Conventional Hand Sewn End-To-End Anastomosis Versus Side-To-Side Anastomosis for Stoma Reversal: A Prospective Study

Hand sewn end-to-end anastomosis (EE) Holding sutures were taken through a seromuscular bite with PDS (Polydiaxonone) 3-0 or Silk 2-0 RB (Round Bodied needle), one each at the mesenteric and antimesenteric ends of the stoma. A posterior layer of Lembert sutures was taken first. The first bite was taken at the anti-mesenteric end and a knot was applied. A Connell stitch was applied at the corner and then the posterior layer was closed using an inverting interlocking continuous stitch till the mesenteric end. Another Connell stitch was applied here to secure the corner and the suture was continued on to the anterior layer which was then closed in a similar manner using a continuous interlocking stitch. The final bite crossed the initial knot and the final knot was applied. An anterior layer of Lembert sutures was taken to reinforce the anastomotic line.

Hand sewn side-to-side anastomosis (HSSA) Each end of the stoma was closed using either a single layer of inverting interlocking continuous sutures with PDS 3-0 or Silk 2-0 RB, or a Linear Stapling device. The two closed stumps were then brought adjacent to each other in an anti-peristaltic arrangement. A posterior layer of Lembert sutures was applied using Silk 2-0 RB. The bowel wall was incised using electrocautery close to the suture line. The incision was lengthened up to a width of at least 5-6 cm. The posterior and anterior layer was now closed using the same technique as in HS using PDS 3-0. An anterior layer of Lembert sutures was applied. The mesenteric defect was then closed using a superficial interrupted layer of Silk 2-0 RB.

Stapled side-to-side anastomosis or Functional End-to-end anastomosis (SSSA/FEEA) The two limbs of a Linear Cutter SR55 are placed into the proximal and distal bowel loops of the stoma, facing as far away from the mesenteric border as possible and then fired. If both lumens are of similar size, traction sutures are applied with Silk 2-0 RB at the anterior and posterior termination ends of the staple line. The two ends are pulled away from each other, and a Linear Cutter SR75 is applied just below the edge of the bowel and fired. However, in case of an ileo-colostomy, after the first linear cutter SR55 is fired, the two suture lines are approximated in such a way that they do not get apposed but rather lie adjacent to each other. The lumen is then clamped in SR75 which is then fired.