Anastomotic technique is not associated with leakage rate after right hemicolectomy

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate the anastomotic leakage rate in relation to anastomotic technique in right hemicolectomy in a single high-volume centre.

Methods: This was a retrospective single-centre study of prospectively collected data of patients undergoing right hemicolectomy or ileocecal resection in an acute or elective setting over a seven-year period in a large University Hospital. Anastomotic leakage, anastomotic technique (hand-sewn versus stapled anastomosis) and potential confounders were registered. The possible confounding risk factors were explored by univariate analysis. Any variables with a p value less-than 0.2 after univariate logistic regression analysis were included in a subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 754 patients had a primary anastomosis performed. In 222 (29%) of the patients, anastomosis was hand-sewn and in 528 (70%) stapled. Overall, 26 patients (3.4%) developed an anastomotic leakage. The anastomotic leakage rate was similar following hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses (3.6% (8/221) versus 3.4% (18/527); p = 0.89). Univariate analyses failed to identify any significant risk factors for anastomotic leakage. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with all mentioned co-variates was performed. None of the included variables were significantly associated with anastomotic leakage.

Conclusions: In the present study, we found no significant difference between hand-sewn versus stapled anastomosis.

Funding: none.

Trial registration: not relevant.