Surgical Anastomosis Types: End-to-End, End-to-Side and When to Use Each (UPSC CMS)

Types of Anastomosis#

End-to-end: Both ends joined directly. Used when bowel diameter is equal (ileum-ileum, colo-colic).

End-to-side: End of one to side of another. Used in biliary-enteric, gastrojejunostomy.

Side-to-side: Both sides joined. Used in enteroenterostomy, jejunojejunostomy.

Stapling vs Hand-Sewn#

Stapling: Faster, more consistent, less tissue handling. Hand-sewn: More versatile, cheaper. Staplers preferred for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Complications#

Stricture, leak (most dangerous — peritonitis, abscess, fistula), bleeding, wound infection.