Double-stapled anastomosis without "dog-ears" reduces the anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer: A prospective, randomized, controlled study

Circular staplers and anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage is a feared complication after colorectal resection. Recent advancements in surgical techniques, particularly the use of circular staplers, have aimed to improve postoperative outcomes. However, the optimal choice of circular stapler remains uncertain, with debate surrounding its impact on anastomotic leakage rates. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of different circular stapler characteristics on anastomotic leakage occurrence after left colorectal resection.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify studies on the correlation between circular staplers and anastomotic leakage occurrence were performed up to November 2023 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42024519036). The literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and performed using the following search terms: 'colorectal surgery', 'staplers', 'complications'. Only retrospective, cohort, prospective and randomized clinical trials on anastomotic leakage rate after left colorectal resection, including adult patients (over 18 years of age) and published in English were included. Exclusion criteria were articles with different designs, and studies including extra-colonic or right/transverse colon diseases. The quality assessment of the study was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa classification. The outcome of interest was the analysis of each staplers' characteristics including: diameter, number of rows, technology (manual versus powered) and anastomotic technique (single- versus double-stapling technique) on anastomotic leakage occurrence.

RESULTS

Twenty-one retrospective studies were selected including 24 511 patients. A higher anastomotic leakage rate was documented for 31/33 mm stapler diameters compared with the 28/29 mm (OR -0.92, 95% c.i. -1.74 to -0.10; P = 0.02), while no significant difference was found between the 25 mm and 28/29 mm diameters (OR -0.46, 95% c.i. -1.39 to 0.46; P = 0.2). Similar anastomotic leakage rates were found for the two- and three-row circular stapler groups (OR -0.01, 95% c.i. -0.16 to 0.13; P = 0.85). Conversely, the powered technology related to a significantly lower rate of anastomotic leakage compared with the manual technology (OR -0.83, 95% c.i. -1.13 to -0.35; P < 0.001). Similarly, the single-stapling technique related to a lower rate of anastomotic leakage compared with the double-stapling technique (OR 0.79, 95% c.i. 0.33 to 1.25; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows a higher anastomotic leakage rate for larger circular staplers and manual technology. Similarly, the single-stapling technique has advantages over the double-stapling technique, while the tri-staple technology does not appear to confer advantages on anastomotic leakage occurrence.

Effectiveness of Subcutaneous Negative-Suction Drain on Surgical Site Infection After Ileostomy Reversal: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background/Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a leading common condition after ileostomy reversal (IR). However, evidence is unclear that subcutaneous negative-suction drainage (SND) reduces the incidence of SSI. This study aimed to investigate whether SND effectively reduced the incidence of SSI. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 531 patients who underwent IR at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital between June 2005 and December 2020. SND was classified into two groups based on its presence or absence. The estimated risk of SSI was calculated using the surgical risk calculator of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) using the estimated risk of SSI, we analyzed the two group's postoperative outcomes, including SSI rates. Results: After PSM, there was no difference in demographics between the two groups; however, the reversal interval was longer in the SND group than in the no SND group (193.3 ± 151.6 vs. 151.5 ± 141.0 days, p = 0.005). The incidence of SSI was lower in the SND group than in the no SND group (5.2% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.013). Conclusions: SND insertion can reduce the incidence of SSI during IR. Therefore, SND insertion should be considered as a basic technique for reducing SSI after IR.

Effect of laparoscopic intracorporeal reinforcing sutures to prevent anastomotic leakage: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of reinforcing sutures after surgery for rectal cancer and its associated impact on postoperative recovery. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and serious complication after anteriorrectal resection. It is currently unclear whether laparoscopic intracorporeal reinforcingsutures can effectively reduce the incidence of AL.

METHOD

From inception to 2024, the literature search was conducted using a variety of databases, including PubMed, the Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM), Wanfang, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, VIP, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), to identify relevant articles. Free-text forms were used to search the literature: "rectal cancer", "rectal neoplasms", "reinforcing sutures", and "anastomotic leakage" or AL. The search was undertaken by 2 different reviewers, who independently evaluated the studies.

RESULT

Twelve retrospective studies and 4 RCTs were analyzed in all. A total of 3147 individuals were identified, with 1512 receiving reinforcing sutures and 1635 not. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery to get reinforcing sutures had a notably decreased occurrence of anastomotic leakage, according to our data. (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.21-0.51, p<0.00001). It had an earlier anal exhaust time and a shorter hospitalization. The 2 different groups did not differ substantially with regard to intraoperative blood loss or the rate of postoperative intestinal obstruction. However, patients who received reinforced sutures via a laparoscopic approach cost more operative time (MD=16.77, 95% CI 11.31-22.23, p<0.00001).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of AL can be greatly decreased through the use of a laparoscopic approach for anastomotic reinforcement, which may be a better option after radical surgery for rectal patients. However, more RCT studies with large sample sizes are needed.PROSPERO: CRD42024548847.

The bow tie technique for single stapled colorectal anastomosis: technical note

AIM

In this technical note we describe a simplified totally transabdominal technique to perform a single stapled end-to-end colorectal anastomosis without the need for transanal transection, linear stapler line resection, purse string or dog-ear suturing.

METHOD

The rationale and the technique itself are first explained by using a schematic design. Next, step-by-step pictures of one of our cases show the feasibility and advantages of this technique. At the end, the limits of this technique are illustrated.

RESULTS

The technique was used for 20 colorectal anastomosis, 9 benign and 11 oncological cases. Median age was 68 years and average BMI was 28 kg/m2. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage were reported in 10 cases. The bow tie technique was performed in every case and the linear stapler line was entirely resected in all cases. No positive air leak test or anastomotic leakage was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The bow tie technique is a feasible technique to perform an end-to-end single stapled colorectal anastomosis with promising results on anastomotic leakage. Further research with larger prospective data collection is necessary to validate this technique and show its potential benefit on anastomotic leakage.

Association Between Cross-Stapling Technique in Mechanical Colorectal Anastomosis and Short-term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The double-stapled technique is the most common method of colorectal anastomosis in minimally invasive surgery. Several modifications to the conventional technique have been described to reduce the intersection between the stapled lines, as the resulting lateral dog-ears are considered possible risk factors for anastomotic leakage.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients receiving conventional versus modified stapled colorectal anastomosis after minimally invasive surgery.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of the published literature was undertaken. PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase databases were screened up to July 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Relevant articles were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles reporting on the outcomes of patients with modified stapled colorectal reconstruction compared with the conventional method of double-stapled anastomosis were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Conventional double-stapling colorectal anastomosis and modified techniques with reduced intersection between the stapled lines were compared.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The rate of anastomotic leak was the primary end point of interest. Perioperative details including postoperative morbidity were also appraised.

RESULTS

There were 2537 patients from 12 studies included for data extraction, with no significant differences in age, BMI, or proportion of high ASA score between patients who had conventional versus modified techniques of reconstructions. The risk of anastomotic leak was 62% lower for the modified procedure than for the conventional procedure (OR = 0.38 [95% CI, 0.26-0.56]). The incidences of overall postoperative morbidity (OR = 0.57 [95% CI, 0.45-0.73]) and major morbidity (OR = 0.48 [95% CI, 0.32-0.72]) following modified stapled anastomosis were significantly lower than following conventional double-stapled anastomosis.

LIMITATIONS

The retrospective nature of most included studies is a main limitation, essentially because of the lack of randomization and the risk of selection and detection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence supports the modification of the conventional double-stapled technique with the elimination of 1 of both dog-ears as it is associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic-related morbidity.

Efficacy of reinforcing sutures for prevention of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication following surgery for cancer of the rectum. It is not clear whether reinforcing sutures could prevent anastomotic leakage. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the efficacy of reinforcing sutures on anastomotic leakage.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 31, 2023. We included studies comparing anastomosis with reinforcing sutures to anastomosis without reinforcing sutures after low anterior resection. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane tool for RCTs and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies (ROBINS)-I tool for observational studies. The overall quality of evidence for primary outcome was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology.

RESULTS

Two RCTs (345 patients) and four observational studies (783 patients) were included. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4.4% (24 of 548) of patients with reinforcing sutures and 11.9% (69 of 580) of patients without reinforcing sutures. Meta-analysis showed a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR, 0.41; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.66, low certainty) in patients with reinforcing sutures. Operative time (WMD, -3.66; 95% CI -18.58 to 11.25) and reoperation for anastomotic leakage (RR, 0.69; 95% CI 0.23 to 2.08) were similar between patients with reinforcing sutures and those without reinforcing sutures.

CONCLUSIONS

While observational data suggest that, there is a clear benefit in terms of reducing the risk of anastomotic leakage with the use of reinforcing sutures, RCT data are less clear. Further large, prospective studies are warranted to determine whether a true clinically important benefit exists with this technique.