Curved cutter stapler vs. linear stapler in rectal cancer surgery: a pilot prospective randomized study

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Surgical Devices

Background:

• Low anterior resection is a key procedure for mid to low rectal cancer.
• Stapling devices are crucial for securing the distal rectum during these resections.
• Comparing different stapler types is important for optimizing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and technical accessibility of linear staplers versus curved cutter staplers (CCS).
• To evaluate the efficacy of these devices in mid to low rectal cancer surgery.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients undergoing low anterior resection for mid to low rectal cancer.
• Patients were assigned to either linear staplers or CCS.
• Key surgical and postoperative outcomes were assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in patient demographics or preoperative tumor markers.
• The curved cutter stapler (CCS) group showed a trend towards a longer distal resection margin, though not statistically significant (24.7 vs. 20.8 mm, P=0.065).
• There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Both CCS and linear staplers are satisfactory devices for rectal cancer surgery.
• These stapling devices provide reliable means for securing the distal rectum during low anterior resection.