Transcriptomics uncovers the advantages of magnetic compression technique in gastrointestinal anastomosis repair and...

The magnetic compression technique (MCT) is a novel surgical operation that leverages the "noncontact" magnetic forces to address challenging clinical issues. The underlying mechanisms of different healing efficacy in gastroenteric anastomosis between MCT and traditional suturing techniques are still unclear.

A total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200 to 240 g, were randomly and equally divided into the traditional suturing (control [Con]) and MCT groups. The anastomosis construction time, survival rates, and postoperative complications were compared. Specimens were collected, and RNA sequencing was performed 2 weeks after surgery. Simultaneously, the burst pressure and histological characteristics were compared between the 2 groups.

The anastomosis time of the MCT group was significantly shorter than that of the Con group (6.20 ± 1.51 vs 15.70 ± 2.43 min, respectively; P <.001). The survival rate was significantly higher in the MCT group than in the Con group (100% vs 80%, respectively). No postoperative complications were observed in the MCT group. The burst pressure and histological characteristics suggested that the MCT group had a more durable, smoother, and fatter surface; complete mucosal migration; less inflammation infiltration; and continuous submucosal layers. The transcriptomics indicated that the biological characteristic of the MCT group was mainly enriched in energy metabolism, especially lipid metabolism. The evaluated expression of Nfil3 and Pdk4 could serve as key metabolic molecules regulating anastomotic healing.

The MCT presented significant advantages in multiple dimensions, including simplicity, safety, and low postoperative complications. A novel insight was provided that MCT facilitated energy metabolism and further promoted anastomotic healing.