Compression anastomosis: history and clinical considerations.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the concept of compression anastomosis has been investigated for nearly 2 centuries, it has not yet achieved widespread acceptance. The aim of the current report is to review the literature regarding compression anastomoses.

DATA SOURCES: A multi-database search was conducted using PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Databases (all until June 2007), in addition to electronic links to related articles and references of selected articles. The following terms were used for the search in various combinations: anastomosis, anastomoses, sutureless, compression, nickel-titanium; Nitinol; CAC; CAR; AKA-2, Valtrac biofragmentable anastomotic ring, BAR. Language restrictions were not applied.

CONCLUSIONS: The various methods of compression anastomosis have been shown to be at least comparable to the standard techniques of suturing and stapling. The measurement of outcomes, including cost, safety, and efficacy of treatment, indicated that compression anastomosis can save time, is cost-effective, and offers an acceptable cost/benefit ratio compared to both stapled and sutured anastomoses. However, compression anastomosis did not gain worldwide popularity.