What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the feasibility and stability of a resorbable polydioxanone (PDO) membrane in preventing anastomotic leakage in a porcine model.

February 12, 2026SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología0 citationsOpen Access

In vivo evaluation of a biodegradable intraanastomotic membrane in a porcine model

DFDaniel C. FreundUniversity of Rostock DWDennis WahlUniversity of Rostock FEFlorian ElgerUniversitätsmedizin Göttingen

Key Points

To assess the feasibility and stability of a resorbable polydioxanone (PDO) membrane in preventing anastomotic leakage in a porcine model.
Conducted an in vivo study on eight German Landrace pigs with 34 ileal side-to-end anastomoses.
Monitored membrane stability post-implantation and assessed adhesion formation, burst pressure, and histology after one week.
Used two geometries of membranes for comparison: GM1 and GM2, along with control groups.
Both membrane geometries displayed robust stability and good anchorage within the anastomosis.
GM1 showed a higher burst pressure (193 mmHg) than GM2 (155 mmHg, p = 0.02).
No significant differences in burst pressure were observed when compared to controls (167 mmHg).
Adhesions were present in all groups, with no significant differences in formation between them.
Histological analysis revealed typical granulation tissue and inflammation predominantly in GM1, without compromising anastomotic stability.

Abstract

Background Anastomotic leakage (AL) represents one of the most serious complications in gastrointestinal surgery, with reported incidence rates of up to 26%. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, early detection of AL remains challenging, and no reliable real-time monitoring system is currently available. In this study, we investigated a resorbable polydioxanone (PDO) membrane as a potential substrate for future sensor integration, aiming to facilitate real-time monitoring of anastomotic healing. Methods In eight German Landrace pigs, 34 ileal side-to-end stapler anastomoses were examined: GM1 ( n = 7), GM2 ( n = 10), and controls ( n = 17). Membrane stability was monitored after implantation, while adhesion formation, burst pressure, and histology were assessed on postoperative day 7. Results Both membrane geometries showed robust stability, with good anchorage of the large spokes within the anastomosis. Geometry 1 (GM1) exhibited higher burst pressure than Geometry 2 (GM2) (193 ± 43.6 vs. 155 ± 65.5 mmHg, p = 0.02). Compared with controls (167 ± 42.3 mmHg), neither GM1 ( p = 0.053) nor GM2 ( p = 0.379) differed significantly. Adhesions occurred in all groups, without significant differences. Histological evaluations showed typical granulation tissue and fibrosis, with granulocytic inflammation more common in GM1 without affecting anastomotic stability. Conclusion This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the PDO membrane can be safely incorporated into stapled anastomoses without compromising anastomotic healing. The membrane provides a stable, biocompatible platform suitable for future sensor integration, supporting the development of a diagnostic intraanastomotic device.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper