Experimental study of singly placed staples for an everted intestinal anastomosis

This study was undertaken to confirm the technical feasibility and efficacy of an intestinal anastomosis created with singly placed staples in dogs. In 12 fully conditioned dogs, two end-to-end small bowel anastomoses were performed in an everted manner. In each dog, one anastomosis was performed with singly placed staples utilizing the Auto Suture 4.8 mm disposable skin stapler, and the other anastomosis was performed with a manual technique using 3-0 Dexon interrupted suture. Operation time was measured for each anastomosis. Dogs were sacrificed 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Each anastomosis was examined grossly and microscopically, and its tensile strength was measured. All dogs survived without complications. Gross and microscopic examinations showed satisfactory healing of both types of anastomoses at different postoperative intervals. The stapled anastomosis required significantly shorter time (p less than 0.01), and had significantly greater tensile strength (p less than 0.05) when compared with manual anastomosis.