Double Stapling Research Articles

Efficacy of staple line reinforcement by barbed suture for preventing anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUNDAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication in rectal cancer surgery. Various methods, including intracorporeal reinforcing suturing, have been used to reduce the incidence of AL. However, little is known about the efficacy of staple-line reinforcement by barbed suture for preventing AL.AIMTo evaluate the efficacy of staple-line reinforcement using barbed suture for preventing AL in laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical datum of 319 patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection combined with double stapling technique between May 1, 2017 and January 31, 2021. All surgeries were performed by the same surgical team specializing in colorectal surgery. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they received reinforcing sutures. Patients’ baseline characteristics did not show any significant difference between the two groups. We analyzed patient-, tumor-, as well as surgery-related variables using univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. RESULTSThere were 168 patients in the reinforcing suture group and 151 patients in the non-reinforcing suture group. AL occurred in 25 cases (7.8%). Its incidence was significantly higher in the non-reinforcing suture group than in the reinforcing suture group (4.8% vs 11.3%, P = 0.031). The multivariate analyses demonstrated that the tumor site, tumor size and presence of staple-line reinforcement were independent risk factors for AL. We divided these patients into two risk groups based on the combination of tumor site and tumor size. Patients without any risk factor were assigned to the low-risk group (n = 177), whereas those having one or two risk factors were assigned to the high-risk group (n = 142). In the high-risk group, the AL incidence considerably decreased in the reinforcing suture group compared with that in the non-reinforcing suture group (P = 0.038). Nonetheless, no significant difference was found in the low-risk group between the two groups.CONCLUSIONStaple-line reinforcement by barbed suture may decrease the incidence of AL. A large-scale prospective randomized controlled trial is needed for evaluating the efficacy of staple-line reinforcement for preventing AL.

Comparison of pressure resistance of double-rows and triple-rows circular stapler in rectal double stapling technique: In vitro study.

Anastomotic leak after gastrointestinal anastomosis is a serious complication. Anastomotic failure depends on various parameters. The aim of our study was to evaluate the pressure resistance of a new device, EEA™ circular stapler with Tri-Staple™ technology 28 mm Medium/Thick (Triple-rows circular stapler; TCS) compared with EEA™ circular stapler with DST series™ technology 28 mm, 4.8 mm staples (double-rows circular stapler; DCS). We performed 30 anastomoses (DSC: 15, TCS: 15) of DST with porcine colon model in vitro. We performed following 3 comparative experiences; Experiment 1: observation of staple shape with a colonoscopy, Experiment 2: comparison of the pressure resistance, Experiment 3: comparison of leakage points. There was no hypoplasia of staples and the shapes were well-formed by colonoscopy. The leakage pressure of DCS was 19.6 ± 4.4 mm Hg (mean ± standard deviation) and that of TCS was 38.6 ± 10.2 mm Hg (mean ± standard deviation). There was a significantly difference between 2 groups (P < .001). 12 cases of DCS (80%) and 10 cases of TCS (66.7%) had leakages from Circular stapler point. 2 cases of DCS (13.3%) and 5 cases of TCS (33.3%) had leakages from Crossing points. Only 1 case of DCS had leakages from Dog ear point (6.7%). There was no significantly difference in leakage site between 2 groups (P = .195). TSC showed high pressure resistance during DST compared with that of DCS. It was suggested that TCS may contribute to the reduction of anastomotic leakage rate.

Single-incision clipless laparoscopic total colectomy for intractable slow transit constipation: a single surgeon's experience.

In our institution, patients with intractable slow transit constipation (STC) have undergone single-incision clipless laparoscopic total colectomy (SCLTC) with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) since 2011. We aimed to examine the feasibility and usefulness of SCLTC with IRA for patients with intractable STC. From January 2011 to December 2018, twenty-two patients with intractable STC underwent SCLTC with IRA at Kashiwa Hospital, Jikei University, by a single surgeon, were retrospectively registered in this study. They consisted of the first 12 consecutive patients undergoing the double stapling technique (DST) with IRA (DST group) and the last 10 consecutive patients undergoing functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) with IRA (FEEA group). The median surgical time was 185 (150-249) min for the FEEA group and 230 (180-266) min for the DST group. A significant difference was identified between the two groups (0.035). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the median age, sex, body mass index, constipation type, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, or no use of laxatives daily stool frequency 1month after surgery. No postoperative complications, such as anastomotic leakage, bowel obstruction, or bleeding related to vessel sealing device, were encountered in either group more than 3years after surgery. Our results suggest that SCLTC with IRA is feasible and safe for patients with intractable STC. SCLTC with IRA using FEEA is especially preferred to that using DST for patients with intestinal contents in the rectum that cannot be completely removed by pre- and intraoperative preparation.

Utility of Drain Fluid Culture and Gram Stain in Early Intervention for Occult Anastomotic Leakage in Colorectal Cancer.

Although occult leakage after colorectal surgery does not usually cause critical illness, it can cause long-term complications that decrease the quality of life of patients. There is currently no established diagnostic, treatment, or follow-up method for occult leakage. We assessed the risk factors of occult leakage and examined the efficacy of drain fluid culture and Gram staining for its early detection and appropriate treatment intervention. Data from 243 consecutive colorectal cancer patients who underwent resection with reconstruction by the double stapling technique between 2016 and 2020 were reviewed. Sixteen (6.6%) patients had postoperative occult leakage. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative treatment was significantly associated with occult leakage (odds ratio=12.423; 95% confidence interval=4.095 to 17.680; p<0.001). Among the 16 patients, 1 experienced stenosis, and none experienced a fistula or chronic sinus. Drain fluid samples of 34 patients (14.0%) were Gram stainpositive, and those of 76 patients (31.3%) were culturepositive. The positive and negative predictive values of drain fluid culture were 18.4% and 98.7%, respectively, and those of Gram staining were 38.2% and 98.6%, respectively, for occult leakage. Among cases with occult leakage, more than two bacterial species were detected in 71.5% of the cultures. Antibiograms indicated that the three major species tended to be resistant to cephem antibiotics, which are used for prophylaxis, but susceptible to carbapenem antibiotics, which are used for empiric therapy. Drain fluid culture and Gram staining may enable early detection and appropriate treatment intervention for occult leakage.

Complicaciones asociadas al reservorio ileal en colitis ulcerativa versus poliposis familiar adenomatosa: Impacto en la calidad de vida del paciente

BackgroundProctocolectomy with ileal reservoir is the surgical procedure of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. ObjectivesTo evaluate long-term postoperative complications (1994-2019) in patients operated for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and the degree of satisfaction with the procedure. MethodsObservational study based on the analysis of a retrospective database with prospective follow-up in 115 consecutive patients: 79 with UC and 36 with FAP. A total of 88 patients were followed up, 60 with UC and 28 with PFA. Results48 males (54.4%) with a mean age of 44.8 ± 10.6 years were evaluated. Indications for surgery were intractable disease in 54 patients (47%), dysplasia/cancer in 43 (37%), severe bleeding in 4 (4%) and perforation in 3 (3%). A proctectomy and mucosectomy of the rectal stump was performed in 67 (76.1%), and a double stapling technique in 21. A protective ileostomy was performed in all patients with UC and FAP. No differences were found in early complications between the two groups. Late complications showed a higher rate of reservoritis in UC patients compared to FAP (44.9 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.001), with more refractory reservoritis in the UC group (13.3 vs. 0%, p = 0.04) with no differences in bowel obstruction, strictures, or anastomotic fistulas. Overall satisfaction and adaptation were considered good in 87% of UC patients and only 57% in the FAP group (p < 0.01). ConclusionsProctocolectomy with ileal reservoir has comparable morbidity and mortality, except for the higher rate of reservoritis in patients with a history of UC, despite this contingency there is a better quality of life and greater acceptance of surgery in UC patients than in FAP patients.

Prevention of Anastomotic Leakage by the Double Stapling Technique in Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Prevention of Anastomotic Leakage by the Double Stapling Technique in Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Application of the Bioabsorbable Polyglycolic Acid Sheet in Colorectal Anastomosis in Animal Models.

Anastomotic complications after colorectal surgery are one of the most serious outcomes. To address this issue, this study used the newly developed bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet to assess its usefulness and safety using two approaches of double stapling technique (DST) after laparoscopic anterior resection (AR) in pig models. Rectal intratissue pressure was assessed after DST anastomosis in two groups, i.e., with (PGA group) or without PGA sheet (nonPGA group), which was sandwiched between the anastomosis in the first approach. In the second approach, after laparoscopic DST anastomosis with PGA sheet attached at anvil side, the clinical short-term outcomes within 1 week and histological findings at 1 week after the surgery were evaluated. Assessment of rectal intratissue pressure showed a mean pressure of 9.28 kPa in the PGA group versus 5.78 kPa in the nonPGA group (p = 0.39). The results of clinical short-term outcomes revealed that there were no anastomotic complications. The results of histological findings in anastomotic bowel tissues with PGA sheet were not significantly different from those of the control case. The bioabsorbable PGA sheet can be used for colorectal DST anastomosis in animal models and may be a valuable tool for this procedure.

Effect of transanal drainage tube on anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection for rectal cancer without a defunctioning stoma

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications of rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of transanal drainage tube (TDT) placement to prevent AL after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. In this retrospective study, the data of 556 patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR using the double stapling technique between January 2001 and April 2016 were analyzed. The patients were divided two groups: the non-transanal drainage tube (NTDT) group comprised patients without a TDT (n=341) and the transanal drainage tube (TDT) group, patients with a TDT (n=215). The overall rate of AL was 4.1% (n=23). The AL rate was significantly lower in the TDT group. The AL rate was 5.6% (n=19) in the NTDT group and 1.9% (n=4) in the TDT group (p=0.032). The mean time of AL postoperatively was 6.0 days. Among AL patients, the re-operation rate for AL was 84.2% (16/19) for the NTDT group and 75.0% (3/4) for the TDT group. Sex, age, BMI, neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy, tumor location, and double stapler diameter were not analysized to be risk factors for AL after LAR. Non-use of a TDT (odds ratio, 0.106; 95% confidence interval, 0.013-0.843; p=0.034) was established as a risk factor for AL in the logistic analysis. Based on the present data, TDT placement can reduce the rate of AL following LAR using the double stapling technique for rectal cancer.

Colostomy-Free Bowel Injury Repair.

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To examine procedures of bowel repair after accidental bowel injury during gynecologic surgery and consider the role of colostomy. Demonstrate the appropriate management of accidental bowel injuries. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospective cohort study. <h3>Setting</h3> Urban general hospital in Japan. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> From January 2010 to December 2020, 7,154 underwent laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy for benign pathology. From these cases, the videos of surgeries where bowel injury was experienced were viewed. <h3>Interventions</h3> 21 cases suffered an intraoperative bowel injury that may normally be recommended for colostomy. These cases were managed by same-session intraoperative repair. In one case where multiple bowel injuries occurred during vaginal retrieval, a colostomy was performed. In the other 20 cases, intraoperative repair was safely completed, and no patients experienced pan-peritonitis after the original surgery. It is important to suture the bowel in two layers. Needle driving needs to be precise with the driving and pull-through perpendicular to the bowel wall. Tissue involvement needs to be both precise and consistent across all sutures. The seromuscular suture is placed to push the mucosa into the lumen. In very severe cases we use LAR (one case). After trimming of the damaged cut end of the rectum, a double stapling technique is very effective for event free anastomosis. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> One case experienced leakage from the repair site and this was resolved with drainage and no colostomy was required. All other patients had an event-free recovery. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Bowel injuries have been routinely managed by colostomy. In our series, we have examined the effectiveness of our methods of repair without using colostomy and have found that when repair is sound, colostomy is not required. Colostomy-free surgery is more patient friendly and should be practiced in scenarios where repair training is adequate and suture repair can be performed safely.

Risk factors for anatomotic leakage after laparoscopic intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis with a double stapling technique

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic (intracorporeal) colorectal anastomosis with a double stapling technique at University Medical Center (UMC), Ho Chi Minh City. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study. Between 2008 and 2014, a total of 227 patients underwent laparoscopic rectal resection including anterior and low anterior resection. We identified risk factors for anastomotic leakage after using double stapling technique in laparoscopic rectal resection by univariate analysis. Results: There were 227 patients enrolled in study, male accounted for 51%, median age was 67. The location rate of a tumor above the anterior peritoneal reflection was 55.5%, stage III accounted for 91.6%. Anastomotic leakage rate was 4.8%. Anastomotic leakage rate of tumors located above anterior peritoneal reflection (Ra) was higher than those below anterior peritoneal reflection (Rb) (p=0.03). Other factors such as tumor size, stage, neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, protective ileostomy and number of stapler firings were not significantly associated with anastomotic leakage risk. Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage rate after laparoscopic (intracorporeal) colorectal anastomosis with a double stapling technique was 4.8%. Tumor location was the risk factor of anastomotic leakage. Anastomotic leakage rate of tumors located above anterior peritoneal reflection was higher than those below, accounting for 7.9% and 1%,respectively. Keywords: Laparoscopic rectal resection using double stapling technique, anastomotic leakage, risk factor.

An incarcerated internal hernia of the sigmoid colon through a defect in the broad ligament: A case report.

Introduction and importanceHernias through a defect of the broad ligament are rare, accounting for only 1.6–5% of internal herniations [1]. This report describes a rare case of sigmoid colon obstruction due to hernia through a defect of the broad ligament, which was diagnosed before surgery.Case presentationA 78-year-old multiparous woman presented with lower abdominal pain and nausea. Contrast-enhanced multi-detector CT (MDCT) demonstrated a dilated sigmoid colon and edematous mesentery of the sigmoid colon in the left Douglas' fossa, the uterus was compressed dorsally to the right and the left ovary was compressed ventrally. We diagnosed an internal broad ligament defect hernia with incarceration of the sigmoid colon, and performed emergency laparotomy. The necrotic sigmoid colon was resected and anastomosis was performed by the double stapling technique. The postoperative course was uneventful.Clinical discussionWe consider the treatment of hernia of sigmoid colon through a broad ligament defect.ConclusionWe recognize that there is a possibility that, in addition to the small intestine, proximally located organs may be incarcerated. In the case of the colon, we should choose the treatment method carefully according to whether or not the colon is expected to be necrotic.

Effect of different reinforcement methods on anastomotic leakage prevention after laparoscopic double anastomosis.

To investigate the effects of different suture reinforcement methods for anastomotic leakage and other postoperative complications after the use of a laparoscopic double stapling technique (DST). We collected the data of 124 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer from July 2017 to September 2018 at our institution. Patients were divided into three groups according to the suture reinforcement methods: intermittent, continuous suture reinforcement, and non-reinforcement (n = 41, 41, and 42, respectively). One-way analysis of variance, χ2 , Fisher's exact, and nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Among the 124 patients, there were no statistically significant differences in operation times, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stays and recovery of bowel movement. Nine patients were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage (AL). The incidences of serious AL in the intermittent and continuous suture reinforcement groups were lower than that in the control group, with lower reoperation rate, shorter average lengths of stay and lower treatment costs of two experimental groups. Intermittent and continuous sutures after laparoscopic DST is effective, safe, and feasible on anastomotic leakage prevention. These procedures could be popularized in rectal surgery on patients with high risk of AL.

Stapled Surgery for Hemorrhoidal Prolapse: From the Beginning to Modern Times

Introduction: Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common proctologic condition in adults. Among the different surgical procedures, one of the greatest innovations is represented by the stapled hemorrhoidopexy. The history of this technique started with a single stapler use passing through a double stapler technique to resect the adequate amount of prolapse, finally coming to the use of high volume devices. Methods: Nevertheless, each device has its own specific feature, the stapler is basically made up with one or more circular lines of titanium staples whose height may be variable. The procedure is based on different steps: Introduction of the CAD, evaluation of the prolapse, fashioning purse string or parachute suture, the introduction of the stapler head beyond the suture, pull the wires through the window, close the stapler and keep pulled the wires of the suture held together with forceps, fire using two hands, open the stapler and remove it and check the staple line and then check the specimen. One of the latest innovations in stapled surgery is Tissue Selective Therapy. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which there is a partial circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy focused on the prolapsing piles with bridges of normal mucosa left. Results: Several studies have reported that SH is a safe and effective procedure to treat hemorrhoidal prolapse. It is a quicker procedure with a shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work if compared with the conventional treatment. This is due to less postoperative pain, postoperative bleeding, wound complications and constipation. Furthermore, the first generation devices had worse outcomes if compared with those of the new generation stapler that showed lower postoperative complication rates with better anatomical and symptomatic results. Conclusions: Stapled procedure for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoidal prolapse represents one of the most important innovations in proctology of the last century bringing with it the new revolutionary concept of the rectal intussusception as a determining factor involved in the natural history of the disease. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy marked an era in which the surgeon may offer the patients a safe, effective treatment with less pain and fast recovery.

Technique of open and minimally invasive intrathoracic reconstruction following esophagectomy-an expert consensus based on a modified Delphi process.

In recent years, minimally invasive Ivor Lewis (IL) esophagectomy with high intrathoracic anastomosis has emerged as surgical standard of care for esophageal cancer in expert centers. Alongside this process, many divergent technical aspects of this procedure have been devised in different centers. This study aims at achieving international consensus on the surgical steps of IL reconstruction using Delphi methodology. The expert panel consisted of specialized esophageal surgeons from 8 European countries. During a two-round Delphi process, a detailed analysis and consensus on key steps of intrathoracic gastric tube reconstruction (IL esophagectomy) was performed. Response rates in Delphi rounds 1 and 2 were 100% (22 of 22 experts) and 83.3% (20 of 24 experts), respectively. Three essential technical areas of intrathoracic gastric tube reconstruction were identified: first, vascularization of the gastric conduit, second, gastric mobilization, tube formation and pull-up, and third, anastomotic technique. In addition, 3 main techniques for minimally invasive intrathoracic anastomosis are currently practiced: (i) end-to-side circular stapled, (ii) end-to-side double stapling, and (iii) side-to-side linear stapled technique. The step-by-step procedural analysis unveiled common approaches but also different expert practice. This precise technical description may serve as a clinical guideline for intrathoracic reconstruction after esophagectomy. In addition, the results may aid to harmonize the technical evolution of this complex surgical procedure and thereby facilitate surgical training.

Robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with side-to-end anastomosis in a patient with anal stenosis

BackgroundColorectal anastomosis using the double stapling technique (DST) has become a standard procedure. However, DST is difficult to perform in patients with anal stenosis because a circular stapler cannot be inserted into the rectum through the anus. Thus, an alternative procedure is required for colorectal anastomosis.Case presentationA 78-year-old woman presented with bloody stool. Colonoscopy and computed tomography revealed advanced low rectal cancer without lymph node or distant metastasis. We initially planned to perform low anterior resection using a double stapling technique or transanal hand-sewn anastomosis, but this would have been too difficult due to anal stenosis and fibrosis caused by a Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy performed 20 years earlier. The patient had never experienced defecation problems and declined a stoma. Therefore, we inserted an anvil into the rectal stump and fixed it robotically with a purse-string suture followed by insertion of the shaft of the circular stapler from the sigmoidal side. In this way, side-to-end anastomosis was accomplished laparoscopically. The distance from the anus to the anastomosis was 5 cm. The patient was discharged with no anastomotic leakage. Robotic assistance proved extremely useful for low anterior resection with side-to-end anastomosis.ConclusionPerforming side-to-end anastomosis with robotic assistance was extremely useful in this patient with rectal cancer and anal stenosis.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection: A single-center retrospective study.

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication affecting short-term and long-term outcomes in rectal cancer surgery. While laparoscopic low anterior resection is a widespread procedure, the risk factors for AL are not well established. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors for AL after laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique (DST) anastomosis. We performed a retrospective cohort study of laparoscopic low anterior resection with DST anastomosis for rectal cancer between January 2010 and February 2019. Finally, a total of 1197 patients were eligible for the study. Twenty-five variables were collected for univariate and multivariate analyses. AL occurred in 49 patients (4.1%). In multivariate analysis, blood loss (≥70 mL) and no defunctioning stoma were independent risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-4.34; P=.030 and OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.66-6.37; P=.0003, respectively). In addition, risk factors for AL were analyzed in 601 patients without defunctioning stoma. As a result, AL occurred in 36 patients (6.0%) and multivariate analysis demonstrated that blood loss (≥70 mL) and anastomotic level from anal verge (<5 cm) were independent risk factors (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.24-7.44; P=.016 and OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.14-4.69; P=.020, respectively). Laparoscopic low anterior resection is feasible and safe with a low AL rate. Important factors associated with AL were blood loss and defunctioning stoma. Without defunctioning stoma, blood loss and distal anastomosis are also important factors.

Impact of the number of stapler firings on anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic rectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several univariate and multivariate studies have already identified the number of stapler firings for laparoscopic rectal transection for rectal cancer as an independent risk factor for anastomotic leakage. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the anastomotic leakage rate in laparoscopic rectal surgery according to the need of using one or two stapler firings for rectal transection. PubMed, Ovid, the Cochrane Library database and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. All of the statistical analyses were performed using Revman software. Five studies were included (1267 patients). The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 5.5% [0.7-8.4%]. Anastomotic leak occurred in 3.5% (17/491) of the cases where 1 stapler firing was used versus 6.7% (50/786) of the cases in which 2 firings were needed (50/786). Two stapler firings were significantly associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leakage (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.34-4.42, p = 0.003, I2 = 1%). Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that two firings imply a higher rate of anastomotic leak than a single firing after laparoscopic rectal surgery with a double stapling technique. Coloproctologists should strive to reduce the number of linear stapler firings and try to transect the rectum with a single firing.

Effectiveness of a Transanal Drainage Tube for the Prevention of Anastomotic Leakage after Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer.

Background and Objective:Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious complications after laparoscopic low anterior resection Low Anterior Resection (LAR) for rectal cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a transanal drainage tube placed for the prevention of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic LAR. Methods:The clinical data of 220 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic LAR using the double stapling technique Double Stapling Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Technique (DST) from Jun 2017 to Dec 2018 were analyzed retrospectively at our institution. A transanal drainage tube was placed after anastomosis in 120 patients (TDT group). Another 100 patients were operated on without a transanal drainage tube (NTDT group). Clinicopathological and surgical factors, the frequencies of anastomotic leakage and re-operation after leakage were compared between the two groups. Results:Patient age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, previous abdominal surgery, intraoperative blood loss, tumor size, tumor stage, specimen length, distance of tumor from the anal verge, and operative time were comparable between the two groups. Overall rate of leakage was 4.5% (10/220). The frequency of leakage was 3.3% (4/120) in TDT group and was 6.0% (6/100) in NTDT group. The rate of leakage was significantly lower in TDT group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the re-operation rate for symptomatic anastomotic leakage was 50.0% (2/4) in TDT group, while in contrast it was 83.3% (5/6) in NTDT group. The rate of re-operation was lower in TDT group than NTDT group (p<0.05). Conclusions:The use of a transanal drainage tube in laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer is a simple and effective method for prevention of anastomotic leakage and decreases the rate of re-operation after symptomatic leakage.

Comparison of Strength of Anastomosis Between Four Different Techniques for Colorectal Surgery.

Advances in stapling devices have led to their widespread use in colorectal surgery. We compared the strength of four types of anastomoses using bursting pressure. We created stapled anastomosis models [double stapling technique (DST), functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) unbuttressed or buttressed, and triangulating anastomosis (TA) with two- or three-row stapling] and a hand-sewn anastomosis model. Bursting pressures of each method were measured. The primary end point was the bursting pressure. The effectiveness of buttressing and three-row stapling were the secondary endpoints. The DST group had significantly lower bursting pressure than TA with three-row stapling, FEEA buttressed, and hand-sewn groups. No significant difference was found between the bursting pressure of the FEEA unbuttressed and FEEA buttressed groups and that of the TA with two-row and three-row stapling groups. DST has the lowest bursting pressure compared to other anastomotic techniques. Buttressing suture and three-row stapling have no effect on the strength of anastomosis.

Stapled Surgery for Hemorrhoidal Prolapse: From the Beginning to Modern Times.

Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common proctologic condition in adults. Among the different surgical procedures, one of the greatest innovations is represented by the stapled hemorrhoidopexy. The history of this technique started with a single stapler use passing through a double stapler technique to resect the adequate amount of prolapse, finally coming to the use of high volume devices. Nevertheless, each device has its own specific feature, the stapler is basically made up with one or more circular lines of titanium staples whose height may be variable. The procedure is based on different steps: Introduction of the CAD, evaluation of the prolapse, fashioning purse string or parachute suture, the introduction of the stapler head beyond the suture, pull the wires through the window, close the stapler and keep pulled the wires of the suture held together with forceps, fire using two hands, open the stapler and remove it and check the staple line and then check the specimen. One of the latest innovations in stapled surgery is Tissue Selective Therapy. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which there is a partial circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy focused on the prolapsing piles with bridges of normal mucosa left. Several studies have reported that SH is a safe and effective procedure to treat hemorrhoidal prolapse. It is a quicker procedure with a shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work if compared with the conventional treatment. This is due to less postoperative pain, postoperative bleeding, wound complications and constipation. Furthermore, the first generation devices had worse outcomes if compared with those of the new generation stapler that showed lower postoperative complication rates with better anatomical and symptomatic results. Stapled procedure for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoidal prolapse represents one of the most important innovations in proctology of the last century bringing with it the new revolutionary concept of the rectal intussusception as a determining factor involved in the natural history of the disease. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy marked an era in which the surgeon may offer the patients a safe, effective treatment with less pain and fast recovery.