New technique in anastomotic surgery--experimental and preliminary clinical experience

With the purpose to minimize the complications in anastomotic surgery, we have developed a new soluble device, the SBS-TUBE. This paper presents our first results in experimental and clinical surgery with this device. In experimental surgery the SBS-TUBE was applied in ten pigs (+ two controls) with transection of the sigmoid colon. The cut ends of the colon were assembled and sutured with continuous one layer monofil nylon over the SBS-TUBE. The post-operative course was uncomplicated. Post-mortem examination of the pigs in the experimental surgery showed a reduction of the diastasis in the tunica muscularis of the gut to one fourth in the pigs operated with application of the SBS-TUBE, compared to the tunica muscularis in pigs with anastomoses performed without use of the SBS-TUBE. So far four patients with malignant diseases of the colon have been operated with resection of colon tumor and application of intestinal anastomosis using the SBS-TUBE. The postoperative course was without complications. The preliminary results encourage to use the SBS-TUBE in anastomotic surgery.