Evaluation of Stapled versus Hand-Sewn Techniques for Colo-Rectal Anastomosis after Low Anterior Resection of Mid-Rectal Carcinoma: a Study on 50 Patients

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Aim: To evaluate the outcome of stapled versus sutured colo-rectal anastomosis after low anterior resection of mid-rectal carcinoma. Patients and Methods: A prospective study of fifty patients who underwent colo-rectal anastomosis following low anterior resection (LAR) of T2 mid-rectal cancers at the Egyptian National Cancer Institute during the time period from June 2010 to June 2013 was conducted. Classification was into two groups; a stapled anastomosis group I (25 patients) and a hand-sewn anastomosis group II (25 patients). All operations are evaluated regarding intra-operative complications such as anastomotic line bleeding, visceral injuries or major blood loss. The anastomotic time and operative time are documented for each operation. All patients are evaluated post-operatively for anastomotic leakage (AL), wound infection and ileus. Results: The distance of the tumor from the anal verge was $9.6{\pm}2.0cm$ in group I and $9.9{pm}2.4cm$ in group II. The mean operative time was $191.5{\pm}16.2min$ in the stapled group and $208{\pm}18.6min$ in the sutured group (p=0.002). The mean anastomotic times were $9.0{\pm}1.9min$ and $19.7{pm}12.2min$ (p=0.001). Anastomotic leakage developed in three (12.0%) patients in the stapled group and in four (16.0%) patients in the sutured group (p=1.000). Post-operative ileus was observed in 3 patients in group I and one patient in group II. Wound infection developed in three (12.0%) patients in the stapled group and four (16.0%) patients in the sutured group (p=1.000). Conclusion: Colo-rectal anastomosis after low anterior resection for mid rectal carcinoma can be conducted safely either by stapling or hand-sewn techniques; however the stapling technique showed shorter anastomotic and operative times with no significant advantages regarding intra- or post-operative complications or hospital stay.