Experience with the Russian model 249 suture gun for anastomosis of the rectum

The Russian Model 249 circular suturing device used for rectal anastomoses in 62 patients undergoing high or low anterior resection or colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis was technically easy to use. The 38 high anastomoses were all shown to be intact by a Gastrografin, meglucomine diatrigoate, enema study 14 days after the operation. Of the 24 low anastomoses, six demonstrated small, 5 to 10 millimeters, dehiscences, two of the latter being evident also upon clinical examination. At least six of the low anastomoses were made at levels too low for hand suture from the abdomen. In three patients, moderate hemorrhage from the anastomotic site during the first two or three days complicated the situation; in all, it ceased spontaneously. In two patients, strictures developed, one of which rectified itself once the fecal stream was restored to the rectum on closing the transverse colostomy, the other was submitted to instrumental dilation, perhaps unnecessarily. The Model 249 circular suturing device provides colorectal anastomoses that are at least as secure as those done by hand suture and, sometimes, enables an anastomosis to be made at a lower level than would be possible by the conventional suture technique through the abdomen. Bleeding from the anastomotic site and subsequent stricture formation are rare complications of this technique.