Comparative evaluation of manual and instrumental rectum resections.

The authors compared the perioperative results of 125 + 125 Dixon operations performed at two time intervals (1956-1979 and 1985-1990), the postoperative recurrences and the survival data. It is established that, from the anastomosis point of view, the instrumental resections--beside their rapidity and favourable sterility--are safer interventions associated with less complications. With respect to local recurrences the two methods do not differ significantly. A further advantage of the double stapling is that a larger number of patients can undergo a sphincter-saving resection, and a lower lying anastomosis can be performed than with hand-sewn sutures.