Background: Bowel anastomosis, performed using either hand-sewn or stapler techniques, is crucial for restoring intestinal continuity after bowel resection. While stapler anastomosis offers efficiency and reduced operative time, handsewn techniques provide precise tissue control, with both methods having varying outcomes based on patient and surgical factors. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the post-operative outcomes of hand and stapler techniques for bowel anastomosis. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study included 100 patients from the Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Omandurar. After obtaining ethical approval, data were collected through history, examination, and post-operative follow-up. The hand sewn group (n=50) served as the control group, while the stapler group (n=50) formed the study group. Post-operative comparisons were conducted using questionnaires and proformas. Results: The stapler technique significantly reduced the procedure time in subtotal gastrectomy (P=0.041), right hemicolectomy (P=0.03), and low anterior resection (P=0.032). Enteral feeding was initiated earlier in low anterior resection (P=0.002) and right hemicolectomy (P=0.04). Hospital stays were shorter in subtotal gastrectomy (P=0.032) and low anterior resection (P=0.045). Return to work was faster in subtotal gastrectomy (P=0.04). Anastomotic leaks were slightly more frequent in the hand-sewn group (P=0.075), with no significant difference in mortality (P=0.354). Conclusion: Stapler anastomosis reduced the surgery duration and allowed earlier bowel sounds and enteral feeding. However, hospital stay and return to work showed no significant differences. Overall, stapler anastomosis offers better outcomes, except for its higher cost compared to hand-sewn anastomosis.
Haridoss et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: