Single Versus Double Layer Intestinal Anastomosis: A Comparison of Features and Treatment Outcomes

Background: Intestinal anastomosis is a critical surgical procedure for restoring gastrointestinal continuity after resection. The choice between single-layer and double-layer anastomosis techniques remains a subject of debate, with implications for operative time, complication rates, and long-term outcomes. This study aimed to compare the features and treatment outcomes of single-layer versus double-layer intestinal anastomosis. Methods: This comparative study, conducted at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in 2011, included 92 patients undergoing intestinal anastomosis. Group I (45 patients) had single-layer anastomosis, while Group II (47 patients) underwent double-layer procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0, with participants selected via consecutive sampling. Results: Postoperative bowel function returned faster in the single-layer group (76.27 hours) compared to the double-layer group (85.91 hours). First oral intake began earlier in the single-layer group. Wound infection rates were 6.66% in Group I and 12.58% in Group II. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4.44% of Group I and 10.56% of Group II patients. Mortality was 0% in Group I and 2.12% in Group II. Hospital stays averaged 9.42 days for Group I and 10.8 days for Group II. Conclusion: The single-layer anastomosis method offers notable advantages over the double-layer conventional technique. Patients undergoing single-layer anastomosis experience a quicker postoperative return of bowel function and an earlier initiation of oral feeding. Additionally, this approach is associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic failure and septic complications. Consequently, single-layer anastomosis is both a safe and cost-effective option for surgical treatment.