A nickel-titanium memory-shape device for gastrojejunostomy: comparison of the compression anastomosis clip and a hand-sewn anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a compression anastomosis clip (CAC) for gastrojejunostomy and comparison of a novel technique with a hand-sewn anastomosis. METHODS: Sixty-six patients underwent gastrojejunostomy with the CAC or hand-sewn anastomosis. The time of bowel function recovery, the duration of nasogastric drainage, the time of initiation of oral feeding, the duration of postoperative hospital stay, the time needed to expel the clip, and the observation of any complications were recorded. RESULTS: Neither group had anastomotic complications such as leakage or obstruction. Anastomosis time was shorter in the CAC group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The mean time of clip expulsion was 15.1 ± 6.04 d. There was no statistical difference in postoperative results between the two groups. There was a moderate positive correlation between the day of first bowel movement and the day of clip expulsion (r = 0.536) and a strong correlation between the duration of nasogastric drainage and the day of clip expulsion (r = 0.881). CONCLUSIONS: The method of using a CAC appeared to be safe, easy, inexpensive, and less time consuming. It should be taken into consideration that intra-abdominal complications may cause delayed CAC expulsion.