Ileocolonic anastomosis after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: functional end-to-end or end-to-side?

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare short-term clinical outcomes of ileocolonic functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) and end-to-side anastomosis (ESA) following resection of the right colon for cancer. METHODS We enrolled 379 patients who underwent ileocolonic anastomosis following resection of the right colon for cancer by a single surgeon, from January 2009 through June 2012. Patient characteristics, operative results, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 164 patients received ESA and 215 patients received FEEA. The FEEA group had a lower incidence of anastomotic error (0.9% versus 4.3%; P = 0.04) and a shorter operating time (140.4 ± 14.9 min versus 150.5 ± 20.1 min; P = 0.001). The length of hospital stay (10.9 ± 3.5 days versus 11.3 ± 4.0 days; P = 0.36) and anastomotic leakage (1.8% versus 0.5%; P = 0.20) were similar in both groups. No relevant differences between FEEA and ESA were observed for blood loss, retrieved lymph nodes, first flatus and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION An FEEA after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer is a safe and reliable anastomotic technique, resulting in a favorable outcome in selected patients with the right colon cancer.