A linear stapler-free colonic anastomosis for left colectomy: a retrospective comparative study

AIM: to evaluate early outcomes of original colon linear stapler-free anastomosis after left hemicolectomy or sigmoid resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: a retrospective study included 98 patients, who underwent a laparoscopic left colon resection with anastomosis were included and divided in 2 groups: single stapler (study group) and double stapler (control group) anastomosis. The primary endpoint was anastomotic leakage. Secondary endpoints included surgical morbidity (Clavien-Dindo), operation time, blood loss and hospital stay. RESULTS: thirty-nine patients were included in the study group and 59 in the control group. No cases of anastomotic leakage were observed. Surgical morbidity grade IIIB or higher developed in 0 and 1 (1.7%) patients, accordingly (р = 1.0). Median hospital stay was 8 days (7; 11) and 10 days (7; 11), р = 0.19), median bloodloss 50 ml (50; 70) and 50 ml (50; 100), р = 0.8. Operation time was shorter in the main group 100 min (80; 120) and 120 min (82.5; 155), р = 0.048. CONCLUSIONS: the original anastomosis is safe.