Compression anastomosis, the optimal hollow viscus anastomosis: are we there yet?

Compression anastomoses in colon and rectal surgery with the NiTi ColonRing™

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of the NiTi ColonRing™ for anastomoses on the colon or rectum.

METHODS

During the period September 2008-June 2011, anastomosis using the NiTi ColonRing™ was scheduled to be performed on 60 patients (36 females, 24 males/mean aged 67 years), 53 of whom underwent colectomy for cancer and 7 reconstruction after Hartmann's procedure. Application of the device failed in one case due to anatomical reasons. Colorectal resections performed were as follows: Right hemicolectomy (5 patients), left colectomy (2), sigmoidectomy (15) and low anterior resection (31). A follow-up clinic visit after 1 month was planned for all patients. Ten patients among the first 14 had rectosigmoidoscopy at 2-3 months. All cancer patients were scheduled for colonoscopy at 12 months.

RESULTS

No intraoperative or postoperative bleeding related to the anastomotic technique was recorded. Median hospital stay after surgery was 10.2 days (9-22 days). One patient died on day 13 due to myocardial infarction. Clinically apparent leak was detected in one patient who had undergone reconstruction after Hartmann; the only treatment required was total parenteral nutrition for 12 days. Anastomotic stenosis occurred in another one patient who had undergone reconstruction after Hartmann; it was easily resolved by balloon dilatation. Mild complications were encountered in 23 other patients (39%). Oral feeding started after day 4. Anastomotic rings were expelled naturally within 7-17 days (mean, 9.2 days). A satisfactory anastomosis was revealed in patients examined colonoscopically at 2-3 and 12 months. Mean follow-up was 15.2 months (2-33 months).

CONCLUSIONS

NiTi ColonRing™ is reliable, safe and efficacious for large bowel anastomoses.

Magnamosis II: Magnetic compression anastomosis for minimally invasive gastrojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy

BACKGROUND

Previously we demonstrated the safety and patency of a magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis). We present the further development of this technique, with specific focus on optimizing device design for minimally invasive magnamosis.

STUDY DESIGN

The magnamosis device was designed to incorporate 3 features: 2 convex-concave radially symmetric halves that magnetically self-align, a central channel for immediate patency, and specially engineered radial topography of the mating surfaces to promote gradual remodeling. Each symmetrical half consists of a ring-shaped neodymium-iron-boron magnet encased in polycarbonate casing. Twenty-one young adult pigs underwent either magnetic gastrojejunostomy (n = 13) or jejunojejunostomy (n = 8). Animals were euthanized at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after operation. Anastomoses were studied with contrast radiography, burst pressure, and histology.

RESULTS

Gastrojejunostomy: In all animals with successful placement of magnets, anastomoses were patent by contrast fluoroscopy, well healed by histologic examination, and showed excellent burst strength. Jejunojejunostomy: All animals had uneventful clinical courses, indicating that the magnamosis with immediate patency functioned properly without device dislodgement. At sacrifice, all magnamoses were patent, well healed by histology, and had burst strengths that equaled or exceeded that of traditional stapled anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive placement of a custom magnetic device in the stomach and jejunum allows intraluminal self-alignment and subsequent compression anastomosis over 3 to 10 days. The magnamosis is immediately patent and develops strength equal to or greater than that of hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses. Magnamosis is effective in the pig model, and may be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to current anastomotic strategies in humans.