Complications of anterior resection of the rectum using the EEA stapling device

Fifty patients had anterior resection of the rectum performed with end-to-end anastomosis using the EEA stapling device. The instrument certainly facilitated low anastomoses, but anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 3 cases, stenosis in 2, wound sepsis in 10, some degree os incontinence (usually only temporary) in 7 and anal fissure in 4 cases.