Background:Resection and anastomosis of bowel is an integral part of general surgery.It may be done with the help of stapling devices, by using single layer suturing technique or double layer technique of anastomosis. Hand sewn intestinal anastomosis is the most commonly used technique worldwide because of the availability and affordability of suture materials and familiarity with the procedure. This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety, operative time and cost effectivenessof single layer interrupted extramucosal intestinal anastomosis in comparison with continuous double layer conventional methods of intestinal anastomosis.

methods: In this comparative study, 83 patients who had an indication for intestinal anastomosis (urgent or elective) were selected. Each technique was used alternatively in the patients requiring resection and anastomosis. So out of 83 patients, in 41 single layer interrupted extramucosal anastomosis was done and in another 42 patients double layer continuous anastomosis was done. Post operative complication was evaluated for anastomotic leak.

Results:In the present study, mean amount of 2–0 polyglactin used in single layer anastomosis was 1.21 and the silk 2–0 roundbody was not used in single layer. In double layer continuous anastomosis, a mean number of 1.90 polyglactin 2–0 round body and 1.0 silk 2–0 round body was used for inner mucosal and outer serosal layer respectively.The mean duration of operative time in single layer interrupted extramucosal anastomosis, double layer continuous amastomosis were 18.66 minutes and 26.93 minutes respectively. P value was < 0.001 which was statistically very significant.

Conclusion:Results of our study demonstrate that single layer interrupted extra mucosal technique is as safe as conventional double layer technique.