The use of triclosan-coated sutures to prevent surgical site infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a common and serious complication of all surgical interventions. Microorganisms are able to colonise sutures that are implanted in the skin, which is a causative factor of SSIs. Triclosan-coated sutures are antibacterial sutures aimed at reducing SSIs. Our objective is to update the existing literature by systematically reviewing available evidence to assess the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures in the prevention of SSIs. METHODS: A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, AMED (Allied and complementary medicine database) and CENTRAL was performed to identify full text randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on 31 May 2019. INTERVENTION: Triclosan-coated sutures versus non-triclosan-coated sutures. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Our primary outcome was the development of SSIs at 30 days postoperatively. A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-five RCTs were included involving 11 957 participants. Triclosan-coated sutures were used in 6008 participants and non triclosan-coated sutures were used in 5949. Triclosan-coated sutures significantly reduced the risk of SSIs at 30 days (relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.82). Further sensitivity analysis demonstrated that triclosan-coated sutures significantly reduced the risk of SSIs in both clean and contaminated surgery. CONCLUSION: Triclosan-coated sutures have been shown to significantly reduced the risk of SSIs when compared with standard sutures. This is in agreement with previous work in this area. This study represented the largest review to date in this area. This moderate quality evidence recommends the use of triclosan-coated sutures in order to reduce the risk of SSIs particularly in clean and contaminated surgical procedures. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42014014856.

Topical Anesthesia in Children With Intraoperative Adjustable Strabismus Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate strabismus surgery with intraoperative adjustment of sutures under topical anesthesia in children. METHODS: Nineteen children with horizontal deviation underwent a one-stage surgical technique performed under topical anesthesia. Surgery consisted of unilateral or bilateral recession and/or resection of horizontal muscles or the medial or lateral rectus muscles, with intraoperative adjustment of sutures based on alternate prism cover test. Follow-up was done at 1 day and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 12.68 ± 2.50 years (range: 8 to 16 years). Mean preoperative angle of deviation was 24.21 ± 11.20 prism diopters (PD) (range: -50 to +30 PD) at distance. Mean postoperative angle of deviation at 6 months was 4.11 ± 2.87 PD (range: -10 to +10 PD) at distance. In esotropic patients, the average angle of deviation decreased from +23.80 ± 5.89 PD preoperatively to +4.80 ± 3.35 PD at 6 months, whereas in exotropic patients it decreased from -24.36 ± 12.76 to -3.86 ± 2.77 PD. Seventeen of 19 patients (89%) remained comfortable during surgery, whereas 2 needed an intravenous injection of propofol. The success rate, defined by a postoperative residual angle of deviation of ±8 PD or less, was 89% at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus surgery with intraoperative suture adjustment under topical anesthesia in children is a tolerable procedure with encouraging outcomes, representing an alternative to general anesthesia in well-selected children. Clinical evaluation of children and parents is fundamental to predict a likely poor collaboration of the child during surgery, which, if present, would require surgery under general anesthesia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(3):173-177.].

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage after removal of releasable suture with globe massage post-trabeculectomy.

A 19-year-old female, having aniridia with secondary glaucoma, presented with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) in the right eye (RE) on maximal topical and systemic medications. On examination, RE had a subluxated cataractous lens with advanced cupping. She underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. On postoperative day 1, as the IOP was 32 mmHg, one releasable suture was removed followed by gentle bleb massage. On postoperative day 2, suprachoroidal hemorrhage was noted, for which the patient underwent two drainage procedures. Hemorrhagic choroidals resolved completely 4 weeks after drainage.

Retrobulbar anaesthesia for adjustable strabismus surgery in adults: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the ocular response to retrobulbar anaesthesia and to evaluate the efficacy of retrobulbar anaesthesia for adjustable strabismus surgery in adults. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing adjustable strabismus surgery under retrobulbar anaesthesia. METHODS: Surgical success was defined by ocular alignment within 10 prism diopters (PD) of orthotropia for horizontal rectus surgery and within 5 PD for vertical rectus surgery. After retrobulbar injection of Xylocaine with epinephrine, the onset time and the degree of visual impairment, ocular akinesia, and analgesia were evaluated. Postoperative parameters included the restoration of vision, onset of pain, resolution of ptosis, normalization of pupil, resolution of extraocular motility deficits, and the timing of postoperative adjustment. Perioperative complications were also documented. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were initially included in this study. Two patients experienced complications (perioperative retrobulbar hemorrhage, postoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage) and were excluded from data analysis. Of the remaining 31 patients (mean age, 50.2 ± 14.8 years), surgical outcome was satisfactory in 30/31 (96.8%) patients at the first postoperative visit and in 15/19 (78.9%) cases at last follow-up (mean, 6.1 ± 1.6 months). Excellent intraoperative ocular akinesia and analgesia was achieved with retrobulbar anaesthesia. After retrobulbar injection, visual impairment was the first to resolve to preoperative levels within (mean ± SD) 3.7 ± 1.9 hours postinjection, followed by onset of pain at 4.1 ± 1.0 hours, resolution of ptosis at 4.3 ± 1.9 hours, and normalization of pupil reactivity at 6.1 ± 1.0 hours. The resolution of anaesthesia upon extraocular motility occurred within 5.7 ± 1.0 hours postinjection (range, 4.5-8.0 hours), allowing for subsequent same-day postoperative adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Retrobulbar anaesthesia in the context of adult, adjustable strabismus surgery is a relatively safe and effective technique. It provides excellent intraoperative analgesia and akinesia. Retrobulbar anaesthesia enables for same-day suture adjustments to be reliably performed.

Control Comparison of the New EndoWrist and Traditional Laparoscopic Staplers for Anterior Rectal Resection with the Da Vinci Xi: A Case Study.

Background: A new robotic stapler for the da Vinci Xi® is directly controlled by the surgeon at the console and equipped with EndoWrist® technology. We evaluated operative and short-term results of the first patients who underwent anterior rectal resection for cancer with the da Vinci Xi and new staplers, and compared the results with those of a comparable group treated with traditional laparoscopic staplers. Methods: From December 2015 to December 2017, 25 patients underwent anterior rectal resection for cancer with robotic EndoWrist staplers (EndoWrist group). Using a case-control method, we compared the results with those of a similar group of patients treated with the same system and a traditional laparoscopic endostapler, controlled by a bedside assistant (Control group). Results: No conversions to laparoscopy or laparotomy were observed, in either group. The mean number of charges was 2.1 ± 0.2 in the EndoWrist group versus 2.7 ± 0.7 in the Control group (P = .0004). The other perioperative results were comparable. During follow-up, the incidence of anastomotic fistula in a contrast enema study was higher in the Control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (two leaks versus two leaks in EndoWrist group; P = .8). The interval between rectal resection and stoma closure was shorter in the EndoWrist group (3.4 ± 2.5 versus 4.2 ± 2.9 months in the Control group; P = .2), although the difference was not significant. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that the new robotic staplers simplify transection, which could reduce the average number of stapler firings used during rectal resection and could decrease the incidence of anastomotic leakage. These findings require confirmation in larger studies.

Colpopexia al ligamento sacroespinoso con CapioTM; cirugía, resultados y evolución de pacientes / Sacroespinous ligament colpopexy with CapioTM; surgery patient outcomes and evolution

Introducción: El prolapso genital femenino altera significativamente la calidad de vida de la mujer. El prolapso apical es el segundo más frecuente después del defecto de pared anterior y la colposuspensión al ligamento sacroespinoso es una de las técnicas quirúrgicas descritas para su tratamiento. Objetivos: Determinar la factibilidad de la corrección del prolapso apical en pacientes sometidas a la colposuspensión al ligamento sacroespinoso, utilizando el dispositivo de captura de sutura CapioTM. Materiales y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidas desde junio de 2015 a junio de 2016, en la unidad de piso pélvico del Hospital Luis Tisné Brousse, basándose principalmente en la evaluación del punto C del Prolpase Organ Pelvic Quatinfication (POP-Q). Resultados: Se intervinieron 15 pacientes, con edad promedio de 60,7 ± 6,8 años. Todas presentaron prolapso genital estadio III o IV. El seguimiento se realizó entre 3 y 13 meses después de la cirugía. Ninguna presentó complicaciones graves durante ni después de la cirugía y sólo una paciente recidivó. Conclusiones: La colposuspensión al ligamento sacroespinoso con CapioTM, es una técnica factible, segura y eficaz para el tratamiento del prolapso apical, sin embargo, es necesario mayor tiempo de seguimiento y estudios comparativos con otras técnicas de colposuspensión.

Introduction: Female genital prolapse significantly alter the quality of life of women. The apical prolapse is the second common defect after anterior wall and the colposuspension to sacrospinous ligament is one of the described surgical techniques for its treatment. Objective: To determine the feasibility of apical prolapse correction in patients undergoing sacrospinous colposuspension using the suture capture device CapioTM. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing this surgery from June 2015 to June 2016, including an objective assessment focused mainly in the C point of Prolapse Organ Pelvic Quatinfication (POP-Q) and a subjective evaluation of the patient. Results: 15 patients, of which only 11 were able to complete follow-up, were included. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 60.7 ± 6.8 years, and all were classified as prolapse stages III or IV. The evaluation was performed in average 6.75 ± 3.39 months after surgery, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 13 months. No patient had several complications during or after surgery and only one recurred. Conclusions: The colposuspension to sacrospinous ligament with CapioTM is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of apical genital prolapse. However, a longer follow-up study is needed, in addition to comparative studies with other colposuspension techniques.

Long-term Surgical Outcomes of 180-Degree Suture Trabeculotomy in Korean Patients With Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the surgical outcomes of 180-degree suture trabeculotomy in Korean patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 21 eyes of 17 children with PCG who underwent 180-degree suture trabeculotomy as a first surgical procedure. Surgical success was defined as (1) an intraocular pressure (IOP)<22 mm Hg with or without medication; (2) no additional intraocular surgery; and (3) no evidence of progressive optic disc cupping. The main outcome measure was the success rate of 180-degree suture trabeculotomy. Secondary outcome measures were IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and occurrence of complications. RESULTS: Of the 21 eyes included, 18 (85.7%) were classified as having achieved success at the final visit (mean last follow-up or failure time, 54.91±45.68 mo). Median age at surgery was 11.97 months with mean IOP 29.8±9.6 mm Hg, on average of 1.52 medications. The mean IOP at the final visit was 16.9±5.6 mm Hg on an average of 0.38 medications. The surgical success rate of 180-degree suture trabeculotomy at 1, 3, and 5 years was 95.0%, 87.7%, and 78.9%, respectively (Kaplan-Meier analysis). Three eyes underwent second operations and the mean time to failure was 29.39±19.75 months. Hyphema was observed in 10 eyes, but it cleared up within 7.6 days. CONCLUSION: The 180-degree suture trabeculotomy performed for PCG had a significant IOP-lowering effect and caused no remarkable complications.

Totally Percutaneous Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Using the Preclosing Technique: Towards the Least Invasive Therapeutic Alternative.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) offers a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, whereas arterial closure devices have made totally percutaneous EVAR feasible. This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing EVAR in a single institution, between May 2011 and October 2014 using surgical or percutaneous access. Hemostasis after percutaneous access was achieved with 2 Perclose ProGlide suture-mediated devices and a preclosing technique. Technical success, local complications, procedural times, length of hospitalization, and need for analgesics are recorded and compared between groups. Among 82 patients/164 groins, 120/164 (73%) groins underwent percutaneous and 44/146 (27%) surgical access. An average 2.2 devices per access site was used. Technical success was 95% (114/120). Local complications (3.3% vs. 11.4%, P=0.05), procedural times (90 vs. 112 min, P=0.05), hospitalization (2 vs. 5 d, P<0.001), and postoperative analgesics (0.7 vs. 4.4 g IV paracetamol, P=0.01) were significantly reduced after percutaneous access which overall seems safe and effective to perform EVAR.

Staple aneurysmorrhaphy to salvage autogenous arteriovenous fistulas with aneurysm-related complications.

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysm-related complications could lead to loss of a functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We report our midterm and long-term results with the staple aneurysmorrhaphy technique to repair and preserve aneurysmal AVFs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our surgical treatment of patients with aneurysmal autogenous AVF complicated by skin erosion, bleeding, infection, pain, and difficulty with needle access from 2007 through 2014. We identified 52 patients, 40 (77%) of whom underwent repair with the staple aneurysmorrhaphy technique. The operation involved mobilizing the entire aneurysmal segments. A TA (Covidien, Norwalk, Conn) or Endo GIA (Covidien, Mansfield, Mass) stapler was used to resect the redundant aneurysm wall to create a 6- to 8-mm-diameter conduit. A subcutaneous skin flap was created after excising compromised skin. The remodeled vein was repositioned underneath the subcutaneous flap, with the staple line rotated laterally to avoid needle puncture. RESULTS: We attempted staple aneurysmorrhaphy in 40 patients with complicated AVF aneurysms, of which 38 repairs (95%) were successful. Median patient age was 66 years (range, 29-88 years). Median AVF age was 63 months (range, 12-136 months). Median follow-up was 20 months (range, 5-81 months). At 1 year, primary patency was 67%, assisted primary patency was 88%, and secondary patency was 91%. At 2 years, primary patency was 59%, assisted primary patency was 84%, and secondary patency was 91%. At 3 years, primary patency was 46%, assisted primary patency was 69%, and secondary patency was 85%. Surgery was performed under local-regional anesthesia in 28 patients (70%) and under general anesthesia in the remaining 12 (30%). Proximal venous outflow stenoses were detected in 19 of 40 AVFs (48%) preoperatively and in 11 of 38 AVFs (29%) postoperatively. Aneurysm recurrence occurred in two repaired AVFs. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with staple aneurysmorrhaphy shows that it is an effective, safe, and durable procedure to preserve a functioning autogenous AVF with complicated aneurysmal degeneration. Key principles are to reduce the vein to normal adjacent diameter and to provide healthy skin coverage. The remodeled AVF has a low aneurysm recurrence rate and maintains the beneficial properties of superior patency and low infection. It is important to aggressively monitor for and treat proximal outflow venous stenoses to prevent aneurysm recurrence. The surgery can be done safely under local anesthesia in selected patients.

A feasible ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasovasostomy under local anaesthesia using a specially designed double-ringed clamp that simplifies surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In line with the effort to evaluate feasible surgical options for vasectomy reversal and to increase patients' willingness to undergo the procedure, this study reported on a technique for ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasovasostomy using a double-ringed clamp (i.e. Moon's clamp). This technique does not require the use of dilators, approximators and other accessory devices. METHODS: Ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasovasostomy was conducted on 263 patients who satisfied the surgical eligibility requirements for vasovasostomy and the safety criteria for local anaesthesia. The operation time, details on postoperative recovery and results of the postoperative semen analysis were recorded and retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The mean time used to isolate the bilateral vas deferens was 25.5 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery and all patients returned to their normal activities within 24-48 hours after surgery. No haematoma or infection occurred except in one patient. Postoperative semen analysis showed that the surgery was successful in 182 (96.8%) of the 188 patients who complied with the postoperative patient instructions. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasectomy reversal using Moon's clamp and under local anaesthesia is a surgically feasible option that offers the advantages of a low-risk operation. It also achieves successful vasovasostomy without other accessory devices and allows patients to return to their daily activities quickly with minimal complications.

Selection of patients and results of 25 years of topical anesthesia and adjustable suture surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The author has used adjustable suture techniques either in the operating room with topical anesthesia or at a later time after retrobulbar or general anesthesia for over 25 years. Careful selection of patients is essential to the success of this technique. It is the purpose of this paper to report the selection criteria used and to compare the results of the two methods utilized. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-three patients were included in this study: 123 were operated upon with topical anesthesia. For comparison, sixty patients were included who had adjustment later in the day or the next day after having retrobulbar or general anesthesia. Both horizontal and vertical strabismus cases were included. RESULTS: Adjustable techniques done in the operating room or at a later time have both shown significant improvement in the strabismus angle following one operation in 86% of the cases. Diplopia was eliminated in 63% of patients with this complaint. (63% and 64.5% in the two groups, respectively). Seventeen of 123 patients having topical anesthesia (13.8%) required a second operation, and 8 of 60 (13.3%) of those having a later adjustment needed further surgery. CONCLUSION: Careful selection of patients undergoing strabismus surgery allows successful topical muscle adjustment in the operating room with results similar to adjustments done following retrobulbar or general anesthesia at a later time.

Suspension of the gluteal region with silhouette sutures.

The authors present their minimally invasive gluteopexy technique, using polypropylene 2-0 sutures with 10 absorbable polylactic cones in their distal section (Silhouette Lift, Irvine, California) to improve the anteroposterior projection of the gluteal region. Histological study of the reaction of adipose tissue surrounding the cones previously has shown that, 3 months after insertion of the sutures, fibrous scar tissue is sufficiently developed to resist the weight of the tissues. On the basis of this finding, the authors decided to perform the gluteopexy with sutures, in 2 surgical steps. During the first step, the sutures are inserted in the adipose tissue without any proximal fixation. In the second step, performed 3 months after the first procedure when the fibrous reaction is more solid, the sutures are tightened to obtain the gluteopexy. Among the advantages of this technique are its simplicity, the fact that it produces no traumatic effects, and the fact that it can be performed with local anesthetic, reducing surgical time. It is also possible to combine this procedure with lipofilling or liposuction techniques.

Single-center experience of percutaneous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with local anesthesia and conscious sedation: technique and results.

AIM: Totally percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (PEVAR) by using the "Preclose" technique has been previously described. We retrospectively analyzed data, collected prospectively at our institution, regarding PEVAR via femoral artery access with local anesthesia and conscious sedation. METHODS: Between January 2001 and May 2009, 1150 patients underwent PEVAR in the endovascular suite of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at our institution. Of those procedures, 915 (79%) were performed with local anesthesia and conscious sedation. RESULTS: The majority of patients were male (87%). Their mean age was 72±10 years, and 98% had a risk status of American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV. The PEVAR involved bilateral percutaneous femoral access with 12F to 24F sheaths (depending on the stent-graft system). The mean total procedure time was 149 minutes. Percutaneous closure of the arterial access sites with the Prostar XL was successful in 1727 (94.3%) of the 1830 femoral arteries in which PEVAR was attempted, whereas 103 femoral arteries (5.6%) required surgical repair because adequate hemostasis was not attained at the access site. There were no procedural deaths, but 6 patients (0.6%) died within 30 days of the procedure: 3 died of intestinal ischemia, 1 of stroke, 1 of refractory ventricular arrhythmia, and 1 of worsening renal failure. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.3±2 days. CONCLUSION: PEVAR with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation is safe and feasible and should be considered for patients for whom general anesthesia poses a high risk.

Snapping knee caused by a popliteomeniscal fascicle tear of the lateral meniscus in a professional Taekwondo athlete.

A 19-year-old male professional Taekwondo athlete presented with a 2-year history of pain-free snapping of his right knee. He reported that his right knee joint gave way during games and training and that he could induce pain-free snapping between the proximal-to-fibular head and the lateral knee joint line. None of these physical findings suggested a meniscal pathology or ligamentous instability. Routine radiographs were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of his right knee joint showed that the shape of the lateral meniscus was normal, and no lateral meniscus tears existed. On arthroscopic examination, popliteal hiatus view showed a posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicle tear between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the posterior joint capsule just posteromedial to the popliteus tendon. With medial traction by probing, this popliteomeniscal tear made visible the significant subluxation of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the center or anterior half of the tibial plateau. Based on the diagnosis of a posterosuperior popliteomeniscal tear of the right knee, Fast-Fix (Smith & Nephew, Andover, Massachusetts) was used for the direct repair of the peripheral portion of the lateral meniscus and joint capsule, targeting the popliteomeniscal junction. At 24 months postoperatively, the patient was performing athletic exercises relevant to his profession and was taking part in Taekwondo games, with no pain or recurrence of snapping. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of snapping of the lateral aspect of the knee due to a popliteomeniscal fascicle tear.

Comparison of long-term outcome and quality of life after laparoscopic repair of incisional and ventral hernias with suture fixation with and without tacks: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Technique of mesh fixation in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is a matter of debate. Literature is lacking in randomized trials comparing various methods of mesh fixation. This study was designed to compare the cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes following the two methods of mesh fixation. METHODS: A total of 110 patients were randomized to tacker mesh fixation or suture mesh fixation. Patients with nonrecurrent hernias with defect size ranging from 2 to 5 cm were included. The cost and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated. SF-36v2 health survey was used for quality-of-life analysis. Patients were followed up at regular intervals, and return to activity and satisfaction scores were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic profile and hernia characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Operation time was significantly higher (p < 0) and early postoperative pain at 1 h, 6 h, and 1 month was significantly lower in the suture group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of chronic pain and seroma formation over a mean follow-up of 32.2 months. Cost of procedure was significantly higher in group I (p < 0.001). Suture fixation was found to be more cost-effective than tacker fixation. Postoperative quality of life outcomes were similar in the two groups. Among return to activity parameters, time to resumption of daily activities and starting climbing stairs were significantly shorter in the suture group. CONCLUSIONS: The suture fixation method is a cost-effective alternative to tacker fixation in patients with small- to medium-sized defects in laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair. Suture fixation is better than tacker fixation in terms of early postoperative pain and return to activity. The two procedures are equally effective regarding the recurrence rates, complications, hospital stay, chronic pain, quality of life determinants, and patient satisfaction.

Fasciotomy closure using simultaneous vacuum-assisted closure and hyperbaric oxygen.

Fasciotomies performed for compartment syndrome and ischemic vascular disease often requires closure in 2 to 4 weeks by skin graft. This leaves the patient with an unsightly scar and a limb with reduced strength. The use of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) quickly reduce the edema and permit earlier closure with adjacent skin. A study of three trauma patients with compartment syndrome, fasciotomies, and the use of the VAC and HBOT to close the fasciotomy wounds with adjacent skin is presented. The pathophysiology of compartment syndrome and ischemia-reperfusion syndrome is discussed. These patients had closure of the fasciotomy wounds in 3 to 18 days. The simultaneous use of HBOT and VAC accelerates the reduction of edema in a synergistic fashion, permitting early closure of fasciotomy wounds.

Validation of the NITI Endoluminal Compression Anastomosis Ring (EndoCAR) device and comparison to the traditional circular stapled colorectal anastomosis in a porcine model.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the characteristics of compression anastomoses created by a new device are comparable to existing stapler technology. A total of 18 pigs were studied, and each served as its own control using a 27-mm compression device and a 29-mm stapler. Anastomoses were randomized to proximal and distal positions along the rectum and were separated by 10 cm. Six nonsurvival pigs were sacrificed at zero time to failure test the anastomoses. Twelve pigs were sacrificed at 14 days. Failure pressures, circumferences, and radiographic leak rates were determined. Anastomotic tissue was processed for matrix metalloproteinase, collagen, and elastin levels. The compression anastomoses had higher mean failure pressures than stapled anastomoses at zero time (103 vs 29.9 mm Hg). At 2 weeks, there was no difference between failure pressures (256 vs 250 mm Hg). During burst testing, 3 of the compression anastomoses failed at the anastomosis at 2 weeks, whereas none of the stapled anastomoses failed. The mean anastomotic circumference of the compression anastomoses was narrower than the stapled anastomoses (9.63 vs 11.25 cm, P = .001). There were no clinical leaks or radiographic leaks by barium enema at 2 weeks. There was no difference between matrix metalloproteinase, collagen, or elastin content based on tissue analysis. There were dense adhesions to 7 of 12 (58.3%) of the stapled anastomoses, whereas only 1 of 12 (8.3%) of the compression anastomoses had flimsy adhesions. A new compression anastomosis technique using a nickel-titanium alloy may be an advance in technology by reducing leaks and eliminating foreign material in the anastomosis.