Novel Attempt Using Bioabsorbable Reinforcement Material on the Crotch of a Side-to-Side Anastomosis

Side-to-side anastomoses are more frequently performed. This method is relatively simple, timesaving, and can be applied in a variety of settings where anastomoses are necessary. Despite some advances, stapled anastomoses have inherent weak points. With any type of side-to-side anastomosis, the crotch is formed at the tip portion of the stapler; this crotch area is the weak point. We describe a novel surgical technique for side-to-side anastomosis using a reinforced crotch. After distal gastrectomy, a small incision was made on the greater curvature of the remnant stomach and the posterior side of the duodenum. We use a 60-mm linear stapler, namely, the Endo GIA^TM Reinforce Reload (Covidien Japan). Therefore, the stapler length inserted into the stomach and duodenum is 45 mm. The reinforce reloads have a preloaded reinforcement material on the both anvil and cartridge. One or two supporting sutures were added to the center of the common enterotomy. Pulling up on the two pieces of Neoveil^® and the sutures, the common enterotomy was closed with a linear stapler. Delta-shaped anastomosis is then accomplished. We also use a reinforced reload in a side-to-side anastomosis between two segments of jejunum. Neoveil^® is thin and soft; we found no problem using either a hand thrown suture or stapler to close the entry hole. In fact, we found that the excess Neoveil^® is very useful. Neoveil^® can be a substitute for the sutures. Only one or two hand thrown sutures were then necessary to close the common enterotomy. And we do not add the reinforce suture of the crotch at all. This novel method is a simple and useful method and can be used in side-to-side anastomoses in a variety of settings.