Circular Stapler Technique Research Articles

Advantages of Totally Stapled Collard Over Circular Stapled Technique for Cervical Esophagectomy Anastomosis

BackgroundThe quality of life between the totally stapled Collard (TSC) and circular stapled (CS) techniques from the patient’s perspective has not been assessed. This longitudinal patient-reported outcome and objective data assessment study aimed to compare the effects of TSC vs CS for cervical anastomosis with minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) on the quality of life. MethodsThis single-center, retrospective study included patients with esophageal cancer who underwent MIE and cervical anastomosis between April 2019 and February 2021; of whom, 105 and 216 patients received TSC and CS anastomosis, respectively. The objective metrics were evaluated based on postoperative complications. Patient-reported outcomes instruments using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer modules were assessed preoperatively. The Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) Core 30 and the QLQ-Oesophagus Module 18 assessed the quality of life. Mixed-effects models examined changes in questionnaire scores. ResultsThe stenosis rate in the TSC group was significantly lower than that in the CS group. There were no significant differences in other postoperative complications between the groups. In the QLQ Core 30 scale, the TSC group had better emotional function, less fatigue, less appetite loss, and better function than the CS group, with significant differences in different time points between the groups. QLQ-Oesophagus Module 18 revealed that the TSC group had significantly less appetite loss, dysphagia, dry mouth, pain, and obstruction, and better eating and speech than the CS group. ConclusionsTSC has significant advantages over the CS technique in lowering postoperative symptom burden and improving quality of life for cervical anastomosis on patient-reported outcomes.

Circular vs. linear stapling after minimally invasive and robotic-assisted esophagectomy: a pooled analysis

PurposeCurrent data states that most likely there are differences in postoperative complications regarding linear and circular stapling in open esophagectomy. This, however, has not yet been summarized and overviewed for minimally invasive esophagectomy, which is being performed increasingly.MethodsA pooled analysis was conducted, including 4 publications comparing linear and circular stapling techniques in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). Primary endpoints were anastomotic leakage, pulmonary complications, and mean hospital stay.ResultsSummarizing the 4 chosen publications, no difference in anastomotic insufficiency could be displayed (p = 0.34). Similar results were produced for postoperative pulmonary complications. Comparing circular stapling (CS) to linear stapling (LS) did not show a trend towards a favorable technique (p = 0.82). Some studies did not take learning curves into account. Postoperative anastomotic stricture was not specified to an extent that made a summary of the publications possible.ConclusionsIn conclusion, data is not sufficient to provide a differentiated recommendation towards mechanical stapling techniques for individual patients undergoing MIE and RAMIE. Therefore, further RCTs are necessary for the identification of potential differences between LS and CS. At this point in research, we therefore suggest evading towards choosing a single anastomotic technique for each center. Momentarily, enduring the learning curve of the surgeon has the greatest evidence in reducing postoperative complication rates.

P-OGC47 Anastomotic stricture after Ivor Lewis Oesophagectomy - An evaluation of incidence, risk factors and treatment

Abstract Background Anastomotic stricture is a recognised complication after oesophagectomy. It can impact the patient’s quality of life and may require recurrent dilatations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of benign strictures, contributing factors, and the long-term outcomes of management in patients undergoing oesophagectomy with thoracic anastomosis using a standardised circular stapler technique. Methods All patients who underwent a two-stage transthoracic oesophagectomy with curative intent between January 2010 and December 2019 at this single, high volume centre were included. All patients who underwent a stapled (circular) intrathoracic anastomosis using gastric conduits were included. Those with variations to anastomotic technique or those not having a transthoracic anastomosis were excluded to reduce heterogeneity. Patients who developed malignant anastomotic strictures and patients who died in hospital were excluded from the analysis. Benign stricture incidence, number of dilatations to resolve strictures, and refractory stricture rate were recorded and analysed. Results Overall, 705 patients were included with 192 (27.2%) developing benign strictures. Refractory strictures occurred in 38 patients (5.4%). One, two, and three dilatations were needed for resolution of symptoms in 46 (37.4%), 23 (18.7%), and 20 (16.3%) patients respectively. Multivariable analysis identified the occurrence of an anastomotic leak (OR 1.906, 95% CI 1.088-3.341, p = 0.024) and circular stapler size <28mm (OR 1.462, 95% CI 1.033-2.070, p = 0.032) as independent predictors of stricture occurrence. Patients with anastomotic leaks were more likely to develop refractory strictures (13.1% vs. 4.7%, OR 3.089, 95% CI 1.349-7.077, p = 0.008). Conclusions This study highlights that nearly 30% of patients having a circular stapled anastomosis will require dilatation after surgery for a benign anastomotic stricture. Although the majority will completely resolve after 2 dilatations, 5% will have longer-term problems with refractory strictures. Smaller circular stapler size and anastomotic leak have been identified as independent risk factors for developing a benign anastomotic stricture following oesophagectomy, and these patients should be monitored closely for symptomatology following surgery.

Comparative evaluation of efficiency for gastroileostomy anastomosis in laparoscopic transit bipartition with sleeve gastrectomy between linear and circular staplers.

IntroductionThe use of Transit Bipartition with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG + TB) to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes related to it has been increasing, but there are many challenges related to the procedure. The anastomosis diameter of gastroileostomy (GI) performed using linear staplers is an important factor affecting the postoperative metabolic status.AimWe aimed to compare linear-stapled (LS) and circular-stapled (CS) GI in SG + TB in terms of early and late perioperative and postoperative status.Material and methodsThis retrospective study included 24 patients who had undergone SG + TB between January 2018 and June 2019 to treat obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. GI was performed using linear staplers in 13 (SG + TB-LS group) and circular staplers in 11 patients (SG + TB-CS group). Operative time, hospitalization duration, complications, body mass index, haemoglobin A1c, albumin, haemoglobin, etc. were compared between the 2 groups before and 12 months after the surgery.ResultsThe operation time was shorter in the SG + TB-CS group than in the SG + TB-LS group. The surgical treatments were successful in both groups in terms of weight loss and diabetes remission. Although not statistically significant, malnutrition and anaemia were slightly higher in the SG+TB-LS group than in the SG + TB-CS group during the follow-up process.ConclusionsBoth anastomosis types were found to be safe for SG+TB, and the risks of postoperative complications were low and comparable in both groups. However, the diameter of the anastomosis should always be the gold standard in the CS technique, while it may be too wide or too narrow in the LS technique.

Comparison of circular stapling, triangulating stapling and T-shape stapling for cervical anastomosis with minimally invasive esophagectomy.

BackgroundThe triangulating stapling (TST) and T-shape stapling (TS) methods have been proposed to decrease the incidence of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy, but few studies have compared them to the circular stapling technique (CS). This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of three cervical anastomosis methods after esophagectomy.MethodsSquamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with CS, TST or TS anastomosis between April 2010 and June 2012 were recruited. Their clinical characteristics and short-term outcome were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analyses compared with log-rank test were used to calculate the effect of the three types of cervical anastomosis on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).ResultsThe incidence of anastomotic leakage was 21.8% in the CS group, 7.7% in the TS group and 11.9% in the TST group (P=0.029). There were significant differences in the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux among the three groups (P<0.001). Rates of anastomotic stenosis, pulmonary infection, chylothorax and hoarseness were not different among the groups. There were significant differences in anastomotic time, operation time and hospitalization time (all P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in albumin content at 1 month after operation (P=0.226). There was no differences in long-term surgical effects of the three types of anastomosisConclusionsCervical esophagogastric anastomosis by TST or TS can be considered feasible and safe and with improved short-term outcome.

Gastrojejunal Anastomotic Technique. Does It Matter? Weight Loss and Weight Regain 5\xa0Years After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

PurposeThe gastrojejunostomy during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) can be constructed by hand sewn (HSA), linear (LSA) and circular (CSA) stapler technique. They are all considered safe; however, it is not known which the best technique is. Short-term follow-up suggest no difference in weight loss or weight regain between them. However, there is no information on these parameters in the long term. Theatre time and cost are other important factors defining the best way to form gastrojejunostomy.Materials and MethodsIn a prospective longitudinal cohort study consecutive patients following primary LRYGB were recruited to a bariatric database in a tertiary care centre. Anastomotic technique, diameter, the length of operations and associated costs, weight loss and weight regain were recorded. Patients were followed up for 5 years.ResultsA total of 385 patients with an initial body mass index of 47.1 kg/m2 (35–68) were enrolled to this study. This decreased to 33.3 kg/m2 (21–54 kg/m2) after 5 years. There was no difference in %TWL after 3 years, P = 0.296, or 5 years, P = 0.187, between the techniques. The number of patients with weight regain was not different after 3 years, P = 0.224, or 5 years, P = 0.795. All techniques had similar operative time. CSA has a higher material cost. Early anastomotic stricture was more common following HSA; however, the difference was not significant.ConclusionMid-term weight loss and weight regain are not related to anastomotic technique, and there is no difference in operative time associated to them. Circular stapler technique has a higher material cost due to the additional stapler.

Totally Mechanical Collard Technique for Cervical Esophagogastric Anastomosis Reduces Stricture Formation Compared with Circular Stapled Anastomosis.

The optimal technique for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in esophagectomy has not yet been established. Using circular stapled (CS) technique effectively reduces the incidence of anastomotic leakage and shortens the operating time; however, anastomotic stricture has been reported to be more common. The present study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of the recently developed totally mechanical Collard (TMC) and CS anastomosis. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive esophageal cancer cases who are undergoing transthoracic extended esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction using cervical CS or TMC anastomosis from December 2013 to December 2016. Propensity score matching and multivariate regression were used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. Among 313 patients, 93 underwent CS anastomosis and 220 underwent TMC anastomosis. Stricture formation occurred in 59 patients (18.8%), significantly more often with the CS than TMC anastomosis (30.1% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the refractory stricture rate (9.7% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.134) or the anastomotic leakage rate (11.8% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.845) between the two groups. The propensity score matching cohort study including 86 pairs of patients confirmed a significantly lower stricture formation rate with the TMC than CS technique (27.9% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.038). In the multivariable analysis, anastomotic leakage, the CS technique, and a body mass index of ≥25mg/m2 were independently associated with a risk of stricture formation. TMC technique contributed to a reduced rate of stricture formation compared with CS technique in cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.

P146 AN IMPROVEMENT TO THE CIRCULAR STAPLING ANASTOMOSIS TECHNIQUE DURING MINIMALLY

Abstract Aim The circular stapled (CS) technique with transoral placement of the anvil is commonly used to perform the esophago-gastric anastomosis during minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). The procedure is safe, efficient and highly reproducible, however the intersection between the circular plane of the stapler and the linear staple line of the esophageal stump can expose the anastomosis to the formation of dog ears and therefore increase the risk of anastomotic leakage (AL). We describe a simple modification of the CS technique that avoid the formation of staple lines intersection. Background and Methods We prospectively collected data on a small group of patients who underwent MIE for cancer using our modified CS technique. Our technical modification consists in folding the linear esophageal transection line with a stitch around the anvil shaft, in order to include the staple line in the resection during the EEATM firing (figure 1). Feasibility has been evaluated as the percentage of cases in which the improved anastomosis technique has been carried out successfully with the formation of a complete anastomotic ring. Safety has been defined as the absence of procedure related complications. Results MIE was performed in ten patients using our modified CS technique, median age was 55 years. All the procedures were successfully completed with complete resection of the linear esophageal staple line and no intraoperative complication. Only one patient developed a postoperative AL, that was only detected by barium swallow and did not cause any symptom or clinical sign. Conclusions Our modified CS technique is simple, feasible and safe. Further studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy in preventing the occurrence of anastomosis leakage.

O187 ANASTOMOTIC TECHNIQUES AND ASSOCIATED MORBIDITY IN TOTAL MINIMALLY-INVASIVE TRANSTHORACIC ESOPHAGECTOMY – RESULTS FROM THE ESOBENCHMARK DATABASE

Abstract Background Total minimally-invasive transthoracic esophagectomy (ttMIE) faces increasing application in surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. For esophago-gastric reconstruction, different anastomotic techniques are currently used, but their impact on postoperative anastomotic leakage and morbidity has not been investigated. The aim of this retrospective multicenter analysis was to describe anastomotic techniques used for ttMIE and to analyze the associated morbidity. Patients and Methods Patients were selected from a basic dataset, collected over a 5-year period from 13 international surgical high-volume centers. Endpoints were anastomotic leakage rate and postoperative morbidity in correlation to anastomotic techniques, measured by the CD classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index® (CCI). Results Five anastomotic techniques were identified in 966 patients after ttMIE: Intrathoracic end-to-side circular-stapled technique in 427 patients (double-stapling n=90, purse-string n=337), intrathoracic (n=109) or cervical (n=255) side-to-side linear-stapled, and cervical end-to-side hand-sewn (n=175). Leakage rates were similar in intrathoracic and cervical anastomoses (15.9% vs. 17.2%, P=0.601), but overall complications (56.7%% vs. 63.7%, P=0.029) and median 90-day CCI (21 (IQR 0-36) vs. 29 (IQR 0-40), P=0.019) favored intrathoracic reconstructions. Leakage rates after intrathoracic end-to-side double-stapling (23.3%) and cervical end-to-side hand-sewn (25.1%) techniques were significantly higher compared with intrathoracic side-to-side linear (15.6%), end-to-side purse-string (13.9%) and cervical side-to-side linear-stapled esophago-gastrostomies (11.8%) (P&lt;0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed anastomotic technique as independent predictor of leakage after ttMIE. Conclusion Results of this analysis present the current status of the technical evolution of ttMIE with anastomotic leakage as predominant surgical complication. However, technique-related morbidity requires cautious interpretation considering the long learning curve of this complex surgical procedure.

A Technical Modification to the Circular Stapling Anastomosis Technique During Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Procedure.

Background: The circular stapled (CS) technique with transoral placement of the anvil is commonly used to perform the esophagogastric anastomosis during minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). The procedure is safe, efficient, and highly reproducible; however, the intersection between the circular plane of the stapler and the linear staple line of the esophageal stump can expose the anastomosis to the formation of dog-ears and, therefore, increase the risk of anastomotic leak (AL). We describe a simple modification of the CS technique that consists of folding the linear esophageal transection line with a stitch around the anvil shaft, to include the staple line in the resection during the EEA™ firing. Methods: We prospectively collected data on a small group of patients who underwent MIE for cancer using our modified CS technique. Feasibility has been evaluated as the percentage of cases in which the modified anastomosis technique has been carried out successfully with the formation of a complete anastomotic ring. Safety has been defined as the absence of procedure-related complications. Results: MIE was performed in 10 patients using our modified CS technique. All the procedures were successfully completed with complete resection of the linear esophageal staple line and no intraoperative complications. Only one patient developed a postoperative AL that was only detected by barium swallow and did not cause any symptom or clinical sign. Conclusion: Our modified CS technique is feasible and did successfully prevent the occurrence of clinically relevant ALs in this small case series of patients.

Intracorporeal Esophagojejunostomy Using a Circular or a Linear Stapler in Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: a Propensity-Matched Analysis.

PurposeThere is no consensus on the optimal method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJ) in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). This study aims to compare 2 established methods of EJ anastomosis in LTG.Materials and MethodsA total of 314 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer that underwent LTG in the period from January 2013 to October 2016 were enrolled in the study. In 254 patients, the circular stapler with purse-string “Lap-Jack” method was used, and in the other 60 patients the linear stapling method was used for EJ anastomosis. After propensity score matching, 58 were matched 1:1, and retrospective data for patient characteristics, surgical outcome, and post-operative complications was reviewed.ResultsThe 2 groups showed no significant difference in age, body mass index, or other clinicopathological characteristics. After propensity score matching analysis, the linear group had shorter operating time than the circular group (200.3±62.0 vs. 244.0±65.5, P≤0.001). Early postoperative complications in the circular and linear groups occurred in 12 (20.7%) and 15 (25.9%, P=0.660) patients, respectively. EJ leakage occurred in 3 (5.2%) patients from each group, with 1 patient from each group needing intervention of Clavien-Dindo grade III or more. Late complications were observed in 3 (5.1%) patients from the linear group only, including 1 EJ anastomosis stricture, but there was no statistical significance.ConclusionsBoth circular and linear stapling techniques are feasible and safe in performing intracorporeal EJ anastomosis during LTG. The linear group had shorter operative time, but there was no difference in anastomosis complications.

Stenosis after esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-double-stapling technique using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) in Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the patient's left side following laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

The drawback of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with the double-stapling technique (DST) using a transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™, Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) following laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is not only the high incidence of stenosis but also the presence of intractable stenosis that is refractory to endoscopic treatments. From November 2013 to December 2016, 24 patients with gastric cancer underwent intracorporeal circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-double-stapling technique (hemi-DST) using the OrVil™ in antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the left side of the patient following LTG to prevent twisting of the esophagojejunostomy and lifted jejunum, which might cause intractable stenosis of the esophagojejunostomy. In this patient series, no twisting of the esophagojejunostomy and lifted jejunum was encountered intraoperatively or postoperatively. Two stenoses of the esophagojejunostomy occurred. Because neither was involved with twisting and both were localized at the anastomotic plane, endoscopic treatments including balloon dilation and electrocautery incisional therapy were successful in both cases. There were no patients with intractable stenosis in this series. Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-DST using the OrVil™ in antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the left side of the patient can be one option for a circular stapling technique in LTG due to its prevention of intractable stenosis of the esophagojejunostomy that is refractory to endoscopic treatments.

A Shorter Circular Stapler Height at the Gastrojejunostomy during a Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Results in Less Strictures and Bleeding Complications.

The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is prone to a number of complications, most notably at the gastrojejunostomy (GJ) staple line. The circular stapler technique is a common method used to create the GJ anastomosis. Although recent studies have shown a decreased rate of anastomotic strictures with shorter stapler heights, the optimal circular stapler height to use remains controversial. We therefore completed a retrospective cohort study within the Alberta Provincial Bariatric Program (APBP) to compare outcomes between the 3.5 mm and 4.8 mm stapler heights. We identified 215 patients who had a LRYGB done between the years 2015 and 2017. 143 patients had the GJ constructed with a 3.5 mm circular stapler height, with the remaining 72 patients having the GJ fashioned with a 4.8 mm stapler height. The rate of anastomotic stricturing was lower in the 3.5 mm stapler group compared to the other cohort (3.5 versus 13.9%, resp., p=0.008). Likewise, the overall rate of bleeding complications was lower in the 3.5 mm stapler group compared to the 4.8 mm group (6.3 versus 15.3%, resp., p=0.04). The rate of anastomotic stricturing and postoperative bleeding is lower with the use of a 3.5 mm circular stapler compared to a 4.8 mm circular stapler when forming the GJ.

Robotic gastric bypass may lead to fewer complications compared with laparoscopy

Robotic technology leads to improved visualization and precision over laparoscopy but also higher cost of care. The benefits of this technology to patient outcomes are controversial. Our objective was to assess whether the application of robotic surgery to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) would lead to improved patient outcomes. A prospectively collected database at a bariatric center of excellence was reviewed for all RYGB procedures performed by one surgeon between 2007 and 2015. Procedures performed laparoscopically (transoral circular stapling technique) versus robotically (hand-sewn anastomosis) were compared; the transition in technique occurred in 2011. Patient demographics, baseline weight, BMI, operation duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity and mortality, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1-year follow-up were compared between groups. Morbidity up to 1-year postop was assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Of 246 patients, 125 underwent robotic and 121 laparoscopic RYGB. Patients in the robotic group were older and heavier but achieved similar %EWL to the laparoscopic group. The operative duration was longer but the mean patient LOS was shorter with the robotic approach. There were no leaks and no mortality. Based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, fewer overall and fewer severe complications occurred in the robotic compared with the laparoscopic approach. In our experience, the use of robotic technology for the creation of gastric bypass led to longer operative times, similar %EWL but decreased LOS and number and severity of complications compared with the laparoscopic approach. Since our findings may have been influenced by the type of anastomotic technique used with each approach they need confirmation by a controlled trial.

A comparison of cervical delta-shaped anastomosis and circular stapled anastomosis after esophagectomy

BackgroundThe delta-shaped anastomosis has been reported to reduce anastomotic complications for a decade. However, little has been written comparing this technique with the circular stapler technique. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of cervical delta-shaped anastomosis after esophagectomy.MethodsMedical records of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent McKeown (three-incision) esophagectomy between September 2013 and June 2015 were reviewed. Either circular stapled anastomosis (CSA) or delta-shaped anastomosis (DSA) was performed at the cervical stage. The clinical characteristics and short-term outcome were retrospectively assessed to identify the differences between the two groups.ResultsA total of 81 patients were included in this study. The clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Cervical anastomotic leakage occurred in 3 (7.7%) of 39 patients in the DSA group and in 8 (19%) of 42 patients in the CSA group (P = 0.197). The average anastomotic orifice width was 16.1 ± 4.9 mm and 11.7 ± 2.2 mm, respectively (P < 0.001). The incidence of anastomotic stenosis was 2.6% (1/39) and 23.5% (10/42) in the DSA and CSA groups, respectively (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in surgical duration, blood loss, pulmonary complication, postoperative mortality, time of hospitalisation and time of ICU stay between the two groups.ConclusionsDelta-shaped anastomosis may be an effective alternative method for gastroesophageal anastomosis after esophagectomy, with lower incidence of leakage and stenosis.

Stricture Rates After Gastric Bypass with Hand-Sewn Anastomosis

Background: Anastomotic strictures at the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) are relatively common after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). There are three different ways to perform a GJA: circular stapled (CS), linear stapled (LS), and hand-sewn (HS). The CS technique provides the most standard diameter, and the LS and HS techniques can be standardized by using a bougie to calibrate the diameter of the anastomosis. However, they can all become strictured. This study examines the stricture rate of a hand-sewn GJA over a 4-year period. Methods: A prospectively maintained database was used to retrospectively evaluate patient outcomes at our bariatric center. This database was evaluated for strictures. The gastric bypasses were performed over a 4-year period by a single surgeon. The technique remained standard over the study period. This was a two-layered HS anastomosis with four different sutures of an absorbable suture (2.0 VICRYL®). Inclusion criteria were primary laparoscopic gastric bypasses....

Double Circular Stapler Technique for Bowel Resection in Rectosigmoid Endometriosis

To reduce bladder function impairment and avert the serious complications of anastomotic leakage after segmental rectosigmoidectomy and to minimize the persistence of endometriotic lesions associated with discoid resection, we used the double circular stapling (DCS) technique. This technique enables excision of bowel endometriosis nodules larger than those that can be removed with the single-load technique of the circular stapler. Of 120 patients who underwent surgery to treat bowel endometriosis, intestinal shaving was performed in 24, discoid resection with single circular stapling in 40, and rectosigmoidectomy in 55. Eleven patients (9.2%) underwent the DCS technique. In the DCS group, the size of the rectosigmoid lesion ranged from 2.2 cm to 4.2 cm. Median operative time for the DCS technique was 100 minutes, compared with 150 minutes for rectosigmoidectomy (p = .04). Only 1 of 11 patients (9%) had urinary retention, compared with postoperative urinary retention in 14 of 55 patients (25%) who had undergone rectosigmoidectomy (difference not significant). Only 1 patient, with a 4.2-cm nodule, had a positive margin in the specimen obtained at the second stapling. DCS is a promising technique and may avert rectosigmoidectomy in selected patients.

Transrectal specimen extraction after laparoscopic left colectomy: a case‐matched study

Avoiding 'mini-laparotomy' to extract a colectomy specimen may decrease wound complications and further improve recovery after laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to develop a new technique for transrectal specimen extraction (TRSE) and to compare it with conventional laparoscopy (CL) for left sided colectomy. Eleven patients with benign disease requiring either sigmoid or left colon resection underwent TRSE. The unfired circular stapler was inserted transanally and used as a guide to suture-close the recto-sigmoid junction laparoscopically and as a handle to pull the sutured sigmoid through the opened rectum inside a laparoscopic camera bag. The anvil was inserted into the lumen of the intussuscepted sigmoid and pushed to the level of the anastomosis. The anastomosis was fashioned end-to-end in the first patients and side-to-end in the following patients to improve safety. Intra-operative and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing TRSE were compared with those of a group of 20 patients undergoing CL, who were matched for type of resection, body mass index and age. The procedure was successful in all but the first patient who was converted to conventional laparoscopic colectomy without any additional morbidity. Two patients in the end-to-end anastomosis group, but none in the side-to-end group, developed peri-anastomotic sepsis. Compared with CL, patients undergoing TRSE did not show any significant differences in operative time, recovery or morbidity. Transrectal specimen extraction after left colectomy using the circular stapler technique is feasible. A side-to-end anastomosis appears safer than an end-to-end anastomosis. Further studies are needed to explore the potential advantages of this procedure over CL.

P-46 Transoral circular stapling technique decreases stricture rates at the gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with the transgastric technique

P-46 Transoral circular stapling technique decreases stricture rates at the gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with the transgastric technique

Effect of surgical techniques on clinical outcomes after laparoscopic gastric bypass—results from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative

Background The techniques used with laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) and their association with patient outcomes remain largely unexplored. Methods We analyzed the data from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative, which maintains a state-wide prospective clinical registry of bariatric surgery patients. Participating surgeons were surveyed regarding their use of specific techniques during LGB. The survey data were linked with the registry data from patients undergoing LGB from June 2006 to January 2010. The gastrojejunostomy technique and the use of staple-line reinforcement were evaluated for their effects on patient outcomes. Results During the study period, 9904 patients underwent LGB. A total of 44 surgeons (86%) completed the survey. When performing gastrojejunostomy, most surgeons used a circular stapler (CS) technique (66%), followed by the hand-sewn (HS) (18%) and linear stapler (LS) (16%). Also, 48% of surgeons reported using staple-line buttressing when creating the gastric pouch. The rate of anastomotic leak at the gastrojejunostomy was not affected by the surgical technique (CS .6%, LS .3%, HS .6%, P = .38). However, the CS technique was associated with a greater rate of postoperative hemorrhage (CS 2.9%, LS 1.2%, HS 1.6%, P <.0001) and wound infection (CS 4.7%, LS 1.6%, HS .6%, P <.0001). The use of staple-line reinforcement was associated with a lower rate of postoperative hemorrhage (1.9% versus 2.7%, P = .012). Conclusion With LGB, the use of the CS technique was associated with greater rates of postoperative hemorrhage and wound infection than the use of the LS or HS technique. Furthermore, the use of staple-line reinforcement was associated with a reduction in the rates of postoperative hemorrhage.