Pedicled Ileal Seromuscular Flap-A New Technique for Protection of Intestinal Anastomosis in Patients with Peritonitis

ABSTRACT

Pedicled ileal seromuscular flap- a new technique for protection of intestinal anastomosis in patients with peritonitis. This method involves raising a seromuscular flap on a pedicle from the stump of intestine to be anastomosed. The anastomosis is performed, and then covered with seromuscular flap. The submucosa due to its inherent properties, promotes better healing and reduces the tension on the anastomosis. There has been no previous study to assess the usefulness of this technique. We used a pedicled ileal seromuscular flap in twenty consecutive patients with peritonitis who required an ileo-ileal or an ileo-colic anastomosis. Anastomotic leak occurred in two out of twenty patients. The safety and efficacy of this technique involving autologous tissues to reinforce intestinal anastomosis has been demonstrated.