Buttressing of the staple line in gastrointestinal anastomoses: overview of new technology designed to reduce perioperative complications.
BACKGROUND
Mechanical stapling devices are widely used in all fields of surgery as they can cut and sew tissue in a quick and easy manner. However, complications like bleeding or leakage at the staple line are frequently encountered and can have devastating consequences. Recent developments have led to the introduction of staple line reinforcement to reduce these complications.


METHODS
The literature has been reviewed to find and describe different methods to improve stapled resections and to give an extensive overview of the different staple line reinforcement materials, their properties and indications.


RESULTS
Several types of staple line reinforcement are available. Reinforcement of the staple line with membranes of either non-, semi- or absorbable material seems to be effective in minimizing the risk of leakage and bleeding by providing strength to the cut tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of staple line reinforcement material seems a promising technique in preventing leakage and bleeding at the stapled suture line, thus potentially reducing complications of gastrointestinal surgery. More studies are needed to investigate the exact properties, behavior and effects of the staple line reinforcement material.
Yo
L S F
LS
Meander Medisch Centrum, Amersfoort, The Netherlands.
Consten
E C J
EC
Quarles van Ufford
H M E
HM
Gooszen
H G
HG
Gagner
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002417:Cattle; D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010496:Pericardium; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011108:Polymers; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000379:methods*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; D011108:Polymers