magnetic ring anastomosis


magnetic ring anastomosis

A surgical instrument that holds two segments of resected bowel together with progressively increasing magnetic force. It is used to help restore bowel continuity in patients who have had colonic resection. It consists of two cobalt magnetic circles embedded in polyester and applied to the bowel so that the submucosal layers of the resected bowel segments are brought into tight apposition. After 7 to 12 days of intestinal healing, the submucosal and intermediate layers of bowel necrose, and the intestines expel the magnets by peristalsis.

Patient care

The patient is observed for evidence of dehiscence. Stools are examined for unusual amounts of bleeding and for the passage of the magnetic ring.

See also: anastomosis