An intraluminal prosthesis may improve healing of a one-layer colonic anastomosis: an experimental study in pigs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare healing of one-layer colonic anastomoses with or without a soluble intraluminal prosthesis (* SBS-tube).


METHODS
Randomised, partly blinded controlled study.


METHODS
University hospital, Denmark.


METHODS
16 female Danish country strain pigs, of which 8 had the SBS tube inserted and 8 acted as controls.


METHODS
One-layer colonic anastomoses either hand-sewn (n = 8, controls) or hand-sewn onto an SBS tube (n = 8).


METHODS
Macroscopic evaluation, leakage test, breaking strength, histology, oxygen tension in and near the anastomosis peroperatively and 4 days postoperatively.


RESULTS
Three quarters of the tubes (n = 8) dissolved in less than 2 hours. Histological examination showed significantly better structured layers and more mucosal epithelial covering in the SBS group. The other histological variables examined were: tissue gap (p < 0.08), inflammation (p < 0.10), breaking strength (p < 0.46) and amount of granulation tissue (p < 0.71), but the last findings were not significant. Oxygen tension at the anastomotic line was better in the SBS tube group, but not significantly so.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the SBS tube facilitates the sewing of the anastomosis and may improve healing, possibly because of better apposition of the cut ends and reduced tension in the sutures.
Buch
N
N
Glad
H
H
Svendsen
P
P
Oxlund
H R Witek
HR
Gottrup
F
F
Hovendal
C P
CP
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D013552:Swine; D014945:Wound Healing
D011092:Polyethylene Glycols