Sutureless pancreatojejunal anastomosis using an absorbable sealant: evaluation in a pig model.
BACKGROUND
Leakage from pancreatojejunal anastomosis continues to be a major source of morbidity in pancreatic surgery. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that a safe, sutureless pancreatojejunal anastomosis can be constructed using a synthetic surgical sealant.


METHODS
Ten pigs weighing 20 to 25 kg underwent distal pancreatectomy and anastomosis of the pancreatic remnant with a jejunal limb with the use of an absorbable surgical sealant. Integrity of the anastomosis was checked on the 10th postoperative d by means of an autopsy study and histological examination.


RESULTS
One animal died on the 3rd postoperative d of peritonitis. The remaining 9 animals had an uneventful postoperative course. Gross and microscopic pathological examination revealed intact pancreatojejunal anastomosis in all surviving animals.


CONCLUSIONS
Following distal pancreatectomy in pigs, pancreatojejunal anastomoses with the use of sealant are technically feasible. During a 10-d observation period, the sealant appeared to prevent anastomotic dehiscence and allow normal anastomotic healing.
Argyra
Eriphili
E
1st Department of Anesthesiology, Aretaieion University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Polymeneas
George
G
Karvouni
Eleni
E
Kontorravdis
Nikolaos
N
Theodosopoulos
Theodosios
T
Arkadopoulos
Nikolaos
N
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023421:Models, Animal; D010180:Pancreatectomy; D010193:Pancreaticojejunostomy / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive