Laparoscopic intracorporeal anastomosis in the colon using the biofragmentable anastomotic ring--an animal study

This experimental study examines the usefulness of a totally laparoscopic anastomotic technique in the colon with the aid of the biofragmentable anastomotic Valtrac ring and a newly developed applicator device. Following closed intracorporeal colonic resection with the linear stapler and subsequent re-opening of the proximal and distal bowel ends after placement of a pursestring suture, intracorporeal anastomosis was completed with the Valtrac ring. The technique was tested in 8 pigs. 6 pigs had no intra- or postoperative complications, while 2 pigs developed fatal peritonitis following anastomotic insufficiency in one pig and anastomotic stenosis caused by tilting of the Valtrac ring in the other animal. The results of the study show that handling of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring is facilitated by the use of the new application system. In the uncomplicated case, endoscopy and histology revealed bland healing with little scarring, and no evidence of an anastomotic stenosis.