The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Can stapled anastomosis in visceral surgery still be justified? A prospective controlled randomized study of the cost-effectiveness of hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses. Chirug 1998; 69: 725-34.

Published: 1st January 1999

Authors: Izbicki JR, Gawad KA, Quirrenbach S, Hosch SB, Breid V, Knoefel WT et al. et al.

Conclusion

This study included 324 anastomoses in 200 patients having a variety of different bowel resections. Stapled anastomoses were quicker but more expensive. Stapling did not reduce complication rates (anastomosis leak rate 2.1 per cent) or hospital stay.

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