Small Animal

Question 1

What must be respected when undertaking large intestinal resection and anastomosis compared to the small intestine?

Answer 1

Delayed healing of large intestine

Question 2

What happens if you remove the majority of the colon?

Answer 2

Loss of reservoir and absorptive capacities

Increased faecal frequency and watery faeces

Question 3

What happens when you preserve the ileocaecolic junction?

Answer 3

Preserves ileal function

Prevents retrograde flow of colonic bacteria into the small intestine

Decreased risk of bacterial overgrowth

Question 4

What are rectal resections of more than 6cm associated with?

Answer 4

Faecal incontinence

Question 5

Describe suturing in large intestinal anastomosis

Answer 5

Single layer simple interrupted appositional sutures:

• Optimise wound healing
• Faster gain in tensile strength
• Minimise decrease in lumen diameter
• Decreased incidence of complications

Question 6

Describe use of staples in large intestinal anastomosis

Answer 6

Rapid and reliable

Inserted via an incision in the caecum or via the anus

Inverted anastomosis

Post-op bleeding

Higher anastomotic bursting pressures compared to sutures

Question 7

What are some complications of colorectal surgery?

Answer 7

Dehiscence and septic peritonitis

Wound infection

Abscess

Faecal incontinence

Stricture and tenesmus

Rectal prolapse

Haematochezia