Text: The union or intercommunication of branched systems in either two or three dimensions. Definition An anastomosis is an artificially created connection between two structures, organs or spaces. It most commonly refers to a connection which is created surgically between two tubular structures, such as a transected blood vessel or loop of intestine. For example, when a segment of intestine is resected, the two remaining ends are sewn or stapled together (anastomosed), and the procedure is referred to as an intestinal anastomosis. anastomose (anas·to·mose) ([schwa]-nas¢t[schwa]-m[omacr]s) 1. to connect with one another by anastomosis, as arteries and veins. 2. to create a connection between two formerly separate structures. ANASTOMO'SIS, n. The inosculation of vessels, or the opening of one vessel into another, as an artery into a vein; a relaxation or dilation of the mouths of vessels; also the communication of two vessels, as a vein with a vein. Webster 1828 Main Entry: anas·to·mo·sis Pronunciation: &-"nas-t&-'mO-s&s Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural anas·to·mo·ses /-"sEz/ Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek anastomosis, from anastomoun to provide with an outlet, from ana- + stoma mouth, opening -- more at STOMACH Date: 1541 1 : the union of parts or branches (as of streams, blood vessels, or leaf veins) so as to intercommunicate : INOSCULATION 2 : a product of anastomosis : NETWORK - anas·to·mot·ic /-'mä-tik/ adjective [Merriam-Webster, 10th]

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