Comparison of Anastomosis Safety in Colonic Dissections Using Scalpel, Scissors and Cautery in Rats: Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective:Postoperative anastomotic leakage is still an issue in modern surgery. Re-hospitalization due to postoperative anastomosis leakage prolongs hospital stay and re-operations increase the cost. There is still no consent on how to dissect the intestines. The objective of the present study is to analyze the safety of colonic anastomoses after dissections using scalpel, scissors and cautery in rats.Method:There were 4 groups of 32 Wistar Hannover adult rodents. Each group consisted of 8 animals: group 1: sham, group 2: scalpel, group 3: scissors, group 4: cautery. Anastomosis was done over a single layer. Bursting pressure (BP) was measured at day 7. Tissue and blood samples were taken for the evaluation of biochemical and histopathological parameters.Results:Statistically significant disparity was seen among the sham, scalpel, scissors and cautery groups regarding the mean BP average, mean hydroxyproline levels and fibrosis distributions.Conclusion:Cautery is the best choice for hemostasis; however, when considering tissue healing, scalpel and the scissors were found to be safest alternatives.

Keywords

• anastomotic leak
• colonic dissection
• hydroxyproline
• rats
• tissue healing