In vitro evaluation of an inverted end-to-end equine jejunojejunal anastomosis using skin staples

Anastomoses using skin staples were initially used by military surgeon to create a single layer, inverted, end-to-end anastomosis for treatment of gunshot injuries. The method was easy to learn, safe, faster and mechanically superior to conventional techniques. Our purpose in this study was to compare the functional indices of end-to-end jejuno-jejunal anastomoses created using either skin staples or a 2 layer hand-sewn inverting technique in equine jejunal specimens. To test this we constructed EEA in fresh jejunal specimens and we measured anastomotic construction time, luminal diameter, bursting pressure and evaluated failure mode.