Does Tri‐Staple™ technology reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery? A propensity score matching analysis

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesThis study evaluates the Tri‐Staple™ technology in colorectal anastomosis.MethodsPatients who underwent rectosigmoidectomy between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups: EEA™ (EEA) or Tri‐Staple™ (Tri‐EEA). The groups were matched for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and neoadjuvant radiotherapy using propensity score matching (PSM).ResultThree hundred and thirty‐six patients were included (228 EEA; 108 Tri‐EEA). The groups were similar in sex, age, and neoadjuvant therapy. The Tri‐EEA group had fewer patients with ASA III/IV scores (7% vs. 33%; p < 0.001). The Tri‐EEA group had a lower incidence of leakage (4% vs. 11%; p = 0.023), reoperations (4% vs. 12%; p = 0.016), and severe complications (6% vs. 14%; p = 0.026). There was no difference in complications, mortality, readmission, and length of stay. After PSM, 108 patients in the EEA group were compared with 108 in the Tri‐EEA group. The covariates sex, age, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and ASA were balanced, and the risk of leakage (4% vs. 12%; p = 0.04), reoperation (4% vs. 14%; p = 0.014), and severe complications (6% vs. 15%; p = 0.041) remained lower in the Tri‐EEA group.ConclusionTri‐Staple™ reduces the risk of leakage in colorectal anastomosis. However, this study provides only insights, and further research is warranted to confirm these findings.