Use of bioabsorbable staple reinforcement material in side-to-side anastomoses: Suture line reinforcement of the weak point of the anastomosis

Efficacy of the polyglycolic acid sheet for preventing anastomotic leakage in double-stapling technique anastomosis for left-sided colon or rectal cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

To prevent anastomotic leakage in patients with left-sided colorectal cancer who underwent double-stapling technique (DST) anastomosis, we investigated a new method: DST anastomosis with a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet. This procedure has been shown to have the potential to decrease the rate of anastomotic leakage. However, due to the small number of cases enrolled in our previous study, it was not possible to compare the outcomes of the new and conventional procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the PGA sheet on preventing anastomotic leakage in patients with left-sided colorectal cancer who underwent DST anastomosis by retrospectively comparing the anastomotic leakage rate between the PGA sheet and conventional groups.

METHODS

A total of 356 patients with left-sided colorectal cancer who underwent DST anastomosis during surgery at Osaka City University Hospital between January 2016 and April 2022 were enrolled in this study. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce the confounding effects secondary to imbalances in the use of PGA sheets.

RESULTS

The PGA sheet was used in 43 cases (PGA sheet group) and it was not used in 313 cases (conventional group). After propensity score matching, the incidence of anastomotic leakage in the PGA sheet group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group.

CONCLUSION

DST anastomosis with PGA sheet, which is easy to perform, contributes to the reduction of anastomotic leakage rate by increasing the strength of the anastomotic site.

Secondary healing property using Neoveil®, a polyglycolic acid bioabsorbable sheet on the oral mucosal defects

Neoveil® is a wound surface-covering agent composed of polyglycolic acid(PGA) effective for secondary healing. This study evaluated the secondary healing property of oral cavity mucosal defects using the PGA sheet. Thirty-four patients who underwent surgical excision of oral benign and malignant lesions, precancerous lesions, and tumors were evaluated. The PGA sheet was placed over the open wound to aid secondary healing. The defects were reviewed post-operatively for secondary healing, contracture, and secondary deformity. Male to female ratio was 20:14, and the mean age was 63.5 years. In all cases, the oral mucosal defect was present after the wide excision of the mucosal lesion. The PGA sheet was used as a surface covering agent which was found to be effective in secondary healing of the wound. Any side effects and adverse reactions which were caused by the PGA sheet was not evident. It can be used to avoid skin graft or free flap reconstruction or deformity from the direct closure in moderate size oral mucosal defect.

Arterial reinforcement following pancreatoduodenectomy: The solution to prevent delayed hemorrhage caused by postoperative pancreatic fistula

PURPOSE

Delayed hemorrhage (DH) is a rare and yet well-known fatal complication associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The study aimed to investigate whether arterial reinforcement (AR) using polyglycolic acid sheets (PAS) followed by fibrin sealant (FS) to the hepatic artery could prevent DH in the setting of POPF after PD.

METHODS

A total of 345 patients underwent PD for periampullary tumors from March 2011 to March 2022. From March 2011 to March 2018, 225 patients underwent PD, and AR was not performed (non-AR group). From April 2018 to March 2022, 120 patients underwent PD, and AR was performed (AR group). AR was achieved by wrapping the proper hepatic artery all the way down to the celiac artery with PAS followed by coating with FS. Demographic profile and various outcomes including DH of these two groups were compared and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

In non-AR group, 48 (21.3%) and 12 (5.3%) patients had grade B and C POPF, respectively. In AR group, 26 (21.7%) and four (3.3%) patients had grade B and C POPF, respectively. The incidence of POPF was not statistically significant (p = .702) between the groups. Among the patients with grade B or C POPF, DH occurred in 14 (23.3%) patients in non-AR group and only one patient in AR group (p = .016). Of the 15 patients with DH, four (26.7%) patients died.

CONCLUSION

AR using PAS and FS is effective in preventing DH in the setting of POPF.

Prevention of anastomotic leakage using a polyglycolic acid sheet in double-stapling technique anastomosis for rectal surgery

Background

Due to the development of surgical techniques and devices, the incidence of anastomosis leakage in rectal surgery has decreased. However, anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery remains a serious postoperative complication. The present study examined whether or not a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet is effective for reinforcing rectal anastomosis.

Material and methods

Fifteen patients who underwent double-stapling technique (DST) anastomosis during rectal surgery were enrolled in this study. The PGA sheet was used as the reinforcing material. DST anastomosis was performed with the PGA sheet sandwiched, and a strip of the PGA sheet was wrapped around the anastomosis.

Results

No patients had anastomotic leakage.

Conclusion

A PGA sheet may be effective for preventing anastomotic leakage in DST anastomosis for rectal surgery.

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The new method for preventing anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery.

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A polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet which is absorbable reinforcement material was used.

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Thanks to the use of the PGA sheet, no patients had anastomotic leakage.

Effect of Biologic Material Reinforcement on Surgical Anastomosis After Gastrectomy-A Pilot Study

Background: Acellular dermal matrix is a biologic material derived from the skin of human cadaveric donors. It has been used successfully in the past to reduce complications in breast surgery and hernia repair. This investigation was aimed at assessing the feasibility of using acellular dermal matrix to support the anastomosis after gastrectomy with the aim of reducing anastomotic site leakage complications. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to standard anastomotic reconstruction (control arm) or anastomotic reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix reinforcement (intervention arm). Surgical outcomes related to anastomotic complications were collected. Because actual anastomotic leaks found on imaging studies are infrequent and thus require a very high number of patient recruitment to detect statistically significant difference between the two groups, in this pilot investigation other clinical and laboratory measures that have been shown to correlate to or predict anastomotic leaks were also collected. Each surgical outcome was compared. Results: A total of 94 patients (intervention arm: 50, control arm: 44), were included in the analysis. Two patients in the control arm (4.55%) and one patient in the intervention arm (2.00%) experienced anastomotic leakage (p = 0.598), a difference without statistical significance. However, average postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and NUn scores, both of which have been shown to reflect likelihood of progressing to anastomotic leakage, were significantly lower for the intervention arm. The control arm showed an average CRP level of 128.77 mg/dL (SD: 97.08) while the intervention arm showed 77.38 mg/dL (SD: 49.08, p = 0.049). Conclusions: Leakage rate reduction with acellular dermal matrix reinforcement of anastomotic site was not detected in this investigation. However, postoperative inflammation levels and numerical predictors of anastomotic leakage development were significantly lower with acellular dermal matrix reinforcement of surgical anastomosis. This finding is worthy of further investigation, as reduction of inflammation with anastomotic site reinforcement is a novel finding, and more in-depth research may lead to discoveries on the physiologic role of the surgical anastomosis in post-gastrectomy patients. In addition, lower CRP and NUn scores for the intervention arm suggest potential for larger studies to detect reduction in clinical leak rates after acellular dermal matrix reinforcement.

A new technology for reducing anastomotic fistula in the neck after esophageal cancer surgery

Background

To explore the risk factors and prevention methods of cervical mechanical anastomotic fistula and stenosis after the radical resection of esophageal cancer.

Methods

From March 2018 to November 2018, 128 patients undergoing mechanical anastomosis of esophageal cancer were selected from the Department of Thoracic Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All the enrolled patients were operated on using the Mckeown method, and a retrospective study was conducted. Data for preoperative and postoperative test indices, intraoperative embedding materials, postoperative complications, and preoperative and postoperative treatment were collected, and the relationship between various factors and the incidence of cervical anastomotic fistula and stenosis was analysed. Univariate analysis was conducted using t tests or Fisher's exact probability method, and multivariate analysis was conducted using logistic regression models.

Results

All 128 patients successfully underwent surgery without dying. The enrolled patients were evaluated using the Stooler classification, with 28 patients having grade 0, 41 patients having grade 1, 34 patients having grade 2, 21 patients having grade 3, and 4 patients having grade 4 stenosis. Patients with stenosis of grade 3 or above had obvious choking sensation, which could only be relieved by balloon dilation. Symptoms in all patients with stenosis were relieved by balloon dilation. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding embedding materials, preoperative choking history, history of alcohol consumption, history of hypertension, history of coronary heart disease, history of diabetes, postoperative calcium concentration, average albumin concentration, average platelet concentration, body mass index, anastomotic fistula, preoperative chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy, or postoperative cough (P>0.05). There were significant differences in postoperative reflux (χ²=11.338, P<0.05) and scar constitution (χ²=12.497, P<0.05). The effects of embedding materials in patients with anastomotic fistula were significantly different (χ²=4.372, P<0.05).

Conclusions

Postoperative reflux and scar constitution may be risk factors for postoperative anastomotic stenosis after resection of esophageal cancer. There was almost no difference in the effects on esophageal anastomotic stenosis between embedding materials and the omentum majus, but Neoveil^® may have certain advantages in preventing cervical anastomotic fistula, and thus may have certain clinical application value.

Improving the side-to-side stapled anastomosis: comparison of staplers for robust crotch formation

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the burst pressure of side-to-side anastomoses comparing different stapling devices that are commercially available.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted side-to-side anastomoses with a variety of staplers and compared burst pressure in the crotch of the anastomoses.

SETTING

Nagoya City East Medical Center.

METHODS

We conducted side-to-side anastomoses with 9 staplers with different shapes and forms. Fresh pig small intestines were used. A side-to-side anastomosis was performed between 2 intestine specimens using a linear stapler. The burst pressure of the anastomosis was recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 45 staplers were used for this experiment. The site of leakage in all cases was the crotch. Regarding the influence of the number of staple rows, the burst pressure in 3-row staplers was significantly higher than in 2-row staplers. With regard to the relationship between staple height and burst pressure, staples with a height slightly shorter than the intestinal thickness showed the highest burst pressure. In a comparison of staplers with uniform staple heights and stamplers with staples of 3 different heights, the latter had significantly lower burst pressures. Neoveil significantly increased the burst pressure in the crotch and contributed to the highest burst pressure of all the staplers used in this experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this experiment, we defined the important factors that influence burst pressure at the crotch of a stapled, side-to-side anastomosis. These factors include the number of staple rows, the height of the staple compared with the thickness of the tissue, uniformity of staple height, and reinforcement of the staple line. In any surgical case requiring intestinal anastomosis, selection of a stapler is a critical step.

A novel technique for enterotomy closure in stapled laparoscopic intracorporeal anastomosis

AIM

The proximal edge of the enterotomy in a side-to-side anastomosis has been shown to be the site at highest risk of leakage. Several methods have been described to overcome this vulnerability. The technical challenge of intra-corporeal anastomosis (ICA) is to re-create angles between tissues and instruments, similar to those in an open anastomosis. The axis between the suture line and the needle driver is paramount and this angle should be < 45°.

METHOD

The crotch stitch of the enterotomy is difficult because of the narrow space between the loops and the depth of the anastomosis. The usual technique is suturing right-handed, 'out-in and in-out', colonic edge first to small bowel. The risk of suture misplacement (e.g. 'out-in/out-in' or 'out-out') is similar to open procedures but laparoscopically the second bite is challenging, due to the straight needle-driver. This may lead to asymmetrical closure of the corner resulting in a slightly larger angle on the bowel side and a potential postoperative leak/fistula. Rotating the small bowel loop to counterbalance this issue, risks tearing of the staple line. The rationale is that starting with a back-handed stitch and taking the small bowel edge first would allow the necessary acute angled bite to be achieved. Subsequently, mounting the needle right-handed for taking the colonic edge also allows achievement of an acute angled bite.

RESULTS

Our novel technique, named the 'back-handed, left-to-right stitch' technique, is intended to achieve symmetrical approximation of the ileal and colonic edges during laparoscopy, with an optimal closure of the deepest extremity of the enterotomy. Such a stitch, used in a series of 10 patients, may be useful to avoid leaving an opening within this angle and/or to avoid potential technical pitfalls when closing the deepest apex of the enterotomy.

CONCLUSION

This 'back-handed, left-to-right' stitch described here allows a properly angled closure of the proximal edge of the enterotomy and a safe approximation of the corner of the enterotomy in a side-to-side ICA.

Secure overlap stapling using a linear stapler with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid felt

INTRODUCTION

Despite the availability of various anastomosis techniques, postoperative anastomotic complications such as anastomosis failure and bleeding develop in some patients. Automatic suturing devices have been widely used for gastrointestinal anastomosis. However, overly thick or thin tissue, displacement of tissue, and the creation of a staple-on-staple site may lead to incomplete staple formation. These factors are considered to be related to postoperative complications such as anastomosis failure.

METHODS

The iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System was used to fire the automatic suturing device. Two types of automatic suturing devices were employed: (i) the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology with a cartridge with the reinforcement material Neoveil™; and (ii) the Endo GIA™ with Tri-Staple™ Technology with no reinforcement material. Stapling was performed using a two-stage crossing approach to make a staple-on-staple site.

RESULTS

The rates of complete formation with the Endo GIA™ with Tri-Staple™ Technology were 95.6 ± 0.6% for stomach tissue and 95.6 ± 2.3% for colon tissue, which is thinner than stomach tissue. In contrast, the rates of complete formation with the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology were 99.3 ± 1.27% for stomach tissue and 100.0 ± 0.0% for colon tissue.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology had higher rates of complete staple formation than the Endo GIA™ with Tri-Staple™ Technology, irrespective of tissue thickness and the presence of a staple-on-staple site.

Sutureless functional end-to-end anastomosis using a linear stapler with polyglycolic acid felt for intestinal anastomoses

Background

Gastrointestinal anastomosis remains associated with a considerable burden of morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Functional end-to-end anastomosis, whilst extremely efficient, is vulnerable to increased intestinal pressure in the immediate postoperative period, which may predispose to development of anastomotic leakage or bleeding. Therefore, there is a requirement for new techniques that facilitate safe and efficacious anastomotic procedures.

Materials and methods

This study examined the clinical application of functional end-to-end anastomosis with a stapler that automatically applies a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid sheet (Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology). A porcine model was used to examine functional end-to-end anastomosis with and without application of a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid sheet. As the crotch of the anastomosis is considered the weakest point, a probe was used to test the integrity of these anastomoses. Furthermore, we performed functional end-to-end anastomosis using the Endo GIA™ Reinforced stapler in a clinical series of 20 patients undergoing gastrointestinal tract resection. In all cases, functional end-to-end anastomosis was performed without suture reinforcement.

Results

Small intestine anastomoses in the animal study exhibited no weakness at the crotch of the anastomosis, as tested with a probe, suggesting an increased resiliency to conventional complications of functional end-to-end anastomosis. In the clinical population, no postoperative complications were noted. No adhesive intestinal obstruction was noted.

Conclusion

Sutureless functional end-to-end anastomosis using the Endo GIA™ Reinforced appears to be safe, efficacious, and straightforward. Reinforcement of the crotch site with a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid sheet appears to mitigate conventional problems with crotch-site vulnerability.

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Functional end-to-end anastomosis is safe with the Endo GIA™ Reinforced stapler.

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Conventional functional end-to-end anastomosis requires suture reinforcement.

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The Endo GIA™ Reinforced allows sutureless anastomosis by creating staple planes.