Long term results of the use of compression anastomosis clips (CAC) in gastrointestinal surgery – the first report.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to present the first long-term results on the clinical use of compression anastomosis clips (CAC) in upper and lower gastrointestinal tract anastomoses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients who underwent anastomosis of the upper (n = 32) or lower GI tract (n = 18) with the use of CAC. In the period of 6-7 months after the surgery, patients underwent endoscopic examination and computed tomography evaluation of the anastomosis. Each anastomosis was evaluated macro and microscopically. The width of anastomoses was evaluated using a 4-point-scale for grading stenosis.

RESULTS: Of the 50 patients who underwent anastomosis with compression anastomosis clip, 28 (56%) patients reported to the follow-up examination within 190-209 days of the execution of the anastomosis. Among the 22 patients who did not report to the study, 18 (36%) patients died within 91-154 days from the execution of the anastomosis (mean 122 days), 4 (8%) patients were impossible to contact after discharge from hospital. Two mild stenoses (I0) were diagnosed; 1 of them was found in the gastroenterostomy and 1 in Braun enteroenterostomy. Microscopic changes were diagnosed in 4 anastomoses (3 gastroenterostomies, 1 Braun enteroenterostomy). Anastomoses were well-formed and wide, scars in the line of anastomoses were thin.

CONCLUSIONS: During the period of 6 months after the anastomoses performed using CAC have been formed, they were evaluated as unobstructed and functioning properly; therefore, they can be safely performed within the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.