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A Prospective Comparative Study Between Stapler and Handsewn Gastrointestinal Anastomosis.
Gollapudi Sai Viswanth1, Dayanand Biradar1, Mallikarjun B Patil1
1General Surgery, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapura, IND.
Cureus
|April 1, 2026
Summary
Stapled gastrointestinal (GI) anastomosis offers improved operative efficiency and faster patient recovery compared to handsewn techniques. Complication rates were similar between the stapled and handsewn GI anastomosis methods.
Area of Science:
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
- Comparative Effectiveness Research
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) anastomosis is a crucial step in bowel surgery.
- The debate between stapled and handsewn techniques persists.
- Previous studies suggest comparable complication rates but differing operative efficiency and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare stapled versus handsewn GI anastomosis.
- To evaluate differences in operative time, postoperative recovery, and complication rates.
- To provide data for informed surgical technique selection.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational comparative study over two years.
- 52 patients undergoing GI anastomosis (26 stapled, 26 handsewn).
- Surgeon-directed technique selection; analysis of operative time, feeding/hospital stay, and complications (leak, SSI, dehiscence).
Main Results:
- Stapled anastomosis significantly reduced anastomosis time (5.8 vs 25.6 min).
- Earlier oral feeding (2.3 vs 4.3 days) and shorter hospital stay (9.5 vs 12.4 days) in the stapled group.
- Comparable rates of anastomotic leak (11.5% stapled vs 7.7% handsewn) and surgical site infection (23.1% stapled vs 30.8% handsewn).
Conclusions:
- Stapled GI anastomosis enhances operative efficiency.
- Stapled techniques lead to improved postoperative recovery.
- Stapled and handsewn GI anastomosis show comparable safety profiles regarding complications.
