Background/Aim: Compression anastomoses might represent an improvement over traditional hand-sewn or stapled techniques. Herein, we describe a novel concept of sutureless colonic anastomosis named compression anastomotic ring-locking procedure (CARP). Materials and Methods: The surgical device consists of two anastomotic rings and their associated helping tools, facilitating the placement of the rings into the intestinal ends. Furthermore, four catheters are connected to the surgical device, allowing the evaluation of the anastomosis during and after surgery. A total of 31 pigs underwent a low colocolic anastomosis using the anastomotic rings. The compression pressure was measured perioperatively and up to 96 h after surgery. Anastomotic integrity and morphology were analyzed by use of radiology and histology, respectively. A long-term follow-up was conducted in a subgroup of pigs up to 108 days after surgery when the bursting pressure and stricture formation were examined. Results: All animals recovered uneventfully, and macroscopic examination revealed intact anastomoses without signs of pathological inflammation or adhesions. The perioperative compression pressure was inversely proportional to the gap size between the anastomotic rings. For example, an anastomotic gap of 1.5 mm created a colonic anastomosis with a perioperative compression pressure of 91 mbar, which remained constant for up to 48 h and resulted in a markedly increased compression pressure. Contrast infusion via the catheters effectively visualized the anastomoses, and no leakage was detected within the study. The surgical device was spontaneously evacuated from the intestines within 6 days after surgery. Histology showed collagen bridging of the anastomoses already 72 h after surgery. Long-term follow-up (54-108 days) revealed no stricture formation in the anastomoses, and the bursting pressure ranged from 120 to 235 mbar. The majority of bursts (10/12) occurred distant from the anastomoses. Conclusion: We conclude that the surgical device associated to CARP is safe and efficient for creating colonic anastomoses. Further studies in patients undergoing colorectal surgery are warranted.

Our results indicate that the novel suture-less CARP is a safe and effective method for creating colonic anastomoses. Further studies are warranted in larger patient populations to compare CARP head-on-head with stapled and/or hand-sewn colonic anastomoses.

Purpose C-REX is a novel instrument for creating stapleless colorectal anastomosis by compression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of C-REX in open- and laparoscopic high anterior resections. Methods A prospective clinical study on 21 patients reconstructed with C-REX colorectal anastomosis following high anterior resection of the sigmoid colon using intraabdominal (n = 6) or transanal (n = 15) C-REX instruments for placement of the anastomotic rings. Any signs of complication were prospectively monitored by a predefined protocol. Anastomotic Contact Pressure (ACP) was measured via a catheter-based system and time for evacuation of the anastomotic rings by the natural route was noted. Blood samples were collected daily and flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed postoperatively to examine macroscopic appearance of the anastomoses. Results One patient operated with the intraabdominal anastomosis technique with an ACP of 50 mBar had to be reoperated because of anastomotic leakage. None of the 15 patients operated with the transanal technique had anastomotic complications and their ACP ranged between 145–300 mBar. C-REX rings were uneventfully expelled by the natural route in all patients after a median of 10 days. Flexible sigmoidoscopy showed well-healed anastomoses without stenosis in 17 patients and a moderate subclinical stricture in one patient. Conclusion These results indicate that the novel transanal C-REX device is a safe and effective method for colorectal anastomosis following high anterior resections, irrespective of open or laparoscopic approach. Moreover, C-REX allows measurement of intraoperative ACP and thereby a quantitative evaluation of the anastomotic integrity.

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Purpose C-REX is a novel instrument for creating stapleless colorectal anastomosis by compression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of C-REX in open and laparoscopic high anterior resections. Methods A prospective clinical safety study on 21 patients reconstructed with C-REX colorectal anastomosis following high anterior resection of the sigmoid colon using two different devices for intraabdominal (n = 6) or transanal (n = 15) placement of the anastomotic rings. Any signs of complications were prospectively monitored by a predefined protocol. Anastomotic contact pressure (ACP) was measured via a catheter-based system, and time for evacuation of the anastomotic rings by the natural route was noted. Blood samples were collected daily, and flexible endoscopy was performed postoperatively to examine macroscopic appearance of the anastomoses. Results One of six patients operated with the intraabdominal anastomosis technique with an ACP of 50 mBar had to be reoperated because of anastomotic leakage. None of the 15 patients operated with the transanal technique (5 open and 10 laparoscopic procedures) had anastomotic complications, and their ACP ranged between 145 and 300 mBar. C-REX rings were uneventfully expelled by the natural route in all patients after a median of 10 days. Flexible endoscopy showed well-healed anastomoses without stenosis in 17 patients and a moderate subclinical stricture in one patient. Conclusion These results indicate that the novel transanal C-REX device is a feasible and effective method for colorectal anastomosis following high anterior resections, irrespective of open or laparoscopic approach. Moreover, C-REX allows measurement of intraoperative ACP and thereby a quantitative evaluation of the anastomotic integrity.