Comparative Study between Staplers and Conventional(Hand-Sewn) Anastomosis in Gastrointestinal Surgery

Conventional (hand-sewn) technique of intestinal anastomosis has been in vogue for decades. Staplers which were developed to simplify surgery began to have significant impact. To compare staplers versus conventional anastomosis with respect to certain intra operative and post operative parameters. Prospective study from November 2008 to October 2010 in Hyderabad at OSMANIA, GANDHI, MNJ CANCER hospitals. 120 patients were divided into three groups of 40 each, depending on the surgery like posterior gastrojejunostomy, distal gastrectomy and reconstruction (Billroth II) and colorectal anastomosis. Of these 40 patients, 20 were in hand-sewn group and the other 20 in stapler group. Unpaired 't' test was used to find 'p' value . 'p' value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Total operating time was shortened in stapler group. No significant difference was found in terms of restoration of intestinal function, post-operative hospital stay, post-operative complications like anastomotic leak. Staplers can expedite surgery. They have better access to difficult-to-reach areas. Thus staplers can be beneficial though one should not forget the art of conventional suturing.