Ristühendus

Ristühendus is the Estonian term for anastomosis, a surgical connection between two structures that allows continuity of a lumen or conduit. It is used to restore flow after removal of diseased tissue, injury, or congenital abnormalities and is a fundamental technique across many surgical specialties, including vascular, gastrointestinal, biliary, and urological surgery.

The word reflects the idea of a cross-connection between two separate structures. In Estonian medical usage, ristühendus covers a range of procedures, such as vascular anastomosis (connecting blood vessels), intestinal anastomosis (rejoining sections of intestine), biliary and ureteral anastomosis, and neuroanastomosis in nerve repair.

Techniques vary and include sutured anastomosis, which uses interrupted or running stitches, and stapled anastomosis, which employs surgical staples. In microsurgery, anastomoses of very small vessels or nerves are performed under magnification. The overarching goals are a tension-free, precisely aligned connection with adequate blood supply, and sometimes the use of adjuncts such as tissue adhesives or vascular patches in selected cases.

Complications can include anastomotic leakage, stenosis or stricture, thrombosis, infection, fistula formation, and impaired healing. Risk factors include poor tissue quality, excessive tension, inadequate blood flow, and infection. Proper technique, meticulous tissue handling, and appropriate postoperative care are essential to reduce risks and improve outcomes.

Historically, the concept has developed from traditional surgical suturing toward advanced methods in stapling and microsurgery, with ongoing emphasis on precision, preservation of tissue viability, and, when feasible, minimally invasive approaches.