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. 1995 Feb;221(2):176–184. doi: 10.1097/00000658-199502000-00008

Comparison of manually constructed and stapled anastomoses in colorectal surgery. West of Scotland and Highland Anastomosis Study Group.

J G Docherty 1, J R McGregor 1, A M Akyol 1, G D Murray 1, D J Galloway 1
PMCID: PMC1234951  PMID: 7857145

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The authors compared both the initial and the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing stapled and sutured colorectal anastomoses. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Sutured and stapled large bowel anastomoses are perceived to be equally safe, but concern has been raised about increased rates of tumor recurrence with the use of stapling instruments. METHODS: The outcome of patients with sutured and stapled colorectal anastomoses were compared in a prospective, multicenter, randomized study. Factors affecting long-term outcomes were assessed by both univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Seven hundred thirty-two patients were recruited. There was a significant increase in radiologic leakage in the sutured group (14.4% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.05), but there was no difference in clinical anastomotic leak rates, morbidity, or postoperative mortality. Tumor recurrence and cancer-specific mortality were higher in the sutured patients (7.5% and 6.7%, respectively) and in patients with anastomotic leaks. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that suturing or stapling are equally safe in large bowel surgery. However, it also shows a long-term benefit of stapling in colorectal cancer patients.

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Selected References

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