Experimental study of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent in a porcine model
Received 27 February 2009; received in revised form 29 April 2009 published online 02 March 2010.
Abstract
Background
Intestinal anastomosis is a major technical component of gastrointestinal procedures. We have developed a new procedure of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent. This article evaluates this procedure.
Methods
Forty pigs were assigned randomly to a stent group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). A colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent was performed in the stent group, and hand-sewn anastomosis was performed in the control group. Pigs of each group were divided evenly into 4 subgroups according to time of death (days 3, 7, and 14, and month 10 postoperatively) to evaluate the healing of anastomosis.
Results
All procedures were completed successfully. The surgical time of the stent group was significantly less than the control group. No complications occurred in either group. Bursting pressure of the stent group was significantly higher than the control group on postoperative days 3 and 7. No significant difference of hydroxyproline content or microvessel density was found between the 2 groups.
Conclusions
The procedure of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent is a simple, feasible, and safe procedure in this porcine model.
Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, The Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang University, No 3, East Qinchun Rd., Hangzhou, People's Republic of China 310016
Supported by the Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Program; No2007AA02Z446); and the Major Program of Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province (No. 2006C23090).