Stapled versus hand-sewn pediatric intestinal anastomoses: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Whereas the adult literature has demonstrated the acceptable safety profile of stapled anastomoses when compared to the hand-sewn alternative, the choice of intestinal anastomosis using sutures or staples remains inadequately investigated in children. The purpose of this study is to compare the anastomotic outcomes of both techniques in children under 5years of age.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing intestinal anastomosis at a single tertiary centre (2012-2016) was undertaken. Demographics, diagnosis, anatomy, and complications were compared between the hand-sewn (HS) and stapled anastomosis (SA) groups. Primary outcomes were anastomotic leak and/or stricture requiring intervention.

RESULTS: There were 72 patients with 90 intestinal anastomoses (67 HS, 23 SA). Baseline demographics between the two anastomotic groups were comparable. The overall anastomotic complication rate was 23.9% (HS) and 17.4% (SA). In the ileocolic subgroup, anastomotic complications occurred in 3/7 HS vs. 0/5 SA (ns). There were no statistically significant differences in primary outcomes between HS and SA. All SA complications occurred with 3.5 or 3.8mm staples.

CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, no statistically significant difference between hand-sewn and stapled intestinal anastomosis outcomes was found. However, further investigation is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 (Retrospective Comparative Treatment Study).