95 (17.3%) between 48–72 hours. Anastomotic complications occurred in 7 patients (1.3%) including anastomotic leakage (n = 5, 0.9%) and anastomotic stricture (n = 2, 0.4%). The majority of anastomotic leakages (80%) followed resection of acute NEC.ConclusionsThe interrupted extramucosal anastomosis is safe and effective. The return of bowel function is rapid and the complication rate acceptable. We recommend this technique be used for all intestinal anastomoses in children and infants.