Comparison of the two intestinal anastomosis methods in pediatric patients.

Abstract

Background: For pediatric patients, there is still controversy regarding the anastomotic technique used for gastrointestinal construction. The study was to evaluate the continuous single-layer (CSL) intestinal anastomosis method compared with the two-layered interrupted anastomosis.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the eligible patients following CSL anastomosis (n = 252) and interrupted double-layer (IDL) anastomosis (n = 196). The influences of CSL or IDL anastomosis on perioperative outcomes, including postoperative complications, anastomotic leakage, hospitalization cost, and postoperative hospital stay, were evaluated.

Results: No significant differences were found between the CSL and IDL groups in terms of anastomotic leakage or postoperative complications. CSL anastomosis was related to favorable clinical outcomes, including anastomotic time (11.6 ± 3.8 vs 24.3 ± 5.9 min, p < 0.001) and operative time (111.6 ± 48.6 vs 124.1 ± 54.2 min, p = 0.041). There was a decrease in inflammation variable (e.g., C-reactive protein) on postoperative day 5 (10.6 ± 5.8 vs 12.8 ± 6.6 mg/L, p = 0.032) in patients with CSL anastomoses compared to the IDL group.

Conclusions: The beneficial effects of CSL anastomosis in pediatric patients were demonstrated with respect to anastomotic time, length of postoperative recovery, and cost incurred.