Stapled versus hand-sewn anastomosis of the large bowel due to abdominal trauma: a prospective comparative study

ABSTRACT

To compare stapled with hand-sewn anastomosis in cases of large bowel injuries after abdominal trauma. This prospective study was done in The Department of General Surgery, Minia University Hospital in a period between March 2004 and March 2007. All patients with colonic injuries requiring urgent resection due to abdominal trauma were included. There were 39 patients enrolled in this study, comprising 18 patients [46.2%] with stapled anastomosis and 21 patients [53.82%] with hand-sewn anastomosis. They were 30 males [76.9%] and 9 females [23.1%], with a mean age of 46.7 +/- 11.3 years. There were 3 patients [16.6%] of anastomotic leak in the stapled group versus 8 patients [38%] in the handsewn group [P<0.05]. The operative time was 112 +/- 30.2 min in the stapled group versus 160 +/- 27.4 min in the hand-sewn group[P<0.05]. The mean +/- SD of hospital stay was 9.2 +/- 8.3 days in the stapled group versus18.9 +/- 14.5 days in the hand-sewn group[<0.05]. Stapled large bowel anastomosis is safe and effective in setting of abdominal trauma. It is associated with fewer anastomotic leaks, lesser operative time and shorter hospital stay than hand-sewn anastomosis