Experimental study of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent in a porcine model.

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.