• Anastomotic healing requires good blood flow, but the colonic vascular supply can be compromised by resection.
• Collagen matrix in the submucosa is essential for structure and healing.
• Intestinal microbiota probably influence leaks, but more research is required for us to understand this process.
• The order in which resection and anastomosis is performed and its anatomical arrangement matter less than the need to ensure a good blood supply and the formation of a tension free anastomosis.
• The decision between creating a hand sewn or stapled anastomosis should be individualised to each patient.
• There are specific scenarios where stapled anastomosis is likely to be inappropriate.

In order to ‘complete’ this module and receive CPD certification, please ensure that all the boxes on ‘Module progress’ menu in the upper right corner of this page have been ticked, and click the ‘Complete Module’ blue button at the bottom right of this page.

The video below summarises a key learning point from this module, with a discussion about choice of handsewn versus stapled anastomoses: