Figure 1. (A) The one-layer continuous anastomosis is begun at the mesenteric border using a 3–0 double-needle suture. The stitches include all layers except the mucosa. (From Burch JM. Injury to the colon and rectum. In: Mattox KL, Feliciano DV, Moore EE, eds. Trauma. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2000, reproduced with permission.) (B) Stitches are placed 4 to 6 mm from the edge of the bowel and are advanced about 5 mm with each stitch. Both limbs of the suture are carried away from the mesenteric border; this ensures that suture placement at the mesenteric border is clearly visualized and precise. (C) The suture is tied at the antimesenteric border. Care must be taken to avoid a purse-string effect.