ANASTOMOTIC STRICTURE WITH THE EEA-STAPLER AFTER COLORECTAL ANASTOMOSIS

Objective: analysis of colorectal anastomosis stricture incidence afte r anterior resection of the rectum performed with the EEA-Stapler. To find out if differences existed in stricture incidence considering fac tors such, as age, neoplasia, postoperative radiotherapy, tumor stage and anastomic level. Design: longitudinal descriptive study. Patients and method: 67 patients who under went rectal anterior resection using the EEA-Stapler were evaluated, Data from sex, age, indication for op eration, postoperative radiotherapy, tumor staging and anastomic level were recorded and compared with presence of stricture anastomosis. St enosis was evaluated and graded as follows: grade O, no stenosis; grad e I, no symptoms, X-Ray or endoscopic finding; grade II, symptoms, the patients require ballon catheter dilation; and grade III: invalidant symptoms, the patients require surgery. Results: twelve patients (20%) were recorded as grade II and 3 patients (5%) as grade III, There wer e no statistically significant differences between prevalence of stric ture and sex, age, neoplasic or non-neoplasic conditions, previous rad iotherapy, level of anastomosis, and tumor stage. Conclusion: stenosis after colorectal anastomosis with stapler devices must not be conside red as an uncommon complication. In 20% of patients it may be a seriou s state that may require repeated catheter balloon dilations or surger y, Such condition is not dependent on diverse factors studied.