Purpose: Use of biosutures in animal models of colonic anastomoses is associated with decreased adhesions without affecting anastomotic strength. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of biosutures on colonic anastomoses kept free of adhesions by peritoneal instillation of icodextrin 4%.
Methods: Three types of colonic anastomoses were compared: group 1, anastomoses without icodextrin 4% and control suture; group 2, anastomoses with icodextrin 4% (adhesion-free anastomoses) and control suture; and group 3, anastomoses with icodextrin 4% (adhesion-free anastomoses) and biosutures. Dehiscence, adhesion formation, and anastomotic strength were evaluated on day 4 after the operation.
Results: When peritoneal icodextrin 4% was used in anastomoses with conventional sutures, a decrease in the adhesion index (P = 0.01) and a lower bursting pressure (P = 0.15) were observed. When adhesion-free anastomoses were compared, those performed with biosutures had a higher bursting pressure (P = 0.008) and a similar pattern of adhesion index (P = 0.48).
Conclusions: Biosutures improve the strength of adhesion-free colonic anastomoses.