DIFFERENT SURGICAL METHODS IN COLON ANASTOMOSIS: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Although many methods have been defined for colonic anastomosis, anastomotic leak still remains important for sepsis control and successful healing. AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional suture, polyglactin 910 mesh, and omental flap coverage on healing and anastomotic leak in experimental colonic anastomosis in rats. METHOD: This study was conducted on 18 Wistar rats and the animals were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1: primary suture group; Group 2: primary suture plus polyglactin 910 mesh group; and Group 3: primary suture plus omental flap coverage group. Groups were compared in terms of anastomotic bursting pressure, inflammation, fibroblastic activity, neovascularization, and collagen amount. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in anastomotic bursting pressure between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 (p=0.004, p<0.05). There was a significant difference in fibroblastic activity between Groups 1 and 3 (p=0.011, p<0.05) and between Groups 2 and 3 (p=0.030, p<0.05). There was a significant difference in neovascularization and collagen between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This experimental study found that polyglactin 910 mesh and omental flap coverage for colocolic anastomoses improved the physical strength and healing of the anastomosis compared to conventional hand-stitched anastomoses. The polyglactin may be a safe alternative to 910 mesh in cases where the omental flap coverage cannot be used in the colonic anastomosis.