Short-Term Outcomes of Tri-Staple Versus Universal Staple in Laparoscopic Anterior Resection of Rectal and Distal Sigmoid Colonic Cancer: A Matched-Pair Analysis

Background Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication in laparoscopic colorectal surgeries. To resolve this problem, a new stapling technology (Tri-staple) is developed. In this study, we aim to compare the short-term outcomes of Tri-staple versus Universal staple in laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal and distal sigmoid colonic cancer. Methods A total of 446 patients were admitted to our hospital and received laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal and distal sigmoid colonic cancer between January 2016 and December 2020. Among them, Tri-staples were used in 202 patients, and the Universal staples were used in 244 patients. Propensity score matching was performed, followed by a comparison between the two groups (Tri-staple vs. Universal staple) in the incidences of anastomotic leakage, bleeding, and reoperation. Results In total, 270 patients were included in this retrospective cohort study by the propensity score matching, with each group having 135 patients. Tri-staple group had a significant lower incidence of anastomotic leakage compared with the Universal staple group (4.44% vs. 11.11%, P < 0.05). The reoperation rate was also lower in Tri-staple group than the Universal staple group (3.70% vs. 8.15%, P < 0.05). The anastomotic bleeding rates, average postoperative hospital stay, average drain indwelling period, and average fasting period had no statistical differences between the two groups. Conclusion The usage of Tri-staple in laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal and distal sigmoid colonic cancer is associated with lower postoperative complications compared with Universal staple. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Automated summary

This study compared the short-term outcomes of Tri-staple versus Universal staple in laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal and distal sigmoid colonic cancer. The results showed that the Tri-staple group had significantly lower incidence of anastomotic leakage and reoperation compared to the Universal staple group, with no significant differences in other outcomes.