Prevention of anastomotic leakage using a polyglycolic acid sheet in double-stapling technique anastomosis for rectal surgery

BACKGROUND: Due to the development of surgical techniques and devices, the incidence of anastomosis leakage in rectal surgery has decreased. However, anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery remains a serious postoperative complication. The present study examined whether or not a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet is effective for reinforcing rectal anastomosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who underwent double-stapling technique (DST) anastomosis during rectal surgery were enrolled in this study. The PGA sheet was used as the reinforcing material. DST anastomosis was performed with the PGA sheet sandwiched, and a strip of the PGA sheet was wrapped around the anastomosis. RESULTS: No patients had anastomotic leakage. CONCLUSION: A PGA sheet may be effective for preventing anastomotic leakage in DST anastomosis for rectal surgery.