[Local recurrence following anterior rectum resection--manual versus stapler suture]

A retrospective study was carried out on 88 hand sewn and 34 stapled anastomoses following anterior resection to evaluate the impact of suture technique on local recurrence rate. The patient groups were comparable with one exception: there were significantly more Dukes C lesions resected and sutured using the stapling gun (35% versus 15%, X2 = 6.33, p less than 0.05). Stage-corrected recurrence rate was similar in both groups, Dukes A: 8%, Dukes B 21%, Dukes C 52%, all recurrences being detected within 24 months following operation. Significantly fewer protective colostomies were needed using the staple gun (15% versus 34%, X2 = 4.50, p less than 0.05). Otherwise, no significant difference or benefit was observed comparing the two suture techniques.