Use of gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler for harvest of gracilis muscle and securing it in the face for facial reanimation: a novel technique.
BACKGROUND
The primary objective of this study is to report a novel technique that uses the gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler for harvesting and securing the gracilis muscle in facial reanimation surgery.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective chart review with 18 consecutive patients who underwent gracilis muscle flap transfer with or without the use of a GIA stapler.


RESULTS
Of 11 operations with the GIA stapler, one patient developed a hematoma (donor site) and another required drainage of an abscess (recipient site). Of 8 operations without the use of the stapler, one patient had total flap failure and three required drainage of an abscess (2 recipient sites and 1 donor site). These differences trended toward improvement but were not statistically different.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the GIA stapler is a fast, safe technique. Larger studies are, however, warranted to further examine this novel approach in order to test precisely what factors of increased efficiency occur, the amount of suture pull-through, and overall tension capable of being applied to the secured staple line.
Shridharani
Sachin M
SM
Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Stapleton
Sahael M
SM
Redett
Richard J
RJ
Magarakis
Michael
M
Rosson
Gedge D
GD
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