<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the
safety and feasibility of biodegradable
magnesium alloy stapler based on the result of
animal experimental study for gastrointestinal anastomosis.</p><p><b>
METHODS</b>Sixteen beagle
dogs were equally and randomly divided into experimental (
magnesium alloy) group and control (
titanium alloy) group. A gastrojejunal and a colonic anastomosis were performed in each beagle
dog. The anastomosis
time,
postoperative complications,
body weight, blasting
pressure of anastomosis and
serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase,
glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,
creatinine,
blood urea nitrogen, and
serum magnesium were compared between the two groups. The healing of anastomosis and degradation of
magnesium alloy were observed. The histopathological features of
heart,
liver,
spleen and
kidney were examined in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no significant differences in anastomosis
time,
body weight,
postoperative complications, anastomotic bursting
pressure between the two groups. The anastomosis was healed well, and no dramatic inflammatory
cell infiltration was observed.
Magnesium alloy could be degraded completely in the
animal body within 90 days. There were no significant differences in
serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase,
glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,
creatinine,
blood urea nitrogen and
serum magnesium between the two groups. Histopathological examination showed that the degradation of
magnesium alloy did not harm the important organs (
liver,
kidney,
heart,
brain and
spleen).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>
Magnesium alloy stapler is safe and feasible for gastrointestinal anastomosis in beagle
dogs. The degradation of
magnesium alloy does not harm the healing of anastomosis and other important organs.
Magnesium alloy stapler may be a candidate of biodegradable and safe material of stapler for gastrointestinal anastomosis in
human.</p>