Intestinal anastomosis by use of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring: is it safe and efficacious in emergency operations as well?

End-to-end intestinal anastomosis using a novel biodegradable stent for laparoscopic colonic surgery: a multicenter study

PURPOSE

Our animal studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of end-to-end intestinal anastomosis using a stent for laparoscopic colonic surgery. Therefore, we designed a non-inferiority trial to investigate the outcomes of stent anastomosis (SA) vs. those of conventional hand-sewn anastomosis (CA).

METHODS

A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted between December, 2016 and April, 2018. The primary outcome was the healing condition of the anastomoses, evaluated by endoscopy 6 months postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were the anastomotic completion time, anastomotic leak, intestinal obstruction, peritoneal effusion, and bleeding. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated by questionnaires.

RESULTS

The subjects of this study were 60 patients, randomly divided into a SA group (n = 30) and a CA group (n = 30). There were no differences in anastomotic healing conditions (P = 1.00). The stent procedure was associated with a significantly shorter anastomosis time than the hand-sewn anastomosis (13.517 ± 4.281 vs. 20.333 ± 2.998 min, respectively; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in anastomotic leakage, intestinal obstruction, peritoneal effusion, or bleeding between the groups. Questionnaires revealed almost no discrepancy between baseline QOL scores and those assessed 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal anastomosis with a stent is a non-inferior strategy for laparoscopic colonic surgery, which requires less time for the anastomosis.

Gastrointestinal tract anastomoses with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring: is it still a valid technique for bowel anastomosis? Analysis of 203 cases and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) is an alternative to manual and stapled anastomoses performed within the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of BAR utility for bowel anastomoses based on our own material.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed to a total of 203 patients who underwent bowel surgery with the use of BAR anastomosis within upper and lower gastrointestinal tract between 2004 and 2014. Data for the analysis was collected based on medical records, treatment protocols, and the results of histological examinations.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 86 women and 117 men. The most common underlying pathology was a malignant disease (n = 165). Biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) size 31 was the most commonly used (n = 87). A total of 169 colocolic or colorectal anastomoses and 28 ileocolic and 8 enteroenteric anastomoses were performed. The mortality rate was 0.5 % (n = 1) whereas re-surgery rate within 30 days was 8.4 % (n = 17). Twenty-eight patients developed perioperative complications with surgical site infection as the most common one (n = 11). Eight patients developed specific complications associated with BAR including an anastomotic leak (n = 6) and intestinal obstruction (n = 2). The mean time of hospital stay after surgery was 12.7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of BAR for the GI tract anastomoses is simple and rapid method and it is characterized with an acceptable number of perioperative mortality and complication rates. Based on our experience, we recommend the use of BAR anastomosis in different types of intestinal anastomosis in varying clinical scenarios.

[Colorectal anastomosis using a compression device]

BACKGROUND

The most severe complication following an intestinal anastomosis is the dehiscence with the consequent development of sepsis, fistulas, stenosis, and death. For this reason the compression anastomosis (NiTi) system was developed, with the aim of reducing these complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted, from 1 June 2012 to 30 August 2014, on total of 14 patients operated on the Humanitas Hospital Medical Group Coyoacán, the ASMED, and Clínica Médica Sur. The subjects were predominantly male 65%, a mean age of 58 years, with range 30-79 years.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients were included. The indication for surgery was complicated diverticular disease Hinchey II-III (36%), and the procedures performed were: 6 (43%) left hemicolectomy with primary end to end compression anastomosis, 2 (14%) major complications (dehiscence wall and anastomosis), 1 (7%) minor complication (infection of the soft tissues). There was a mean 98ml (range 20-300ml) of intraoperative bleeding, with start of oral feeding on the second day, a mean hospital stay of 4 days (range 2-10), one patient with ileo-rectal anastomosis dehiscence presented on the 4th post-operative day, and performing anastomosis with stapling device and loop ileostomy. Stenosis developed in 7% during follow-up and was resolved with a new anastomosis stapler.

CONCLUSIONS

The NiTi device is an additional alternative for colorectal anastomosis, mainly in low anastomosis, obtaining good results in this study without major complications.

Compression anastomotic ring-locking procedure (CARP) is a safe and effective method for intestinal anastomoses following left-sided colonic resection

BACKGROUND

Compression anastomotic ring-locking procedure (CARP) is a novel procedure for creating colonic anastomoses. The surgical procedure allows perioperative quantification of the compression pressure between the intestinal ends within the anastomosis and postoperative monitoring of the anastomotic integrity. We have recently shown that CARP is a safe and effective method for colonic anastomoses in pigs, and the purpose of the present study was to evaluate CARP for colonic anastomoses in humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study on 25 patients undergoing elective left-sided colonic resection. Time for evacuation of the anastomotic rings, perioperative compression pressure, and adverse effects were recorded. Postoperative blood samples were collected daily, and flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed 8-12 weeks after surgery to examine the anastomoses.

RESULTS

Fourteen out of 25 patients underwent CARP. CARP was not used in 11 patients due to advanced tumor disease (two cases) and size restrictions (nine cases). No case of anastomotic leakage, bowel obstruction, or stenosis formation was observed. No device-related perioperative adverse events were noted. The surgical device evacuated spontaneously in all patients by the natural route after a median of 10 days. Perioperative compression pressure ranged between 85 and 280 mBar (median 130 mBar). Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed smooth anastomoses without signs of pathological inflammation or stenosis in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the novel suture-less CARP is a safe and effective method for creating colonic anastomoses. Further studies are warranted in larger patient populations to compare CARP head-on-head with stapled and/or hand-sewn colonic anastomoses.

The compression anastomotic ring-locking procedure: a novel technique for creating a sutureless colonic anastomosis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Compression anastomoses might represent an improvement over traditional hand-sewn or stapled techniques. Herein, we describe a novel concept of sutureless colonic anastomosis named compression anastomotic ring-locking procedure (CARP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The surgical device consists of two anastomotic rings and their associated helping tools, facilitating the placement of the rings into the intestinal ends. Furthermore, four catheters are connected to the surgical device, allowing the evaluation of the anastomosis during and after surgery. A total of 31 pigs underwent a low colocolic anastomosis using the anastomotic rings. The compression pressure was measured perioperatively and up to 96 h after surgery. Anastomotic integrity and morphology were analyzed by use of radiology and histology, respectively. A long-term follow-up was conducted in a subgroup of pigs up to 108 days after surgery when the bursting pressure and stricture formation were examined.

RESULTS

All animals recovered uneventfully, and macroscopic examination revealed intact anastomoses without signs of pathological inflammation or adhesions. The perioperative compression pressure was inversely proportional to the gap size between the anastomotic rings. For example, an anastomotic gap of 1.5 mm created a colonic anastomosis with a perioperative compression pressure of 91 mbar, which remained constant for up to 48 h and resulted in a markedly increased compression pressure. Contrast infusion via the catheters effectively visualized the anastomoses, and no leakage was detected within the study. The surgical device was spontaneously evacuated from the intestines within 6 days after surgery. Histology showed collagen bridging of the anastomoses already 72 h after surgery. Long-term follow-up (54-108 days) revealed no stricture formation in the anastomoses, and the bursting pressure ranged from 120 to 235 mbar. The majority of bursts (10/12) occurred distant from the anastomoses.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the surgical device associated to CARP is safe and efficient for creating colonic anastomoses. Further studies in patients undergoing colorectal surgery are warranted.

Long-term follow-up of a novel anastomotic device in a canine model

Construction of intestinal anastomosis is a fundamental general surgery skill. New constraints in creating safe, effective anastomoses are faced, however, even as minimally invasive surgery techniques continue to gain popular and scientific support. We present our experience in developing and testing a novel anastomotic device (AD) constructed of a shape memory metal, with long-term follow-up in a canine model. This device has the potential for both laparoscopic and endoscopic delivery because of its unique design and adaptable deployment system. Eight canines had gastroduodenal and jejunojejunal anastomoses formed with the AD: the gastroduodenal anastomosis by transecting the stomach immediately distal to the pylorus and forming a side-to-side functional end-to-end anastomosis and the jejunojejunal anastomosis similarly following transection in the mid-jejunum. Four animals were survived for 6 months, and 4 for 12 months. At the study's end, the animals were euthanized and the anastomotic sites harvested for both gross and microscopic pathology. Two animals developed postoperative complications: one a mechanical bowel obstruction from bedding ingestion that required laparotomy, and one an ileus that conservative management resolved. All animals survived to their endpoints, displaying normal growth and development. All jejunojejunal anastomoses had AD passage and microscopic evidence of complete healing. Meanwhile, none of the gastroduodenal devices passed, with microscopy demonstrating incomplete mucosalization. This AD is highly effective in forming jejunojejunal anastomoses. Gastroduodenal anastomoses, while highly functional, retained the device without complete healing. Future studies using a more human-like animal model and an anastomotic technique avoiding the thick pylorus muscle should yield better results.

Magnetic compression in gastrointestinal and bilioenteric anastomosis: how much force?

AIM

The concept of compression alimentary anastomosis is well established. Recently, magnetic axial alignment pressures have been encompassed within such device constructs. We quantify the magnetic compression force and pressure required to successfully achieve gastrointestinal and bilioenteric anastomosis by in-depth interrogation of the reported literature.

METHODS

Reports of successful deployment and proof of anastomotic patency on survival were scrutinized to quantify the necessary dimensions and strengths of magnetic devices in (a) gastroenteral anastomosis in live porcine models and (b) bilioenteric anastomosis in the clinical setting. Using a calculatory tool developed for this work (magnetic force determination algorithm, MAGDA), ideal magnetic force and compression pressure were quantified from successful reports with regard to their variance by intermagnet separation.

RESULTS

Optimized ranges for both compression force and pressure were determined for successful porcine gastroenteral and clinical bilioenteric anastomoses. For gastroenteral anastomoses (porcine investigations), an optimized compression force between 2.55 and 3.57 kg at 2-mm intermagnet separation is recommended. The associated compression pressure should not exceed 60 N/cm(2). Successful bilioenteric anastomoses is best clinically achieved with intermagnet compression of 18 to 31 g and associated pressures between 1 and 3.5 N/mm(2) (at 2-mm intermagnet separation).

CONCLUSION

The creation of magnetic compression anastomoses using permanent magnets demonstrates a remarkable resilience to variations in magnetic force and pressure exertion. However, inappropriate selection of compression characteristics and magnet dimensions may incur difficulties. Recommendations of this work and the availability of the free online tool (http://magda.ucc.ie/) may facilitate a factor of robustness in the design and refinement of future devices.

Sutureless jejuno-jejunal anastomosis in gastric cancer patients: a comparison with handsewn procedure in a single institute

BACKGROUND

The biofragmentable anastomotic ring has been used to this day for various types of anastomosis in the gastrointestinal tract, but it has not yet achieved widespread acceptance among surgeons. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare surgical outcomes of sutureless with suture method of Roux-and-Y jejunojejunostomy in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Two groups of patients were obtained based on anastomosis technique (sutureless group versus hand sewn group): perioperative outcomes were recorded for every patient.

RESULTS

The mean time spent to complete a sutureless anastomosis was 11 ± 4 min, whereas the time spent to perform hand sewn anastomosis was 23 ± 7 min. Estimated intraoperative blood loss was 178 ± 32 ml in the sutureless group and 182 ± 23 ml in the suture-method group with no significant differences. No complications were registered related to enteroanastomosis. Intraoperative mortality was none for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The Biofragmentable Anastomotic Ring offers a safe and time-saving method for the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis in gastric cancer surgery, and for this purpose the ring has been approved as a standard method in our clinic. Nevertheless currently there are few studies on upper gastrointestinal sutureless anastomoses and this could be the reason for the low uptake of this device.

Intestinal Anastomosis by Use of a Memory-shaped Compression Anastomosis Clip (Hand CAC 30): Early Clinical Experience

Purpose

The safety and the efficacy of the compression anastomosis clip (Hand CAC 30) have been demonstrated by animal studies. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical validity of the Hand CAC 30 in enterocolic side-to-side anastomosis after colonic or enteric resections.

Methods

A non-randomized prospective data collection was performed for patients undergoing a side-to-side anastomosis using the Hand CAC 30. Eligibility criteria for the use of the Hand CAC 30 were for anastomoses between the colon and the ileum or between two small bowels. The primary short-term endpoint was the rate of anastomotic leakage. Other clinical outcomes, including intra- and postoperative complications, length of operation time and hospital stay, and the clip elimination time were recorded.

Results

A total of 63 patients (male, 36) underwent an enteric or right-sided colonic resection followed by a side-to-side anastomosis using the Hand CAC 30. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 36 patients, in whom one patient who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was converted to an open procedure (1/32, 3.1%). One patient with ascending colon cancer showed postoperative anastomotic leakage and died of co-morbid ischemic heart disease. There were no other surgical mortalities. The exact date of expulsion of the clip could not be recorded because most patients were not aware of clip elimination. No patients manifested clinical symptoms of anastomotic stricture.

Conclusion

Short-term evaluation of the Hand CAC 30 anastomosis in patients undergoing enterocolic surgery proved it to be a safe and efficacious alternative to the standard hand-sewn or stapling technique.

Anastomosis by use of compression anastomosis ring (CAR™ 27) in laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colonic tumor

PURPOSE

The safety and efficacy of the compression anastomosis ring (CAR™ 27) had been demonstrated by animal studies. This study was designed to evaluate clinical validity of the CAR™ 27 anastomosis in laparoscopic surgery for patients with left-sided colonic neoplasm.

METHODS

Intracorporeal anastomosis using the CAR™ 27 (CAR group) was performed in 66 patients (male 35; median age, 64.5 years), and short-term results were compared with consecutive 116 patients (male 70; median age, 64 years) where the anastomosis was constructed by double stapling technique using a circular stapler for the same indications (stapled group).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, and distribution of pathologic lesion. The laparoscopic procedures, pathologic diagnosis/stage, and length of operation time and postoperative hospital stay were comparable between the two groups. Conversion rate in the CAR and stapled group was 3% and 6%, respectively. There was no surgical mortality in either group. No intraoperative complications associated with the CAR™ 27 anastomosis were encountered. One patient in the CAR group was complicated by anastomotic leakage and none in the stapled group (p = 0.36). There was intestinal obstruction in two patients, in whom one required re-operation for entrapped small bowel adhesions within pelvis. No patient in either group showed symptomatic anastomotic stricture.

CONCLUSIONS

The anastomosis using the CAR™ 27 is an innovative technique. The CAR™ 27 anastomosis in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for left-sided colonic tumor proved to be a safe and efficacious alternative to the standard double stapling technique.

Early experience of the compression anastomosis ring (CARTM 27) in left-sided colon resection

AIM: To evaluate clinical validity of the compression anastomosis ring (CAR™ 27) anastomosis in left-sided colonic resection.

METHODS: A non-randomized prospective data collection was performed for patients undergoing an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27 between November 2009 and January 2011. Eligibility criteria of the use of the CAR™ 27 were anastomoses between the colon and at or above the intraperitoneal rectum. The primary short-term clinical endpoint, rate of anastomotic leakage, and other clinical outcomes, including intra- and postoperative complications, length of operation time and hospital stay, and the ring elimination time were evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 79 patients (male, 43; median age, 64 years) underwent an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27. Colectomy was performed laparoscopically in 70 patients, in whom two patients converted to open procedure (2.9%). There was no surgical mortality. As an intraoperative complication, total disruption of the anastomosis occurred by premature enforced tension on the proximal segment of the anastomosis in one patient. The ring was removed and another new CAR™ 27 anastomosis was constructed. One patient with sigmoid colon cancer showed postoperative anastomotic leakage after 6 d postoperatively and temporary diverting ileostomy was performed. Exact date of expulsion of the ring could not be recorded because most patients were not aware that the ring had been expelled. No patients manifested clinical symptoms of anastomotic stricture.

CONCLUSION: Short-term evaluation of the CAR™ 27 anastomosis in elective left colectomy suggested it to be a safe and efficacious alternative to the standard hand-sewn or stapling technique.

Techniques for colorectal anastomosis

Colorectal anastomotic leak remains one of the most feared post-operative complications, particularly after anterior resection of the rectum with, the shift from abdomino-peritoneal resections to total mesorectal excision and primary anastomosis. The literature fails to demonstrate superiority of stapled over hand-sewn techniques in colorectal anastomosis, regardless of the level of anastomosis, although a high stricture rate was noted in the former technique. Thus, improvements in safety aspects of anastomosis and alternatives to hand-sewn and stapled techniques are being sought. Here, we review alternative anastomotic techniques used to fashion bowel anastomosis. Compression anastomosis using compression anastomotic clips, endoluminal compression anastomotic rings, AKA-2, biofragmental anastomotic rings, or Magnamosis all involve the concept of creating a sutureless end-to-end anastomosis by compressing two bowel ends together, leading to a simultaneous necrosis and healing process that joins the two lumens. Staple line reinforcement is a new approach that reduce the drawbacks of staplers used in colorectal practice, i.e. leakage, bleeding, misfiring, and inadequate tissue approximation. Various non-absorbable, semi or fully absorbable materials are now available. Two other techniques can provide alternative anastomotic support to the suture line: a colorectal drain and a polyester stent, which can be utilized in ultra-low rectal excision and can negate the formation of a defunctioning stoma. Doxycycline coated sutures have been used to overcome the post-operative weakness in anastomosis secondary to rapid matrix degradation mediated by matrix metalloproteinase. Another novel technique, the electric welding system, showed promising results in construction of a safe, neat, smooth sutureless bowel anastomosis. Various anastomotic techniques have been shown to be comparable to the standard techniques of suturing and stapling. However, most of these alternatives need to be accepted and optimized for future use.

Compression anastomosis: history and clinical considerations

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that the concept of compression anastomosis has been investigated for nearly 2 centuries, it has not yet achieved widespread acceptance. The aim of the current report is to review the literature regarding compression anastomoses.

DATA SOURCES

A multi-database search was conducted using PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Databases (all until June 2007), in addition to electronic links to related articles and references of selected articles. The following terms were used for the search in various combinations: anastomosis, anastomoses, sutureless, compression, nickel-titanium; Nitinol; CAC; CAR; AKA-2, Valtrac biofragmentable anastomotic ring, BAR. Language restrictions were not applied.

CONCLUSIONS

The various methods of compression anastomosis have been shown to be at least comparable to the standard techniques of suturing and stapling. The measurement of outcomes, including cost, safety, and efficacy of treatment, indicated that compression anastomosis can save time, is cost-effective, and offers an acceptable cost/benefit ratio compared to both stapled and sutured anastomoses. However, compression anastomosis did not gain worldwide popularity.

A 10-year single-institutional study of the biofragmentable anastomosis ring

BACKGROUND

The biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) was introduced by Hardy in 1985 as a simple alternative to sutured or stapled intestinal anastomosis.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to analyze complications related to the use of the BAR in elective intraperitoneal intestinal anastomosis to identify technical aspects important in the safe use of the device. The BAR was used by a single surgeon over a 10-year period. Three hundred fifty sequential intraperitoneal anastomoses were performed in 346 patients. There were 12 enteroenteric, 2 gastrojejunal, 199 enterocolic, and 137 colocolic anastomoses.

RESULTS

There was 1 suture line recurrent carcinoma but no strictures. There were 11 complications that appeared related to construction of the anastomosis, 2 of them resulting in death. The 2 patients who died both had cirrhosis with ascites. Eight patients required re-exploration for suspected anastomotic complications. Six of them recovered and were discharged.

CONCLUSION

The BAR appears to be a safe alternative to sutured or stapled bowel anastomosis provided certain precautions are taken in its use.

Sutureless intestinal anastomosis with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring: experience of 632 anastomoses in a single institute

PURPOSE

Uncertainty with the safety of the biofragmentable anastomosis ring makes surgeons hesitate in its widespread use in intestinal surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the validity of the biofragmentable anastomosis ring as a routine anastomotic device in enterocolic surgery.

METHODS

The study analyzed the nine-year experience of 632 biofragmentable anastomosis ring anastomoses performed in 617 patients: 525 (83 percent) as elective procedures and 107 (17 percent) as emergency. Three classic types of anastomosis, end-to-end (n=354), end-to-side (n=263), and side-to-side (n=15), were performed with a standard technique.

RESULTS

Anastomotic sites included ileocolic/ileorectal in 283 patients (45 percent), colorectal in 148 (23 percent), enteroenteric in 101 (16 percent), and colocolic in 100 patients (16 percent). Anastomotic leakage with clinical relevance was observed in five patients (0.8 percent): three elective cases, and two emergency (2 colorectal anastomoses and 1 ileorectal required diversions). Among 13 instances (2.1 percent) with postoperative intestinal obstruction, only 1 required relaparotomy for closed-loop obstruction. Seven patients (1.1 percent; 4 elective cases, and 3 emergency) died postoperatively; no deaths were directly related to the biofragmentable anastomosis ring technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the anastomosis using the biofragmentable anastomosis ring is a uniform and highly reliable technique even in high-risk emergency surgery. Along with its clinical validities, clinical application of the biofragmentable anastomosis ring in different types of anastomoses in enterocolic surgery is expected to be expanded with a high level of technical safety.

Compression anastomosis (AKA-2) in colorectal surgery: results in 442 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

The morbidity and mortality associated with colorectal surgery results partly from anastomotic leakage. Animal experiments have shown some advantages of sutureless anastomosis over conventional colorectal anastomosis. Compression anastomosis follows the same biological principles as sutureless anastomosis.

METHODS

The compression anastomosis AKA-2 was evaluated in a prospective consecutive audit of 442 patients between September 1989 and August 1998.

RESULTS

Anastomoses were performed in 372 elective and 70 emergency situations. The indication for operation was colorectal cancer (56.3 per cent) and diverticulitis (23.5 per cent). A defunctioning colostomy was performed in 110 patients (24.9 per cent). Fourteen patients died (3.2 per cent). Death was related to anastomotic complications in three patients (0.7 per cent). Twenty-four patients (5.4 per cent) developed intra-abdominal complications. There were 11 symptomatic (2.5 per cent) and six asymptomatic (1.4 per cent) leakages. Anastomoses that were more than 10 cm from the anal verge leaked in seven (2.4 per cent) of 291 cases, while anastomoses between 5 and 10 cm leaked in three (2.6 per cent) of 116 cases and those less than 5 cm from the anal verge leaked in one (3 per cent) of 35 cases.

CONCLUSION

The low incidence of anastomotic complications demonstrates good biological healing of compression anastomoses. The compression anastomosis AKA-2 is safe in both high and low anterior resection and can therefore be recommended for use in colorectal surgery.