Fibrin glue improves the healing of irradiated bowel anastomoses

Many surgeons are reluctant to construct a bowel anastomosis with irradiated intestine. Previous studies have demonstrated diminished tensile strength of rat small bowel anastomoses that have been irradiated intraoperatively. To determine whether fibrin glue, a known tissue adhesive, improves the healing of these anastomoses, 69 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three anastomotic groups: Group 1, sutured ileal anastomosis without radiation or fibrin glue; Group 2, irradiated sutured ileal anastomosis without fibrin glue; and Group 3, irradiated ileal anastomosis with fibrin glue added to the suture line. Groups 2 and 3 received a single dose of 2,000 R intraoperatively. At seven days, the rats were sacrificed and the anastomotic segment was tested for breaking (tensile) strength. Anastomotic collagen content was evaluated using a hydroxyproline assay. Tensile strength results demonstrated that Group 2 was significantly weaker than Groups 1 and 3 (P=0.001) and that the hydroxyproline content of Group 3 was significantly greater than that of Group 2 (P=0.015). These results show that the addition of fibrin glue to an intraoperatively irradiated small bowel anastomosis improves healing, as demonstrated by both tensile strength and hydroxyproline content studies.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Boston, Massachusetts, May 12 to 17, 1991.This work was supported in part by the Bowman Research Fund.     

Healing of colon anastomoses covered with fibrin glue after immediate postoperative intraperitoneal administration of 5-fluorouracil

PURPOSE The aim of this experimental study was to investigate whether covering the colonic anastomoses with fibrin glue can protect the colonic healing from the adverse effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), when it is injected intraperitoneally immediately after colon resection. METHODS Sixty-four rats were randomized to one of four groups. After resection of a 1-cm segment of the transverse colon, an end-to-end sutured anastomosis was performed. Rats of the control group and the fibrin glue group were injected with 6 ml of solution 0.9 percent NaCl intraperitoneally. Rats in the 5-FU and the 5-FU + fibrin glue groups received 5-FU intraperitoneally. The colonic anastomoses of the rats in the fibrin glue group and in the 5-FU + fibrin glue group were covered with fibrin glue. All rats were killed on the 8th postoperative day and the anastomoses were examined macroscopically. The bursting pressure measurements were recorded and the anastomoses were graded histologically.RESULTS The leakage rate of the anastomoses was significantly higher in the rats of the 5-FU group than in those of the fibrin glue group and those of the 5-FU + fibrin glue group (37.5 percent vs. 0 percent, P = 0.020). The adhesion formation score was significantly higher in rats of the 5-FU group than in the other groups. Bursting pressures were also significantly lower in the 5-FUgroup than in the other groups (P < 0.001). Rats in the 5-FU + fibrin glue group developed significantly more marked neoagiogenesis than rats in the other groups. Rats in the 5-FU + fibrin glue group also presented significantly more fibroblast activity than those in the 5-FU group. (P = 0.004)CONCLUSIONS The immediate postoperative, intraperitoneal administration of 5-FU inhibited wound healing. However, when the colonic anastomoses were covered with fibrin glue, the injection of 5-FU had no adverse effects on the healing of the anastomoses.     

Healing of ischemic colonic anastomosis: Fibrin sealant does not improve wound healing

Fibrin adhesives have been advocated as a protective sealant in high-risk colonic anastomoses to prevent leakage. To assess the effect of fibrin glue sealing on the healing ischemic anastomosis, we compared the healing of sutured colonic anastomoses in the rat, with and without fibrin adhesive (Groups IA and IB), and ischemic anastomoses with and without fibrin adhesive (Groups IIA and IIB). On days two, four, and seven, 10 animals in each group were sacrificed. Adhesion formation was scored, and the in situ bursting pressure was measured. The collagen concentration and degradation were estimated by measuring hydroxyproline. Adhesion formation was more prominent in Groups IB, IIA, and IIB on day four only; abscesses were noted in the ischemic group in four rats. Anastomotic bursting pressure was significantly lower in sealed (IB) and ischemic anastomoses (IIA) than in normal anastomoses (IA) on day four. Sealing of ischemic anastomoses did not change bursting pressures on days two, four, and seven. The relative decrease of collagen in the sealed anastomoses is significantly higher on day four only. It is concluded that sealing of normal colonic anastomoses in the rat has a negative effect on wound healing. Ischemia at the anastomotic site results in weaker anastomotic strength on day four postoperatively. Also in ischemic anastomoses, fibrin sealant does not improve wound healing during the first seven days. Adhesion formation on ischemic intestinal anastomoses was not prevented by fibrin sealing.     

Effect of fibrin glue on irradiated colonic anastomoses

INTRODUCTION: The present study was planned to research the effects of fibrin glue on irradiated colonic anastomoses. METHOD: The effect of fibrin glue on irradiated colonic anastomoses was investigated in four identical groups of rats. In Group I (control group) colonic anastomoses were performed without radiotherapy; in Group II, colonic anastomoses were performed five days after radiotherapy; in Group III, fibrin glue was applied to anastomotic line without radiotherapy; in Group IV, fibrin glue was applied to anastomotic line with radiotherapy. The healing of left colonic anastomoses was evaluated through the bursting pressure of the anastomotic segment and the hydroxyproline contents of the anastomosis. RESULTS: Measurements done on the fourth postoperative day revealed that anastomotic healing was impaired in rats that underwent radiotherapy ( P <0.001); fibrin glue had no effect on anastomotic healing in groups with or without radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: In the early phases of anastomotic healing, fibrin glue cannot help remove unwanted effects of preoperative radiotherapy.     

The healing of colon anastomosis covered with fibrin glue after early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Background After colon resection for colonic cancer, the administration of antineoplastic agents may prolong survival by killing residual cancer calls and preventing metastasis, but may also slow anastomotic healing. This study was designed to determine the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LEV), injected intraperitoneally, on the healing of colonic anastomoses with or without fibrin glue (FG) covering. Methods Sixty rats were randomized to one of four groups. After resection of a transverse colon segment, an end-to-end sutured anastomosis was performed. Rats in the 5-FU+LEV and the 5- FU+LEV+FG groups received 5-FU+LEV intraperitoneally. The colonic anastomoses of the rats in the FG group and in the 5-FU+LEV+FG group were covered with fibrin glue. All rats were killed on postoperative day 8. Bursting pressure measurements were recorded and the anastomoses were examined macroscopically and histologically. Results The leakage rate of the anastomoses was significantly different among groups. Specifically, the leakage rate was significantly higher in the 5-FU+LEV group (40%) than in the FG and in the 5-FU+LEV+FG groups where there were no leakages (p=0.017). The mean adhesion formation score was significantly higher in rats of the 5-FU+LEV group, compared to the control (p=0.023), the FG (p=0.006) and the 5-FU+LEV+FG (p=0.006) groups. Bursting pressures were significantly lower in the 5-FU+LEV group than in the other groups (p<0.001). Also, bursting pressures were significantly lower in the control group compared to the FG and 5-FU+LEV+FG groups (p<0.001). Rats in the 5-FU+LEV+FG group had significantly greater neoangiogenesis and fibroblast activity than those in the 5-FU+LEV group (p=0.025). Conclusion The early intraperitoneal postoperative administration of 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin impaired colonic wound healing. However, the application of fibrin glue prevented the deleterious effect of chemotherapy.     

Early effects of fibrin sealant on colonic anastomosis in rats: an experimental and case-control study

Background Leakage from colonic anastomoses leads to mortality and morbidity. Fibrin adhesives can be used to increase the strength of the anastomosis. In this study, we evaluated the early effects of fibrin sealant and hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose on colonic anastomosis in rats. Methods Anastomoses were made in the descending colon of 38 female Wistar-Albino rats, in three groups: control group (n=12), group 1 treated with hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose (n=16), and group 2 treated with fibrin sealant (n=10). After 72 hours, adhesion scores, bursting pressure, rupture strength and histopathologic healing scores were evaluated. Results Due to postoperative mortality, we evaluated 10, 10 and 9 rats in the control group and in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Of these, we excluded 4, 5 and 4 rats that had macroperforations at autopsy. In the remaining rats, bursting pressure (123.2±14.8 mmHg) and rupture strength (400±16 mg) in the fibrin sealant group were significantly greater than in the two other groups (Control: 68.0±10.6 p=0.006 and 325±52 p=0.009; Group 1: 74.0±9.8 p=0.03, 330±27 p=0.016). However, we did not observe any significant difference between adhesion scores (2.5±0.6, 2.0±0.7, 2.0±0.7, p=0.343). Conclusions In this experimental study, fibrin sealant increased bursting pressure and rupture strength of colonic anastomoses while hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose had no effetcs in rats, but both of them showed no effect on adhesion scores. In order to use fibrin sealant to decrease the rate of early leakages from colonic anastomoses, further studies have to be performed.     

Sutureless colonic anastomosis in the rat: a randomized controlled study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of glue tissue on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats. Two groups of 20 Wistar rats each were used. Following laparotomy, a segment of 1 cm of the colon was resected, 10 cm from the ileocecal valve. In the control group, the anastomosis was sutured in a single layer with 6-0 polypropylene interrupted extramucosal sutures. In the glue group, the anastomosis was performed by using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond, Ethicon). Rats were sacrificed on day 7 following operation. Integrity of the anastomoses, existence of perianastomotic abscess or peritonitis, and adhesion formation were recorded. Anastomoses were resected including a 2.5-cm of bowel on either side. Bursting pressures were measured and the specimens were sent for histological examination. Anastomotic dehiscence occured in 20% of the animals in each group. Adhesion formation was more extensive in the glue group compared to the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.074). Bursting pressures of the anastomoses between the two groups were not statistically significant (p=0.897). The wound healing process, as assessed by inflammatory cell infiltration, blood vessel neodevelopment, collagen deposition and fibroblast activity, did not differ statistically between the two groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, 2-octyl cyanoacrylate provides, under experimental conditions, a sutureless anastomosis equal in healing to the conventionally sutured one. The outcome may differ under demanding clinical situations. Received: 4 May 2002 / Accepted: 22 August 2002     

The effect of fibrin glue on the early healing phase of intestinal anastomoses in the rat

Purpose

Protecting the anastomotic integrity using suture or staple line reinforcement remains an important goal for ongoing research. The present comprehensive study aims to establish the effects of fibrin glue on the early phase of anastomotic healing in the rat intestine.

Methods

One hundred and eight young adult male Wistar rats underwent resection and anastomosis of both the ileum and colon. In half, fibrin glue was applied around the anastomoses. Parameters for repair included wound strength, both bursting pressure and breaking strength at days 1, 3, and 5 after operation; hydroxyproline content; and histology, the latter also after 7?days.

Results

A transient colonic ileus was observed in the experimental group. Anastomotic breaking strength was always similar in both the control and fibrin glue groups. Anastomotic bursting pressures remained low at days 1 and 3, without any differences between the groups. In both groups, the bursting pressure increased sharply (p?p?=?0.0138) so in the ileum. At day 5, but not at day 7, the wounds in the fibrin glue group contained less collagen. Other aspects of microscopic wound architecture appeared to be the same.

Conclusions

There is no justification for using fibrin glue on patent anastomoses constructed under low-risk conditions. Its potential benefit under conditions where chances for anastomotic leakage are enhanced needs further investigation.     

Injectable fibrin scaffold improves cell transplant survival, reduces infarct expansion, and induces neovasculature formation in ischemic myocardium

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we determined whether fibrin glue improves cell transplant retention and survival, reduces infarct expansion, and induces neovasculature formation. BACKGROUND: Current efforts in restoring the myocardium after myocardial infarction (MI) include the delivery of viable cells to replace necrotic cardiomyocytes. Cellular transplantation techniques are, however, limited by transplanted cell retention and survival within the ischemic tissue. METHODS: The left coronary artery of rats was occluded for 17 min followed by reperfusion. One week later, bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrin glue, skeletal myoblasts in BSA, or skeletal myoblasts in fibrin glue were injected into the infarcted area of the left ventricle. The animals were euthanized five weeks after injection, and their hearts were excised, fresh frozen, and sectioned for histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After five weeks, the mean area covered by skeletal myoblasts in fibrin glue was significantly greater than the area covered by myoblasts injected in BSA. Myoblasts within the infarct were often concentrated around arterioles. The infarct scar size and myoblasts in the fibrin group were significantly smaller than those in the control and BSA groups. Fibrin glue also significantly increased the arteriole density in the infarct scar as compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that fibrin glue increases cell transplant survival, decreases infarct size, and increases blood flow to ischemic myocardium. Therefore, fibrin glue may have potential as a biomaterial scaffold to improve cellular cardiomyoplasty treat and MIs.     

医用纤维蛋白胶在甲状腺手术中的应用

目的探讨医用纤维蛋白胶在甲状腺手术中的应用价值。方法将79例甲状腺手术患者随机分成实验组（44例）和对照组（35例）。实验组行甲状腺切除术，同时在手术创面喷洒医用纤维蛋白胶5ml，对照组行甲状腺切除术，术中不用医用纤维蛋白胶，两组均放置引流管。观察两组术后总引流量、第1天引流量、拔管时间、伤口感染和拆线时间等情况。结果实验组术后皮下总引流量、第1天引流量和拔管时间均少于对照组（P〈0．05）。两组间伤VI感染发生率、拆线时间无明显差别（P〉0．05）。结论应用医用纤维蛋白胶可有效地减少甲状腺术后创面渗液，促进创面愈合。     

Autologous fibrin glue reinforced by platelets in surgery of ascending aorta

OBJECTIVES: Fibrin sealants are popular for the improvement of perioperative hemostasis and reducing blood transfusion needs. Biological glues prepared from pooled human donor plasma have an inherent risk of transmission of blood-borne disease and are quite expensive to use. A system for the production of autologous fibrin sealant re-enforced by platelets has been developed. Its efficacy, safety and economic benefits have been evaluated in a prospective, randomized study. MATERIAL: 20 consecutive patients undergoing replacement of the ascending aorta by the same surgical team had local application of either Tissucol (Group A) or autologous fibrin glue (Group B) for hemostasis. RESULTS: No adverse effects of either glue were recorded. The volume of produced autologous fibrin glue was 25 cc PRP. Platelet yield was 72 %. The two groups were comparable. Efficacy was group comparable. Average cost for sealants in Group A was 470 +/- 100 Euros compared to 273 Euros in Group B, p = 0.004. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fibrin glue re-enforced by autologous platelets can be safely produced in the operating room in a large volume, with an comparable efficacy at a lower cost than commercial sealants.     

Effects of Hyaluronic Acid–Carboxymethylcellulose Antiadhesion Barrier on Ischemic Colonic Anastomosis

PURPOSE: Intraperitoneal adhesions may help the healing of marginally viable bowel ends. If adhesion formation is prevented by various methods, the integrity of ischemic bowel anastomosis may be compromised. Thus, we decided to study the effects of hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose, an antiadhesion barrier, on ischemic bowel anastomosis. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups. In Group A (control), a well-perfused distal colonic segment was transected, and free ends were anastomosed. In Group B, an ischemic colonic segment was prepared, then divided and anastomosed. In Group C, after completion of ischemic colonic anastomosis, hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose film was wrapped around the anastomosis. In all groups, rats were killed on the seventh day. Intraperitoneal adhesions were graded by adhesion score, and healing of the anastomosis was assessed by measurement of bursting pressure and hydroxyproline levels in the anastomotic tissue. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between hydroxyproline levels of the control group and the ischemic group (P = 0.02). HP level was also significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose group than in the ischemic group (P = 0.01). There was no difference in hydroxyproline levels between the control and hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose groups. Compared with the control group, bursting pressure was lower in the ischemic group (P = 0.02). Hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose wrapping increased the bursting pressure significantly (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in bursting pressure between the control group and the hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose group (P = 0.13). A marked increase in the adhesion score was observed in the ischemic group (P = 0.01). The difference between adhesion scores of the hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose and ischemic groups was not found to be significant, although the adhesion score in the hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose group was lower (P = 0.16). There was no difference in adhesion score between the control and hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose groups. CONCLUSIONS: Application of hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose in ischemic colonic anastomosis did not compromise anastomotic integrity. The adverse effect of ischemia on healing of colonic anastomosis was counteracted by hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose.     

纤维蛋白胶预防内镜黏膜下剥离术后出血疗效的对照研究

目的 探讨内镜黏膜下剥离术（ESD）术中使用纤维蛋白胶喷洒创面预防术后出血的临床效果。 方法 2015年7月至2016年6月,因消化道肿瘤在南京医科大学第一附属医院消化科行ESD治疗的连续病例纳入研究,2015年12月31日前的病例选入观察组,之后的病例选入对照组,观察组退镜结束操作前于手术创面喷洒纤维蛋白胶,对照组则无,对比分析2组的术后出血率、平均住院时间及费用等指标。 结果 观察组的术后出血率为7.45%（12/161）,平均住院时间（9.09±2.65）d,平均住院费用（24 246±5 519）元;对照组的术后出血率为14.79%（25/169）,平均住院时间（9.20±2.99）d,平均住院费用（25 214±6 258）元。观察组术后出血率明显低于对照组（P=0.035）,平均住院时间（P=0.744）及平均住院费用（P=0.138）组间差异均无统计学意义。多因素回归分析同样显示术中使用纤维蛋白胶是ESD术后出血的保护因素。 结论 ESD术中使用纤维蛋白胶能够有效预防术后出血,并且不会明显增加住院时间和费用,是一种有效且经济的方法。     

Effect of fibrin sealant on perianastomotic tumor growth in an experimental model of colorectal cancer surgery

Viable intraluminal tumor cells can penetrate a clinically intact rodent colonic anastomosis and give rise to perianastomotic tumor growth. The aim of this study was to determine whether transanastomotic cell migration can be prevented by fibrin-based tissue sealant. Following distal colonic transection and reanastomosis with 5/0 silk sutures, Fischer F344 rats were randomly allocated to three experimental groups. In Group A, a circumferential ring of tissue sealant was placed around the serosal surface of the anastomosis; in Group B, sealant was limited to 50 percent of the anastomotic circumference; and, in Group C, no sealant was applied. All rats then had 10 ⁵ Mtln ₃ carcinoma cells injected into the proximal colonic lumen via a rectal catheter. The incidence of perianastomotic tumor at 21 days was significantly lower in Group A (3 of 14 animals) than in Group B (11 of 16 rats) (P =0.012; Fisher's exact test) or Group C (10 of 14 rats;P=0.011). A further experiment demonstrated that sealant did not protect the anastomosis when tumor cells were instilled directly into the peritoneal cavity. A topical carcinocidal action therefore appears unlikely, but our results suggest that a circumferential anastomotic ring of fibrin sealant forms an effective mechanical barrier preventing intraluminal tumor cells from reaching the peritoneal cavity.     

The effects of the immunomodulators on the colonic anastomosis in an experimental model of intraperitoneal sepsis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The present study examined the effects of G-CSF and Levamisole used as immunomodulators on the colonic anastomosis healing in the presence of an intraabdominal infection. METHODOLOGY: 40 male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups each consisting of 10 animals. Standard colonic anastomosis, peritonitis and colonic anastomosis, peritonitis and colonic anastomosis and G-CSF, peritonitis and colonic anastomosis and Levamisole were applied to groups I, II, III and IV, respectively. The cecum of the rats in groups II, III and IV was ligated and perforated to create an intraabdominal sepsis model. G-CSF 50 microg/kg/day were given subcutaneously to group III and Levamisole 5 mg/kg/day were given perorally to group IV in the postoperative period until sacrifice. The rats were sacrificed on the fourth postoperative day. Bursting pressure and hydroxyproline level measurements of the anastomosis were evaluated. RESULTS: Bursting pressures of all groups were lower than the control group (p<0.001). The mean bursting pressure of group III was significantly higher than group II (p<0.05). The mean level of hydroxyproline in group III was significantly higher than group II (p<0.05) however; overall, it was lower in all groups than the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that intraabdominal sepsis adversely affects healing of colonic anastomosis, and healing of the anastomosis becomes better and the mortality rate decreases by the use of G-CSF.     

Reduction in bile leaks following adult split liver transplant using a fibrin-collagen sponge: A pilot study

IntroductionBile leaks are a frequent complication of adult split liver transplantation. We compared surgical complications in patients who had the cut surface of the donor liver treated with a patch to those in whom the cut surface of the liver was treated with fibrin glue.Material and methodsTwo consecutive cohorts of 16 patients undergoing adult right lobe split liver transplant were compared. In the first cohort, the liver surface was treated with fibrin glue and in the second the liver surface was treated with TachoSil^® fibrinogen-thrombin-collagen patches. Post-operative complications were analyzed.ResultsBile leaks were significantly fewer among patients in whom the cut surface of the liver was treated with fibrin-collagen sponge compared to those where fibrin glue was used on the cut surface: 1/16 (6.25%) vs. 7/16 (43.75%), respectively; p = 0.03. There were some differences in biliary anastomotic techniques used in the two groups but 7/8 leaks (87.5%) arose from the cut surface, and only one was from the anastomosis.ConclusionUsing a fibrinogen-thrombin-collagen sponge patch may reduce bile leaks from the cut surface of the liver during adult right lobe split liver transplants.     

Effects of albumin/glutaraldehyde glue on healing of colonic anastomosis in rats

AIM To evaluate the effect of local surgical adhesive glue(albumin/glutaraldehyde-Bioglue) on the healing of colonic anastomoses in rats.METHODS Forty Albino-Wistar male rats were randomly divided into two groups, with two subgroups of ten animals each. In the control group, an end-to-end colonic anastomosis was performed after segmental resection. In the Bioglue group, the anastomosis was protected with extraluminar application of adhesive glue containing albumin and glutaraldehyde. Half of the rats were sacrificed on the fourth and the rest on the eighth postoperative day. Anastomoses were resected and macroscopically examined. Bursting pressures were calculated and histological features were graded. Other parameters of healing, such as hydroxyproline and collagenase concentrations, were evaluated. The experimental data were summarized and computed from the results of a one-way ANOVA. Fisher's exact test was applied to compare percentages. RESULTS Bursting pressures, adhesion formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition were significantly higher on the fourth postoperative day in the albumin/glutaraldehyde group than in the control group. Furthermore, albumin/glutaraldehyde significantly increased adhesion formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, neoangiogenesis, and collagen deposition on the eighth postoperative day. There was no difference in fibroblast activity or hydroxyproline and collagenase concentrations. CONCLUSION Albumin/glutaraldehyde, when applied on colonic anastomoses, promotes their healing in rats. Therefore, the application of protective local agents in colonic anastomoses leads to better outcomes.     

Sutureless colon anastomosis with fibrin glue in the rat

The only technique available for creating an intestinal anastomosis without tissue strangulation is gluing. Theoretically, this could lead to a higher hydroxyproline content and greater mechanical strength than in a sutured anastomosis. To test the hypothesis, 83 rats underwent left colon resection and inverted primary anastomosis with either one layer of sutures (NG group) or fibrin glue (FG group). Seven-day FG anastomoses showed less adhesions (P=.02) but one subclinical leakage and a further radiologic one, compared with a greater amount of adhesions but no leakages in the NG group. The mean bursting pressures (mmHg) in the FG and NG groups, respectively, were 25±20 (SD) and 63±23 (N.S.) 30 minutes after surgery, 107±33 and 115±30 after one day, 81±31 and 133±26 (P<.001) after four days, and 161±36 and 175±24 after seven days. The somewhat earlier rise in hydroxyproline content in the glued anastomoses did not lead to significant intergroup differences. The glued anastomoses were thus weak during the critical lag period of healing. Also, by preventing adhesion formation, the glue may reduce the extra blood supply from perianastomic vessels. The outcomes might have differed more under demanding experimental or clinical situations. Supported financially by a grant from the Paulo Foundation.     

Wide-lumen stapled anastomosisvs. conventional end-to-end anastomosis in the treatment of Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: Preanastomotic recurrence and stricturing after surgery for ileocolic Crohn's disease is a frequent, unexplained phenomena that may lead to prompt reoperation. The aim of this study was to determine whether a wide-lumen stapled anastomosis (side-to-side, functional end-to-end) provides better outcome than a conventional sutured end-to-end anastomosis METHOD: A case-control comparative analysis of patients with Crohn's disease from two inflammatory bowel disease centers treated with wide-lumen stapled anastomosis and a matched (age and gender) group treated with conventional sutured end-to-end anastomosis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients with Crohn's disease were treated, 69 with wide-lumen stapled anastomosis and 69 with conventional sutured end-to-end anastomosis. Preoperative therapy, number of previous resections, indication for operation, and length of bowel resected were similar in both groups. Fewer complications occurred after wide-lumen stapled anastomosis (P=0.048). A total of 55 patients developed recurrent Crohn's disease symptoms, 39 (57 percent) in the conventional sutured end-to-end anastomosis and 16 (24 percent) in the wide-lumen stapled anastomosis group. Median follow-up was 70 and 46 months, respectively. After conventional sutured end-to-end anastomosis 18 reoperations were required, 15 for anastomotic stricture and 3 for fistulization. After wide-lumen stapled anastomosis three reoperations were necessary, two for stricture and one for fistulization. The cumulative reoperation rate for anastomotic recurrence was significantly lower (P=0.017; log-rank test) for the wide-lumen stapled anastomosis group. CONCLUSION: Wide-lumen stapled anastomosis is as safe as conventional sutured end-to-end anastomosis and results in a lower incidence of symptomatic recurrent Crohn's disease and need for reoperation. Further prospective study of the wide-lumen stapled anastomosis technique is necessary to define the precise role of this operation in patients with Crohn's disease.Read at The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' 100th Anniversary and Tripartite Meeting, Washington, D.C., May 1 to 6, 1999.