METHODS: We created stapled anastomosis models [double stapling technique (DST), functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) unbuttressed or buttressed, and triangulating anastomosis (TA) with two- or three-row stapling] and a hand-sewn anastomosis model. Bursting pressures of each method were measured. The primary end point was the bursting pressure. The effectiveness of buttressing and three-row stapling were the secondary endpoints.
RESULTS: The DST group had significantly lower bursting pressure than TA with three-row stapling, FEEA buttressed, and hand-sewn groups. No significant difference was found between the bursting pressure of the FEEA unbuttressed and FEEA buttressed groups and that of the TA with two-row and three-row stapling groups.
CONCLUSIONS: DST has the lowest bursting pressure compared to other anastomotic techniques. Buttressing suture and three-row stapling have no effect on the strength of anastomosis.