Retrospective evaluation of an hand-sewn side-to-side intestinal anastomosis technique in dogs and cats

Abstract

Background: Hand-sewn intestinal resection and anastomosis is commonly performed in veterinary medicine. The outcome of hand-sewn side-to-side anastomosis technique has never been described and compared to other techniques in dogs and cats. Aim: The aim of the study is to describe the side-to-side hand-sewn anastomosis technique in small animals and to compare it with the end-to-end technique. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of the clinical records of dogs and cats that underwent enterectomy between 2000 and 2020 and were treated with side-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Results: Of the 52 dogs and 16 cats included in the study, 19 dogs and 6 cats received a side-to-side anastomosis, and the remaining received an end-to-end anastomosis. No intraoperative complication was reported. Short-term complication rates were comparable and mortality rates in end-to-end anastomosis group were higher, while stenosis was a frequent complication of side-to-side anastomosis and never reported following end-to-end anastomosis. Conclusion: End-to-end technique remains the gold standard for hand-sewn intestinal anastomosis in small animals, but side-to-side anastomosis can be considered for selected cases with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates.