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A series of 18 consecutive patients who underwent primary resection and immediate anastomosis as the treatment for malignant left-sided large bowel obstruction are presented. Intraoperative mechanical preparation of the colon was omitted. There was no clinical evidence of anastomotic dehiscence or wound infection. The mean duration of hospital stay was 11 days. It is suggested that colonic continuity can be restored immediately and safely without mechanical bowel preparation, providing attention is directed to constructing an anastomosis that has a good blood supply and is free from tension.
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