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Anastomosis
An anastomosis is a surgical connection between two structures. It usually means a connection that is created between tubular structures, such as blood vessels or loops of intestine.
For example, when part of an intestine is surgically removed, the two remaining ends may be sewn or stapled together (anastomosed). The procedure is known as an intestinal anastomosis.
Information
Examples of surgical anastomoses are:
Arteriovenous fistula (an opening created between an artery and vein) for dialysis
Intestinal anastomosis, in which two ends of intestine are sewn together
A connection between a graft and a blood vessel to create a bypass
Horesh N, Emile S, Wexner SD. Colon and rectum. In: Tyler DS, Hayes-Dixon A, Hines OJ, et al, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 95.
Review Date 4/11/2026
Updated by: Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, Professor Emeritus, Department of Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
