One-stage left colon and rectal resection in emergency surgery

Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate one-stage left colectomy and rectal resection for patients admitted for emergency left colon obstruction or perforation. Patients and methods This prospective study included 20 consecutive patients with obstructed and/or perforated left-sided colon and rectum, who were admitted to the Department of General Surgery, Minia University Hospital during the period between February 2012 and September 2013. The resection and reanastomosis were performed as one stage without covering the stoma. Results Anastomotic leakage had occurred in one patient with rectal resection (5%) and mortality occurred in one patient (5%) due to postoperative pulmonary embolism. Morbidity was found in three patients (20%) with wound infection and in one patient with ileus (5%). Conclusion It is safe to perform this procedure. Low morbidity and mortality rate of resection without covering the stoma can be justified by further prospective studies on larger number of patients aiming to compare it with those operated upon by resection with covering the stoma.