Initial clinical experience with a powered circular stapler for colorectal anastomosis

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Devices
• Anastomotic Techniques

Background:

• Conventional circular staplers require manual firing for colorectal anastomosis.
• The Echelon circular™ powered stapler (ECP stapler) automates this process.
• Clinical data on the ECP stapler's efficacy is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clinically evaluate the Echelon circular™ powered stapler (ECP stapler).
• To assess the safety and ease-of-use of the ECP stapler in colorectal surgery.
• To compare the perceived quality of anastomosis constructed with the ECP stapler versus manual devices.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 17 patients undergoing left-sided colorectal anastomosis with the ECP stapler.
• Analysis of prospectively maintained study database for outcomes.
• Anonymous online survey of four experienced colorectal surgeons regarding user experience.

Main Results:

• All 17 patients had intact anastomotic donuts.
• The air-leak test and flexible video sigmoidoscopy showed no leaks.
• One patient (5.9%) developed a postoperative pelvic abscess.
• Surgeons rated the ECP stapler's stapling quality, ease-of-use, and anastomotic quality as above average compared to manual devices.

Conclusions:

• The ECP stapler demonstrates satisfactory safety and ease-of-use in initial clinical evaluation.
• Powered stapling and 3D stapling design may offer advantages over manual systems.
• The ECP stapler may enhance the quality of left-sided colorectal anastomosis construction.