A novel technique of sutureless colorectal anastomosis by bipolar coagulation

Aim of the study was to test the safety and efficacy of sutureless colorectal anastomosis using bipolar coagulation.

Thirty-six Wistar albino rats were used. The rectum just proximal to the peritoneal reflection was transected in 22 rats (Group 1), and the bowel ends were anastomosed or welded end-to-end using bipolar coagulating forceps (Scoville-Greenwood, 60-1765-001, ConMed, USA). Coagulation using 60 milliamperes took one second for each weld. In 14 rats (Group 2), bowel anastomosis was carried out by hand-sewn sutures. The animals were followed up for general condition and body weight, and were sacrificed at six weeks. The anastomoses were studied with regard to burst pressure, stenosis and histopathology.

All rats survived, and body weight gain was significant (p<0.01 for Group 1, p<0.05 for Group 2). There were no intraabdominal complications (leakage, obstruction, etc.), except in one rat (in Group 2), who had intraabdominal abscess. Although intraluminal pressure was increased to 40 cm H2O with extensive stretching of the colorectal segment, the anastomoses did not burst or open in either the sutureless or sutured groups. The bowel diameter 1 cm distal and 1 cm proximal to the anastomoses did not show any difference between both groups. Neomucosa completely covered 78% of sutured anastomoses and 36% of sutureless anastomoses (p<0.05). Inflammation developed in 78% of sutured anastomoses and 36% of sutureless anastomoses (p<0.05). Edema, giant cell and mast cell infiltration were equivalent in both anastomoses. Lymphoid tissue hyperplasia markedly appeared in the sutureless anastomoses (p<0.01).

This simple technique of sutureless colorectal anastomosis may be useful and offer an alternative to other colorectal anastomosis techniques.