Hand-sewn and stapled esophageal anastomosis: experimental study in dogs

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare experimentally, the healing of cervical oesophageal anastomoses performed either with stapler or 2-layer hand-sewn sutures. METHODS: Thirty six dogs were randomised to two groups: stapled anastomoses (n = 18); hand-sewn anastomoses (n = 18). Each group was divided into three subgroups, corresponding to the day of sacrifice (3rd, 7th and 14th postoperative day). Healing was assessed by: a) anatopathology b) anastomotic resistance to bursting pressure test; c) quantification of hidroxyproline RESULTS: Group 1 heal by second intention, group 2 showed a healing by first intention. Bursting pressure was similar between groups at day 3, though group 1 animals showed it significantly higher at day 7and day 14 compared with group 2. Statiscally, there were no interaction between the day of sacrifice and groups, as well as there was no difference among the dates of observation regarding the results of hidroxyproline CONCLUSIONS: a) mechanical suture is more resistant than hand-sewn; b) In stapler anastomoses, healing was as secondary union, whereas in hand-sewn anastomoses, healing was by first intention; c) no correlation was found in the results of bursting pressure and hidroxyproline quantification.