Creation of gastroenteric anastomosis through natural orifice in rats by magnetic compression technique.

BACKGROUND: Being one of the core techniques of magnetic surgery, magnetic compression technique (MCT) has been used for digestive tract anastomosis reconstruction in experimental studies. This study verified the feasibility of gastroenteric anastomosis through natural orifice using MCT in rats. METHODS: The parent and daughter magnets were designed and manufactured for oral and anal insertion in 20 Sprague-Dawley rats. After anesthesia, the parent magnet was inserted into the colon spleen area through the anus, and the daughter magnet was inserted into the stomach through the mouth. Then the two magnets were positioned to attract each other and bind together. The position of the two magnets was monitored using X-ray. The time required for the formation of the anastomosis and expulsion of the magnets were recorded. 2 weeks later, the animal was sacrificed and the anastomotic specimen was obtained which was observed under naked eye and microscope. RESULTS: The gastroenteric anastomosis was successfully performed via natural orifices in 18 out of 20 rats. The mean time to construct the anastomosis was 3.78 ± 0.88 min. X-ray examination showed that the magnets were in the appropriate position in 17 rats. The magnets were excreted in 9.47 ± 1.62 days after surgery. The gross and microscopic examination of the specimen showed that the anastomoses were patent and the mucosa at the anastomotic was smooth. The mean bursting pressure of the anastomosis was 136.94 ± 6.79 mmHg. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to perform gastroenteric anastomosis through natural orifices by MCT.