Compression Anastomosis Clips Versus a Hand-Sewn Technique for Intestinal Anastomosis in Pigs

Anastomotic dehiscence and leaks are major problems in gastrointestinal surgery and result in increased morbidity and mortality. The ideal device to create anastomoses should ensure good serosal apposition without requiring either transgression of the bowel wall or the presence of foreign material for an extended period of time.

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new compression anastomosis clip (CAC) for jejunojejunostomies and ileocolostomies by comparing CAC anastomoses with hand-sewn (HS) anastomoses in pigs in terms of healing, breaking strength and the time to create anastomoses.

The 11 pigs in the study underwent side-to-side CAC and HS jejunojejunostomies and ileocolostomies, for a total of 88 anastomoses. The pigs were sacrificed on postoperative day 5 (5 pigs) or 7 (6 pigs). Macroscopic, histopathological and breaking-strength examinations were performed. The time to create the anastomoses was recorded.

Neither group had anastomotic complications such as leakage or obstruction. Macroscopic examination showed no statistically significant differences between the groups. In the CAC group, the healing process was characterized by a lesser inflammatory reaction (p < 0.05) and very thin scar tissue at the anastomotic line (less collagen deposition and better epithelial regeneration), while the HS group had a much thicker anastomotic line. The breaking strength was significantly greater in the CAC group compared with the HS group (p < 0.05). The anastomosis time was shorter in the CAC group than in the HS group (p < 0.01).

Anastomosis using a CAC appears to be safe and less time-consuming than HS; it was also characterized by a good healing process with little inflammatory reaction and a high breaking strength compared with HS anastomosis.