The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery
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The optimal method of restoring intestinal continuity after rectal resection has been controversial. This study aims to compare the morbidity, mortality and survival of patients having either single-stapled (SS) or double-stapled (DS) colorectal anastomoses following resection of the rectum for cancer. ⋯ These results suggest that the double-stapling technique is as safe as the single-stapling technique for constructing an anastomosis after excision of the rectum for cancer, in terms of the risk of leakage, the development of an anastomotic stricture, or local recurrence.