Safety and Feasibility of a Lower-Cost Stapler in Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic staplers are integral to bariatric surgery. Their pricing significantly impacts the overall cost of procedures. An independent device company has designed a stapler handle and single-use reloads for cross-compatibility and equivalency with existing manufacturers, at a lower cost. OBJECTIVES: We aim to demonstrate non-inferior function and cross-compatibility of a newly introduced stapler handle and reloads compared to our institution's current stapling system in a large animal survival study. SETTING: University-affiliated animal research facility, USA. METHODS: Matched small bowel anastomoses were created in four pigs, one with each stapler (a total of two per animal). After 14 days, investigators blinded to stapler type evaluated the anastomoses grossly and microscopically. Each anastomosis was scored on multiple measures of healing. Individual parameters were added for a global "healing score." RESULTS: Clinical stapler function and gross quality of anastomoses were similar between stapler groups. Individual scores for anastomotic ulceration, reepithelialization, granulation tissue, mural healing, eosinophilic infiltration, serosal inflammation, and microscopic adherences were also statistically similar. The mean "healing scores" were equal. While this study was underpowered for subtle differences, safe and reliable performance in large animals still supports the feasibility of introducing new devices into human use. CONCLUSIONS: The new stapler system delivers a similar technical performance and is cross-compatible with currently marketed stapling devices. An equivalent quality device at a lower price point should enable case cost reduction, helping to maintain hospital case margin and procedure value in the face of potentially declining reimbursement. This device may provide a safe and functional alternative to currently used laparoscopic surgical staplers.

Clinical assessment and outcome of three techniques for jejunal resection and anastomosis in horses: 59 cases (1989-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative complications, short- and long-term survival, and surgical times for hand-sewn end-to-end (EE), stapled functional end-to-end (FEE), and stapled side-to-side (SS) anastomotic techniques for jejunal resection in horses. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 59 horses. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for horses that underwent jejunojejunostomy in our hospital. Only horses that recovered from anesthesia were included in the study. RESULTS: Among the 59 horses, there were 33 EE, 15 FEE, and 11 SS anastomoses. No difference was found in duration of surgery among the 3 techniques. The most common postoperative complications were colic episodes (56%), ileus (53%), diarrhea (20%), and adhesions (15%). Horses with SS anastomosis had a significantly shorter duration of postoperative ileus than the EE group did. No significant difference in duration of postoperative ileus was found among the other groups. No difference was found among the 3 anastomotic techniques in regard to survival rate at the time of discharge, 6 months after surgery, or 1 year after surgery. Overall survival rates after jejunal anastomosis were 88% at the time of discharge, 65% at 6 months after surgery, and 57% at > or = 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The hand-sewn EE, stapled FEE, and stapled SS anastomotic techniques should be considered equivalent methods for small intestinal anastomosis in the horse. However, the stapled SS technique may be preferred because of possible decreased duration of postoperative ileus.

The long-term morbidity of pleuroperitoneal shunts in the management of recurrent malignant effusions.

OBJECTIVE: Over the last 15 years we have managed patients with malignant pleural effusion, using a single procedure with thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis or shunt as appropriate. Talc pleurodesis remains our primary treatment option but in those patient shown to have the 'trapped lung syndrome', in whom pleurodesis would fail, we have been using a pleuroperitoneal shunt. METHODS: This retrospective review was undertaken to evaluate the mortality and morbidity of pleuroperitoneal shunts in the management of malignant pleural effusions and to assess their long-term results. Three hundred and sixty patients were treated for malignant effusions during the period 1983-1998, 160 (44.4%) of whom had a pleuroperitoneal shunt inserted. There were no intraoperative deaths and the hospital mortality was three patients (1.87%). Follow up was available for 88.1% of patients. The median survival of all malignant cases was 7.7 months (range 1-72 months). Mesothelioma patients survived somewhat longer with a median survival of 10.1 months. RESULTS: Shunt complication occurred in 21 patients (14.8%). Twelve patients developed shunt occlusion, requiring revision in five and replacement in seven. The shunt was removed in eight patients due to skin erosion in one patient and infection in seven patients. The distal limb of shunt was broken in one patient and the shunt was replaced. One patient developed malignant seeding along the chest wall at the site of shunt insertion but there were no incidences of peritoneal deposits. Effective palliation was achieved in 95% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pleuroperitoneal shunt insertion provides effective and safe palliation for malignant pleural effusion when associated with the 'trapped lung syndrome'. There are however complications which require revision or shunt removal. There is no evidence that peritoneal deposits result from pleuroperitoneal shunting.