title: Valtrac-secured intracolonic bypass device: an experimental study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The intracolonic bypass tube has been used both experimentally and clinically to protect the anastomotic site. A newly designed intracolonic bypass, the Valtrac-secured intracolonic bypass, which consisted of a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) and was connected with a soft, thin vinyl tube, was used in the colon approximately 5 to 10 cm proximal to the anastomotic site. The distal end of the vinyl tube is passed through the colonic anastomosis to the anus to bypass the fecal stream.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen piglets were divided into three groups of six each. Group A piglets underwent colon resection and rough anastomosis with large gaps between sutures, followed by Valtrac-secured intracolonic bypass. Group B piglets underwent the same procedures, but a colonic outlet obstruction also was done with pursestring sutures tied over the anus. Group C piglets underwent colon resection and rough anastomosis, but no intracolonic bypass tube was inserted (as in the control group).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All Group A and Group B piglets survived. Passage of the BARs occurred approximately two weeks later. As the barium enema passed through the bypass tube, it showed a patent BAR-secured tube and intact anastomosis with no leakage. In Group C, anastomotic leakage occurred in four of six piglets, three of which died. Barium enema showed leakage at the anastomotic site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the animal model we used, our new intracolonic bypass device proved to be a simple, safe, reliable means of protecting the anastomotic site and, thereby, eliminated the need for a diverting colostomy. Still we need further steps to test its potential in clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Taipei Municipal Yang-Ming Hospital, Taiwan.
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chi
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013552:Swine; D014945:Wound Healing