Use of different absorbable sutures for continuous single-layer anastomosis in the gastrointestinal tract. A prospective, randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
A prospective, randomized study was designed to test the safety of the single-layer continuous anastomosis technique in gastrointestinal surgery. Results from the use of two different sutures were compared in relation to postoperative complications.


METHODS
The safety of a single-layer continuous technique using two different types of absorbable suture was studied in 247 anastomoses performed on 183 patients between 1996 and 1997. There were 26 gastric, 117 small-bowel, 32 colonic, 29 pancreatic and 43 biliary anastomoses in the study. In 134 cases, Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl, Johnson & Johnson) was used, and in 113 cases Glycomer 631 (Biosyn, USSC). All procedures were carried out by the same surgeon.


RESULTS
Anastomosis-related complications were detected in 7 patients (2.8%). Anastomotic failures including minor leakage occurred in 5 cases (2.0%). Reoperation was required in only 1 patient (0.4%), and there were no deaths. No difference was found in the dehiscence rate between the two types of absorbable material (1.5% with Monocryl and 2.6% with Biosyn; p = 0.5).


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with other techniques used for gastrointestinal anastomosis, this technique is safe and easy to apply using either suture material.
Oláh
A
A
Department of Surgery, Petz Aladár Teaching Hospital of Haynal I. University of Health Sciences, Gyõr, Hungary.
Belágyi
T
T
Neuberger
G
G
Gamal
E M
EM
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D004146:Dioxanes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013537:Sutures
D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C115507:glycomer 631; C095495:glycolide E-caprolactone copolymer