In this study, the effect of neostigmine on the healing of colonic anastomoses has been investigated following onestage resection and anastomosis for complete leftsided colomic obstruction.It was found that neostingmine promoted colonic anastomotic healing either experimentally or clinically. Further, the authors discuss the pathogenesis of anastomotic leakage but suggest that neostigmine should be used in the first 5 hours after operation.