Experimental Study of Microvascular Anastomosis: Comparison of the Conventional Method, Back Wall Technique, and...

Background: Compared with the conventional microvascular anastomosis method, the back wall technique and untied stay suture method allow for better visualization of the vascular lumen and have been reported to be effective for beginner surgeons. However, there are no reports of such advantages from experimental studies. The present study compared the usefulness of the conventional method (Method C), back wall technique (Method B), and untied stay suture method (Method U) in rats. Methods: Ninety end-to-end anastomosis procedures of the right femoral artery and vein were performed in rats. The anastomosis condition was assessed at the completion of suturing one side, at the completion of vascular anastomosis, and on postoperative day 7. Results: After suturing one side, suture errors were observed in three veins with Method C. Immediately after the completion of vascular anastomosis, blood flow was impaired in one vein with Method C. On postoperative day 7, blood flow was impaired in one artery and one vein with Method C, one vein with Method B, and one artery with Method U. Conclusions: No significant differences were observed between back wall technique and the untied stay suture method. However, the conventional method was more likely to lead to suture error or impaired blood flow compared with back wall technique and the untied stay suture method.