Anastomotic Technique Research Articles

Predictive models and prophylactic strategies for anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery

Anastomotic leakage (AL) has always been a persistent issue for colorectal surgeons. It is still difficult to reduce the incidence of AL despite the advances in technology and equipment. With the development of evidence-based medicine, increasing high-risk factors for AL have been identified. How to efficiently and systematically combine and quantify these isolated risk factors to provide a scientific early warning of AL in clinical practices and help surgeons in choosing the optimal prophylactic strategies, is of great significance for reducing the incidence of AL. There are generally two types of AL prediction models in colorectal surgery, including prognostic models (for preoperative and intraoperative AL prediction) and diagnostic models (for early warning and improving the early diagnosis rate of AL). Prophylactic strategies for AL include stabilizing the underlying diseases, improving anemia and hypoalbuminemia, choosing an appropriate operative time window, and emphasizing and improving anastomotic techniques (including choosing an appropriate size of stapler). However, a prophylactic ostomy is still the most common method for surgeons. However, how to reduce the morbidity of complications following prophylactic ostomy and how to avoid the conversion of the prophylactic stoma to permanent stoma need further study.

Modified Collard technique is more effective than circular stapled for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in prevention of anastomotic stricture: a propensity score-matched study.

The anastomotic technique after esophagectomy is of great interest in the prevention of anastomotic complications that adversely affect postoperative recovery. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of modified Collard (MC) and circular stapled (CS) anastomoses after esophagectomy. A total of 504 consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy and cervical esophagogastric CS or MC anastomosis from January 2013 to December 2019 were enrolled. Out of 504 patients, 134 and 370 underwent CS and MC anastomoses. The frequency of anastomotic leakage and stricture was significantly lesser in the MC group than in the CS group (3.0 vs. 10.5%, P = 0.0014 and 11.1 vs. 34.3%, P < 0.001, respectively). CS anastomosis was an independent risk factor for anastomotic stricture (odds ratio, 4.89; P < 0.001). Oral intake was significantly higher in the group without anastomotic stricture than in the group with anastomotic stricture at 2, 3, and 6months postoperatively (P <0.001, P = 0.013, and P <0.001, respectively). The percentage body weight loss (%BWL) was -12.2% in the group with anastomotic stricture and -7.5% in the group without anastomotic stricture at 3months postoperatively (P = 0.0012). Anastomotic stricture was an independent factor associated with %BWL (odds ratio, 4.86; P = 0.010). Propensity score-matched analysis, which included 88 pairs of patients, confirmed a significantly lower anastomotic stricture rate in the MC group than in the CS group (10.2 vs. 35.2%, P < 0.001). MC anastomosis is better than CS anastomosis for reducing the frequency of anastomotic stricture, which may be useful for maintaining early postoperative nutritional status.

Stapling Common Enterotomy Does Not Increase Leak Rates in Stapled Anastomoses.

Stapled vs handsewn methods of bowel anastomosis have been extensively studied, however, no study has compared the handsewn vs stapled technique of closing the common enterotomy. Anecdotal concerns of higher leak rates due to crossing staple lines has led some to prefer a handsewn technique for closing the common enterotomy. Patients undergoing stapled side-to-side enteroenteric and enterocolonic anastomoses in both emergent and elective settings at 1 tertiary center from 2016 to 2020 were studied. 758 patients were included. They were divided into 2 cohorts: Stapled-Stapled (SS) and Stapled-Handsewn (SH) depending on the fashion in which their stapled common enterotomy was closed. Association of anastomotic leak rate overall, in the emergent vs elective setting, and within enteroenteric and enterocolonic anastomotic subgroups was evaluated with both univariate and multivariate analysis. Association with the closure technique, mortality and average operative time was also compared. Multivariate analysis overall leak rates (SS 5.9% vs SH 3.7%, P = .23) and enteroenteric leak rates (SS 2.9 vs SH 4.1, P = .52) were similar between cohorts. Operative times were significantly shorter in the SS cohort (SS 121.8min vs SH 138.1min, P = .049), with a difference of 16.3min on average. No difference in mortality was seen. The SH and SS result in similar anastomotic leak rates overall, and the SS technique is significantly faster than the SH technique. We therefore consider the SS technique to be an acceptable, and in the emergent setting, potentially preferred method of anastomotic technique.

Professor Leslie H. Blumgart-Pioneering Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgeon: a Tribute.

Leslie Harold Blumgart was the surgeon behind making Hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery a speciality and his recent demise will always leave a void in that field. He was the person who classified anatomical variations in the biliary tract and devised a special anastomotic technique to decrease the rate of postoperative pancreatic duct fistula after Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy. His contribution in managing hepatobiliary oncology cases with chemotherapy and radiotherapy was also significant. No wonder, he was designated as the “living legend” by the International Hepatopancreaticobiliary Association.

Linear- versus circular-stapled esophagogastric anastomosis during esophagectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Different techniques have been described for esophagogastric anastomosis. Over the past decades, surgeons have been improving anastomotic techniques with a gradual shift from hand-sewn to stapled anastomosis. Nowadays, circular-stapled (CS) and linear-stapled (LS) anastomosis are commonly used during esophagectomy. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to June 2022. The included studies evaluated short-term outcomes for LS vs. CS anastomosis in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer. Primary outcomes were anastomotic leak (AL) and stricture (AS). Risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used as pooled effect size measures whereas 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to assess relative inference. Eighteen studies (2861 patients) were included. Overall, 1371 (47.9%) underwent CS while 1490 (52.1%) LS. Compared to CS, LS was associated with a significantly reduced RR for AL (RR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.54-0.91; p < 0.01) and AS (RR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.20-0.51; p < 0.0001). Stratified subgroup analysis according to the level of anastomosis (cervical and thoracic) still shows a tendency toward reduced risk for LS. No differences were found for pneumonia (RR 0.78; p = 0.12), reflux esophagitis (RR 0.74; p = 0.36), operative time (SMD -0.25; p = 0.16), hospital length of stay (SMD 0.13; p = 0.51), and 30-day mortality (RR 1.26; p = 0.42). LS anastomosis seems associated with a tendency toward a reduced risk for AL and AS. Although surgeon's own training and experience might direct the choice of esophagogastric anastomosis, our meta-analysis encourages the use of LS anastomosis.

Laparoscopic right colectomies with intracorporeal compared to extracorporeal anastomotic techniques are associated with reduced post-operative incisional hernias.

BackgroundOwing to important differences in surgical technique, laparoscopic right colectomy with intracorporeal (ICA) compared to extracorporeal (ECA) anastomotic technique may result in improved patient outcomes. We aimed to compare both techniques according to incisional hernias and other pertinent perioperative characteristics, post-operative complications, and oncologic quality markers. MethodsAll adult patients undergoing laparoscopic right colectomies between 2015 and 2020 at a single institution were included. ICA and ECA techniques were compared based on selected outcomes using univariable and multivariable statistical analyses, as appropriate. Subgroup analyses were restricted to patients with neoplastic indications for surgery and non-urgent operations.ResultsA total of 517 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 139 (26.9%) underwent ICA and 378 (73.1%) underwent ECA. ICA and ECA patients had similar baseline characteristics. At two years of follow-up, a lower proportion of ICA patients developed a hernia at the extraction incision (1.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.02) and ICA was associated with an 80% reduction in extraction incision hernias (aHR 0.20, p = 0.03). These results were stable through subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Median operative time was longer in the ICA group (186 min vs. 135 min, p < 0.001), but the gap in operative time narrowed during the study period. Median length of stay was one calendar day shorter in the ICA group (3 days vs. 4 days, p = 0.007) and ICA was associated with a 13% decrease in the length of stay (aRR 0.87, p = 0.02). The incidence of superficial wound infections, anastomotic leaks and re-interventions was lower in ICA patients, but this difference was not statistically significant. 90-day unscheduled visits, readmissions, and mortalities were similar across both groups, as were oncologic outcomes.ConclusionLaparoscopic right colectomies with intracorporeal anastomoses are associated with a reduction in incisional hernias and shorter hospital lengths of stay without compromising on patient safety or oncologic principles.Graphical abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-022-09585-0.

First Femoropopliteal Bypass for a Critical Limb Ischemia

First Femoropopliteal Bypass for a Critical Limb Ischemia

Influence of interrupted versus continuous suture technique on intestinal anastomotic leakage rate in patients with Crohn’s disease — a propensity score matched analysis

PurposeIntestinal anastomosis is a crucial step in most intestinal resections, as anastomotic leakage is often associated with severe consequences for affected patients. There are especially two different techniques for hand-sewn intestinal anastomosis: the interrupted suture technique (IST) and the continuous suture technique (CST). This study investigated whether one of these two suture techniques is associated with a lower rate of anastomotic leakage.MethodsA retrospective review of 332 patients with Crohn’s disease who received at least one hand-sewn colonic anastomosis at our institution from 2010 to 2020 was performed. Using propensity score matching 183 patients with IST were compared to 96 patients with CST in regard to the impact of the anastomotic technique on patient outcomes.ResultsOverall anastomotic leakage rate was 5%. Leakage rate did not differ between the suture technique groups (IST: 6% vs. CST: 3%, p = 0.393). Multivariate analysis revealed the ASA score as only independent risk factor for anastomotic leakage (OR 5.3 (95% CI = 1.2–23.2), p = 0.026). Suture technique also showed no significant influence on morbidity and the re-surgery rate in multivariate analysis.ConclusionOur data suggest that the chosen suture technique (interrupted vs. continuous) has no influence on postoperative outcome, especially on anastomotic leakage rate. This finding should be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.

End-to-side Anastomosis on Digital Arteries: Just a Technical Choice or a Real Benefit?

Background:High-quality evidence is currently poor regarding the benefits of end-to-end (ETE) or end-to-side (ETS) anastomosis in arterial and venous anastomoses, despite being postulated as a potential influence on outcomes. A sufficient microvascular anastomosis is indispensable for the success of any free tissue transfer. ETS microvascular anastomoses have been becoming increasingly important as they allow reconstruction even in patients with impaired vascular status. To the authors’ knowledge, no studies have examined the choice of ETE or ETS anastomoses specifically for digital arteries.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study of ETE and ETS anastomosis cases; the only inclusion criteria was that digital arteries (proper, common) were the recipient vessels.Results:Fifty-seven cases met the inclusion criteria. All the venous anastomoses were ETE. Of these cases, four total intraoperative complications (immediate thrombosis) and only one case of complete failure were registered. The ETE group consisted of 49 patients and the ETS group of eight patients. A comparison of the mean ischemia time in the two groups showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.121).Conclusions:We observed no difference in the reconstructive outcomes of hand free-flaps and reconstruction between ETE or ETS digital arteries anastomoses. The successful microsurgical reconstruction was independent of anastomotic technique. In particular, the results of our study demonstrated no statistically significant increase of the ischemia time; thus, no prolongation of operative time can be attributed to the higher technical challenge of the anastomosis.

An alternative asymmetric figure-of-eight single-layer suture technique for bowel anastomosis in an in vitro porcine model.

Anastomotic techniques are of vital importance in restoring gastrointestinal continuity after resection. An alternative asymmetric figure-of-eight single-layer suture anastomotic technique was introduced and its effects were evaluated in an in vitro porcine model. Twelve 15-cm grossly healthy small intestine segments from a porcine cadaver were harvested and randomly divided into asymmetric figure-of-eight single-layer suture (figure-of-eight suture) and single-layer interrupted suture technique (interrupted suture) groups (n = 6 in each group). The anastomosed bowel was infused with methylene blue solution to test anastomotic leakage. Anastomosis construction time, leakage, and suture material cost were recorded and analyzed statistically using Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test. One anastomotic leakage occurred (16.67%) in the figure-of-eight suture group, and two (33.33%) in the interrupted suture group (p > 0.9999). The anastomosis construction time was relatively short in the figure-of-eight suture group, but the difference did not reach a statistically significant level between the two groups. The mean number of suture knots and the cost of suture material in the figure-of-eight suture group were significantly decreased in comparison to the interrupted suture group (15.67 ± 3.30 vs. 22.17 ± 2.03, 167.11 ± 35.20 vs. 236.45 ± 21.70 CNY, p < 0.01, respectively). Our results suggested that the alternative asymmetric figure-of-eight suture technique was safe and economic for intestinal anastomosis. An in vivo experiment is required to elucidate the effects of this suture technique on the physiological anastomotic healing process.

587. ROLE OF THORACOSCOPIC HAND-SEWN ESOPHAGO-GASTRIC ANASTOMOSIS IN 2-STAGE TOTALLY MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY. REPORT OF 200 CONSECUTIVE CASES

Abstract Esophagectomy is the mainstay of treatment of esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction cancer. Minimally invasive esophagectomy has been introduced in the 2000s in an effort to reduce post-operative pulmonary and cardiac complications. 2-stage totally minimally invasive esophagectomy combines laparoscopic abdominal phase followed by thoracoscopic thoracic phase. The rate limiting step of the procedure is the construction of esophago-gastric anastomosis. We aim to present our technique and results on hand-sewn thoracoscopic esophago-gastric anastomosis in prone position. This is prospective analysis of consecutive patients that underwent 2-stage totally minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction Siewert type I-II cancers. All operations were identical in terms of patient positioning, lymphadenectomy and type of anastomosis formed. Study included adult patients with no upper age limit (&amp;gt;18 years); all hybrid esophagectomies, esophagectomies for malignancy and emergency operations were excluded from the study. The anastomosis was manually facilitated thoracoscopic in prone position, in 2-layers, using barbed sutures. Primary endpoints were anastomotic leakage and anastomotic stricture rate. Secondary endpoints were 30- and 90-day mortality rates. During a 5-years-period, n=200 consecutive patients underwent 2-stage totally minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer. Most patients were males. Median age was 65.5 years. Median operative time was 280 minutes while median suturing time for the anastomosis was 50 minutes. Anastomosis was thoracoscopic, hand-sewn constructed in prone position in all cases. There was no conversion to open. Anastomotic leak complicated n=5 patients (2.5%); n=4 were type I anastomotic leaks and n=1 was type I, which was treated with chest drainage. Anastomotic stricture was presented in n=13 patients (6.5%). 30-day mortality rate was 1% and 90-day mortality rate was 2.5%. Formation of the esophago-gastric anastomosis is one of the most challenging aspects during 2-stage totally minimally invasive esophagectomy. Most surgeons prefer the construction using circular or linear staplers. Our anastomotic technique, present a safe and effective anastomosis, with favorable clinical outcomes. It can be reproduced and established in the hand of experts, offering all the advantages of manual anastomosis and reduction of devastating post-operative anastomotic leakage, which still complicates stapled constructed anastomosis with significant incidence.

536. PREVENTING ESOPHAGO-GASTRIC ANASTOMOTIC LEAKS; THE ROLE OF LOAD-BEARING SUTURES

Abstract The leak rate of esophago-gastric anastomosis remains at 10 to 30% despite technological advances and robotic techniques. From the moment of recovery from anaesthesia, the anastomosis is subjected to incessant distraction by the diaphragm with each inspiratory effort. It was hypothesized that eliminating all possible tension on the anastomosis during the vulnerable healing phase, by employing tension-bearing sutures between conduit and pleura, would provide the greatest opportunity for success. This study evaluated such a strategy. A prospectively maintained database of all esophagectomies performed over a 21-year period, was interrogated for the anastomotic leak rate following the introduction of a tension-elimination anastomotic technique. This consisted of securing the gastric conduit to the mediastinal pleura using load-bearing sutures inserted obliquely. When these were secured, the anastomosis became floppy, and remaining so throughout the vulnerable phase of healing, when collagenase digestion reduces anastomotic tensile strength by two-thirds. All patients had a contrast study performed between day 5 to 7 and all intra-hospital mortalities underwent autopsy to determine the cause of death. Clinical, radiological and autopsy leaks were recorded. There were 145 intra-thoracic esophago-gastric anastomoses created in 143 patients (two patients required salvage re-resection for tumour recurrence); of which 77% were male, and 65.3% were for adenocarcinoma. Fifty-five percent were stapled and 45% were hand-sewn. There was only 1 confirmed leak during the study period and 1 patient died from a mediastinal haemorrhage, which at autopsy was considered to possibly be the result of sepsis as a result of an occult anastomotic leak. The low anastomotic leak-rate is attributed to the protective effect of the load-bearing sutures; preventing any traction on the anastomosis, the most incessant source of which is the piston-like action of the diaphragm and the gripping of the diaphragmatic crura. It is intuitive that eliminating all tension during the most vulnerable phase of healing would also reduce any risk posed by minor impairments of blood supply or technical imperfections of anastomotic technique, facilitating anastomotic success.

467. USEFUL ANASTOMOSIS AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY USING ICG FLOW AND COLLARD MODIFIED METHOD

Abstract Risk of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is reported comorbidity, surgical technique, and others. One of management to reduce AL is to measure indocyanine green (ICG) of gastric conduit. It may be more sensitive and useful than traditional method. Furthermore, by changing the anastomotic technique with modified Collard method, AL rate was reduced from 15% to 4% and anastomotic stenosis was also reduced. In this study, we examined some marker of stomach roll depiction by ICG. We enrolled 52 cases for which ICG data were obtained from August 2019 to December 2021. The distance from stump of the stomach roll was measured by marking the line ICG 5mg stained after 30, 60 seconds We examined some data of arterial network between left and right gastroepiploic arteries, the depiction of gastric conduit, and intra andextramural vessels from the wall from the recorded images. We decided anastomotic line stained with ICG in 30 second. We reconstructed gastric conduit with 42 stomach roll and 10 subtotal stomach. The distance of gastric conduit stained with ICG was Mean ± SD: 47 ± 19 mm (0-80 mm) at 30 seconds and 28 ± 17 mm (0-60 mm) at 60 seconds. Arterial network between left and right gastroepiploic artery: yes/no (8:43), whole gastric wall depiction: yes/no (24/28), extramural blood flow: yes/no (44/7). There was no necrosis of gastric conduit, AL rate was 3.8% (2/52), and anastomotic stenosis requiring endoscopic bougie was 2%. Ten cases of subtotal stomach had no AL and stenosis. By using ICG, anastomotic line drawn in 30 second was shorter than 60 seconds and gastric conduit was shorter than traditional line. Determining good blood flow sites using ICG in gastric conduit and widening anastomotic caliber using modified Collard method may have reduced AL and stenosis. It is considered to be very simple procedure that does not depend on surgeon.

Extracorporeal versus intracorporeal anastomosis for right colon cancer surgery.

Laparoscopic right colectomy is currently considered the standard treatment for right colon cancer. After excision of the right colon, minimally invasive options for ileocolonic anastomosis include extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) and intracorporeal anastomosis (IA). However, the choice of anastomotic technique remains debated. As the entire IA is performed in the abdominal cavity, it is known for its advantages of a faster intestinal recovery and small incision. However, IA is time-consuming and technically difficult, limiting its widespread use. Recently, the robotic approach has increased the adoption of intracorporeal anastomotic techniques owing to the benefits of endowrist-articulated instruments and staplers. Except for a small incision and faster bowel recovery, the outcomes of the two anastomoses methods are inconsistent. To date, there has been no clear conclusion regarding whether IA or EA should be used to treat right colon cancer. This review aimed to investigate the current evidence relating to intraoperative outcomes and short-term postoperative results between both anastomotic approaches.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SINGLE LAYER INESTINAL ANASTOMOSIS AND DOUBLE LAYER INTESINAL ANASTOMOSIS

Background: Gastrointestinal anastomosis is one of the most common procedures being performed in oesophagogastric, hepatobiliary, bariatric, small bowel and colorectal surgery. There are still conflicting views regarding suitability of single layer and double layer anastomotic technique. Methods: This comparative study was conducted at Patna Medical College and Hospital,Patna in which 48 patients were repaired with single layer anastomosis and 48 were repaired with double layer intestinal anastomosis. Single layer intestinal anastomosis was carried using extramucosal technique with 2-0 vicryl suture (round body). Double layer anastomosis was carried out using interrupted 2-0 vicryl suture for both inner (continuous) and outer ( Interrupted) layer.End to end colocolic,end to side ileocolic,end to end ileoileal,side to side ileoileal,end to end jejunoileal and end to end jejunojejunal anastomosis were performed. Each group was compared for anastomotic leak, time required to construct the anastomosis and length of hospital stay. Results: The mean time taken for anastomosis (15±2 minutes in single layer anastomosis versus 32±5 minutes in double layer) and the length of hospital stay was same in both the groups.There was 1 anastomosis leak in single layer anastomosis group and 3 in double layer group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that single layered extramucosal continuous intestinal anastomosis is equally safe and perhaps more cost effective than the conventional double layered method and may represent the optimal choice for routine surgical practice.

Reconstruction and functional results after gastric resection

Depending on the extent of gastric resection, namely total, proximal or distal gastrectomy, different methods of reconstruction are available. These reconstructive procedures have not changed with the implementation of minimally invasive or robotic techniques in general but the spectrum of possible anastomotic techniques has been substantially expanded. Functional, in particular nutritional disorders with subsequent impairment of the health-related quality of life, are often diagnosed after gastric resections. The partial preservation of agastric reservoir has apositive impact on the extent of these disorders. After total gastrectomy, the placement of ajejunal pouch significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative dumping symptoms. Following proximal gastrectomy, double-tract reconstruction offers certain functional advantages as compared to the simple Roux‑Y reconstruction. In Germany, these reconstructive techniques are only used to a low extent and should be include in the repertoire of oncological gastric surgery with appropriate indications.

Intracorporeal or extracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis after laparoscopic right colectomy: cost analysis of the Torino trial.

Intracorporeal (IIA) and extracorporeal anastomosis (EIA) are two well-established techniques for restoration of bowel continuity after laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC). Since no economic analysis comparing the two different anastomotic techniques has been performed yet, it is still unclear if IIA can reduce perioperative costs. The aim of the study was to compare costs of LRC with IIA or EIA for right-sided colon neoplasm. This is a cost analysis of a single-institution double-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing the outcomes of LRC with IIA and LRC with EIA in patients with a right-sided colon neoplasm. All direct in-hospital costs related to patient's admission were recorded (intraoperative costs: operative room, surgical tools, blood units-postoperative costs: hospital stay, laboratory and microbiology analyses, diagnostic services, analgesic drugs and antibiotic therapy, blood units, reoperation-outpatient costs: post-discharge wound medications). This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Number NCT03045107. A total of 140 patients were randomized and analyzed. Mean overall costs in the IIA group exceeded 349€ the mean overall costs of the EIA group (7926.87 ± 4617.23€ vs. 7577.45 ± 6131.17€; P = 0.704). A mean extra charge of 608€ regarding total intraoperative costs was recorded in the IIA group (3058.84 ± 897.42€ vs. 2450.15 ± 558.90€; P < 0.001). The cost of surgical instruments resulted in 542€ additional charge per patient in the IIA group compared to EIA group (1782.74 ± 541.26€ vs. 1240.55 ± 384.09€; P < 0.001). The mean cost of operative room occupancy was comparable in IIA and EIA group: 1276.09 ± 514.94€ vs. 1209.60 ± 422.80€ (P = 0.405). No significant differences were observed in postoperative costs and in outpatient costs. This economic analysis showed that IIA and EIA after LRC had similar overall costs, even though there were intraoperative extra costs of IIA.

A Pilot Study on a New Technique for Vesicourethral Anastomosis, Using Two-Knot Running after Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Background: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy requires a significant learning curve. One area of difficulty is mastering laparoscopic suturing techniques to perform vesicourethral anastomosis. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a new technique for vesicourethral anastomosis using two-knot running. Materials and Methods: Vesicourethral anastomosis was created using two Vicryl 3-0. The first running stitch was placed at the five o’clock position on the posterolateral aspect of the bladder outside-in and then through the urethra at the same location inside-out. Proceeding counterclockwise, the running suture was placed from the 5 o’clock to 12 o’clock position. The second running stitch was placed from 5 o’clock to 12 o’clock position, proceeding clockwise. A knot was then tied outside at the 12 o’clock position. Results: The present anastomotic technique had been used in 20 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies. The average time for the anastomosis was 47 minutes, with a range of 38 to 65 minutes. No postoperative urinary leaks occurred, and no clinically evident obstructive symptoms resulted. The urinary continence rate one month after surgery was 20%, and 55% at three months. Conclusion: Two-knot running technique is described as a safe and feasible technique for vesicourethral anastomosis without any experienced assistant. Further studies on a larger group of patients are needed to confirm the preliminary results. Keywords: Prostate cancer; Vesicourethral anastomosis

REPLY: Reply to Kumar and colleagues.

The author reported no conflicts of interest.The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest.In their recent letter to the Editor, Kumar and colleagues1Kumar N. Flores A.S. Hussain N. Ganapathi A.M. Whitson B.A. Essandoh M.K. et al.Ensuring pulmonary artery patency in donor-recipient size mismatch: a collaborative challenge.J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Tech. 2022; 15: 206-207Scopus (4) Google Scholar provided an important suggestion for additional evaluation of the pulmonary artery anastomosis after lung transplantation with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the operating room. We thank Yokoyama and colleagues2Yokoyama Y. Chen-Yoshikawa T.F. Nakajima D. Ohsumi A. Date H. Various techniques for anastomosis of pulmonary arteries with size mismatch during lung transplantation.J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Tech. 2021; 9: 192-194Scopus (7) Google Scholar for their previous article on anastomotic techniques that again highlight the importance of a technically optimal operation, which includes an unobstructed pulmonary artery anastomosis. The routine nature of thoracic transplantation might allow a suboptimal pulmonary artery anastomosis after heart or lung transplantation to go undetected as a potential cause of pulmonary graft dysfunction or donor heart right ventricular dysfunction.Kumar and colleagues' suggestion of TEE Doppler interrogation of the flow characteristics across the anastomosis after lung transplantation could provide early evidence of a technical problem. If TEE is not routinely used for lung transplant operations, the anticipation of important pulmonary artery size disparity should at least stimulate consideration with our anesthesia colleagues for insertion of a TEE probe for anastomotic examination. The author reported no conflicts of interest.The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest. The author reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest. In their recent letter to the Editor, Kumar and colleagues1Kumar N. Flores A.S. Hussain N. Ganapathi A.M. Whitson B.A. Essandoh M.K. et al.Ensuring pulmonary artery patency in donor-recipient size mismatch: a collaborative challenge.J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Tech. 2022; 15: 206-207Scopus (4) Google Scholar provided an important suggestion for additional evaluation of the pulmonary artery anastomosis after lung transplantation with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the operating room. We thank Yokoyama and colleagues2Yokoyama Y. Chen-Yoshikawa T.F. Nakajima D. Ohsumi A. Date H. Various techniques for anastomosis of pulmonary arteries with size mismatch during lung transplantation.J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Tech. 2021; 9: 192-194Scopus (7) Google Scholar for their previous article on anastomotic techniques that again highlight the importance of a technically optimal operation, which includes an unobstructed pulmonary artery anastomosis. The routine nature of thoracic transplantation might allow a suboptimal pulmonary artery anastomosis after heart or lung transplantation to go undetected as a potential cause of pulmonary graft dysfunction or donor heart right ventricular dysfunction. Kumar and colleagues' suggestion of TEE Doppler interrogation of the flow characteristics across the anastomosis after lung transplantation could provide early evidence of a technical problem. If TEE is not routinely used for lung transplant operations, the anticipation of important pulmonary artery size disparity should at least stimulate consideration with our anesthesia colleagues for insertion of a TEE probe for anastomotic examination. Ensuring pulmonary artery patency in donor-recipient size mismatch: A collaborative challengeJTCVS TechniquesVol. 15PreviewThe vascular anastomoses of lung transplantation are a growing area of interest. Anastomosing the donor and recipient pulmonary artery (PA) segments is among the most delicate aspects of the surgery, and proper surgical technique is critical to allograft and patient survival. Obstruction of blood flow through the PA may cause graft ischemia, refractory hypoxemia, right ventricular dysfunction, and even death in affected patients.1 However, the importance of the PA anastomoses has yet to be critically examined in the lung transplant literature. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Purse-indigitation mechanical anastomosis vs. traditional mechanical anastomosis undergoing McKeown esophagectomy: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

BackgroundPostoperative anastomosis-related complication rates remain high in patients undergoing McKeown esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis, and the optimal anastomotic technique remains under debate. We describe a new method of anastomosis, referred to as purse-indigitation mechanical anastomosis (PIMA) by reinforcing esophagogastric anastomosis, which can be performed after minimally invasive surgery. This study was designed to compare its feasibility, efficacy, and safety with those of traditional mechanical anastomosis (TMA).MethodsBetween September 2020 and January 2022, 264 patients undergoing McKeown esophagectomy at a single center were included. Demographic data, including patient age, sex, diagnosis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy/radiation therapy in cases of malignancy, comorbidities, and operation time, anastomotic time, estimated blood loss, post‑operative complications were collected. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed, analyzed and compared between the PIMA and TMA cohorts.ResultsThe baseline comparability of the PIMA and TMA before the comparisons is no statistical difference. Univariable analysis revealed significantly decreased anastomotic leak rate with PIMA compared to TMA (4.10% vs. 11.59%, P=0.04). No significant difference was demonstrated in total operation time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, or pulmonary complications between PIMA and TMA (243.94±21.98 vs. 238.70±28.45 min; 201.10±67.83 vs. 197.39±65.13 mL; 8.83±2.77 vs. 9.35±3.78 days; 8.21% vs. 11.59%; all P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (3.44% vs. 50%) was significantly associated with an increased rate of anastomotic leak [odds ratio (OR): 15.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.81–43.71; P<0.01].ConclusionsPIMA is feasible, safe to perform, and demonstrated a leak rate less than half that of TMA in this study. PIMA may represent a superior alternative to standard esophagogastric cervical anastomosis techniques. Larger sample size and long-term survival are required to fully evaluate PIMA.