Abstract
Autosutures for anastomosis of the intestinal tract are of three kinds. Anastomosis with staples have a danger of postoperative stenosis because the staples remain after anastomosis is achieved. A nonsuture device produced by AKA-2 uses a compression ring that is excreted rectally after anastomosis. Although the danger of postoperative stenosis is low, the risk of anastomotic leakage is high if the compression ring is released early.
The biofragmentable anastomosis ring being used for the Valtrac suture device disintegrates within 21 days after use. Furthermore, blood flow that is necessary for wound healing is preserved in the anastomosis with Valtrac. Therefore, stenosis due to anastomotic leakage or reaction to a foreign substance does not occur in the early postoperative period.
Valtrac sutures were used during the past 18 months in 20 patients with cancer of the large intestine. Neither anastomotic leakage nor postoperative stenosis occurred in any of these patients. Postoperative management was identical to that when staples are used. These results suggest that Valtrac is as safe as other types of autosutures. However, one possible disadvantage is that because this device does not have a center rod as does a stapler, it cannot be used in the lower part of the rectum.
