bowel anastomosis
Surgical connection between two segments of intestine following resection or bypass.
Full Definition
Bowel anastomosis is the surgical creation of a connection between two segments of intestine, typically performed after resection of diseased bowel or to bypass an obstruction. The procedure can be performed using hand-sewn or stapled techniques, and may be configured as end-to-end, side-to-side, or end-to-side depending on the clinical situation. Anastomotic integrity is critical, as leak rates significantly impact patient morbidity and mortality. In acute care surgery, the decision to perform primary anastomosis versus diversion depends on patient stability, bowel viability, and contamination level. Technical factors and patient comorbidities influence the risk of anastomotic complications.
Usage
Usage note: Specify technique (hand-sewn vs stapled) and configuration when documenting.
In Context
- "A tension-free bowel anastomosis was performed using a circular stapling device." — Operative technique description
- "The bowel anastomosis was tested intraoperatively and showed no evidence of leak." — Operative report