Advantages of magnetic compression in rat colonic anastomosis: a comparative study with a transcriptomic perspective

Colorectal anastomosis is a common procedure in colorectal cancer surgery, but traditional suturing is technically demanding and prone to complications. Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) offers a simpler, minimally invasive alternative with favorable outcomes. This study compares the healing effects of MCA and conventional suturing in rat colonic anastomosis and investigates the molecular mechanisms involved. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-230 g) were randomly divided into an MCA group and a suture (control) group. The survival rates, and histological and transcriptomic profiles of the anastomotic sites were compared. The survival rate of the MCA group (100%) was significantly higher than that of the Control group (70%). Histological examination showed improved tissue alignment and more continuous mucosal surfaces in the MCA group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes between the MCA and Control groups were highly enriched in immune-inflammatory pathways. PPI network analysis identified IL-1β as a key molecule, with significantly elevated expression in the MCA group. MCA is a simple, low-complication method for colonic anastomosis in rats. Transcriptomic analysis suggests that IL-1β is identified as a key candidate molecule associated with the enhanced anastomotic healing observed in MCA.