A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HAND SUTURE VERSES STAPLER ANASTOMOSIS GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERIES

Abstract

Background: Conventional hand suture technique of intestinal anastomosis has been in vogue for decades. Staplers which were developed to simplify surgery began to have significant impact. The present study was conducted with an objective to compare Hand suture verses stapler anastomosis in small intestine surgeries conducted in our institute.

Methodology: This comparative study was carried out in the Department of Surgery at Government Medical College, Surat from July 2010 to November 2012 between two groups (conventional suture method-Group A and stapling technique- Group B) of patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery. All patients were carefully monitored with the following parameters: Total duration of operative procedure, appearance of bowel sounds, resumption of oral feeding, postoperative hospitalization, postoperative complications, return to work and mortality.

Results: Total duration of operative procedure, appearance of bowel sounds, resumption of oral feeding are significantly lower in stapler group compared to hand suture technique. Postoperative hospitalization was lower in stapler group compared to hand suture technique but the association was not significant.

Conclusion: Staplers can expedite surgery. They have better access to difficult—to—reach areas. Thus staplers can be beneficial though one should not forget the art of conventional suturing.