ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It is commonly accepted that the Gambee suture is a precise and reliable suturing method in the anastomosis of the intestine, especially in the aspect of the exact apposition of the submucosal layer. Generally, Gambee suturing technique requires much time and effort, as well as complicated actions and skills. For this reason, the Gambee suture is avoided by many surgeons. PURPOSE: Nahm-gun Oh has devised a U-shaped needle, which can prevent submucosal tearing of the posterior bowel wall, owing to the short distance between its both ends. As a result, an operator to perform a Gambee stitch more easily, safely. This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness, reliability of the U-shaped needle. METHODS: The clinical analysis was made on 104 cases with Gambee anastomosed colo rectal disease who have been admitted and operated at the Department of Surgery, Pusan National University Hospital, from January, 1996 to December, 1997 and the disease and patients status, operative procedure, postoperative complication, needle holder grasping count according to anastomosis level of 104 cases were analyzed. RESULTS: Gambee anastomosis was performed in 71 cases(68.3%) of colorectal cancers and 33 cases(31.7%) of nonmalignant colorectal diseases. Postoperative complication was 20 cases(19.2%) and 2 cases(1.9%) of anastomotic site leaks were observed. In aspect of needle holder grasping according to anastomosis level, U-shaped needles allow for an entire Gambee suture from one fixed grasp, while the common half-circled suturing needle requires at least 2 or 3 different grasping positions of the needle holder. In case of anterior bowel wall anastomosis, undesirable slipping-off of the submucosal tissue was founded. Authors also suggest a hook-style barb tip so that barb tip should prevent the slipping-off. CONCLUSION: The half-ellipsed or half-track needle can prevent submucosal tearing of the posterior bowel, owing to the short distance between its both ends. Barb feature on the suturing needle tips will be able to prevent slipping-off of the submucosa contralateral from the needle holder during an entire Gambee stitch on the anterior bowel wall. We recommended, based on our results, with U-shaped suturing needle, as well as barb-tip needle feature, operators can save a lot of time and effort formerly required by other common needle in Gambee suture.