Experimental comparison of the stapled intestinal anastomotic techniques

Various techniques of stapled intestinal anastomoses are performed in gastroenterological surgery. Little is known about which technique is optimal. The intestines of a domestic pig were used in this study. Stapled intestinal anastomoses of three types-functional end-to-end anastomosis (FETEA), stapled side-to-end anastomosis (STEA), and stapled end-to-end anastomosis (EEA)-were constructed using pig intestines. The times for constructing anastomoses, length of the completed anastomosed intestine, strength of anastomoses, and bursting locations were measured and recorded on each group. The times required to construct FETEAs (60 S.D. 1.4 sec) were significantly less than those required for STEAs (191.5 S.D. 46.4 sec) and EEAs (274.5 S.D. 54.5 sec). The mean lengths of the completed anastomosed intestine were significantly different for FETEAs (89 S.D. 8.2 mm), STEAs (135 S.D. 6.1 mm), and EEAs (156 S.D. 6.5 mm). The bursting pressures were not significantly different among the three groups. FETEAs are superior in terms of requiring less surgical time. EEAs are superior in terms of the length of anastomosed intestines. In conclusion, anastomotic techniques should be selected properly in consideration of these features.