OBJECTIVETo study the efficacy, safety and reliability of colonic sac duct for first-stage repair of colorectal anastomotic leakage.

METHODSAn animal model of colon anastomotic leakage was established in 30 Tibet miniature pigs, which were randomly divided into treatment group and control group (n=15). Colon anastomotic leakage in the treatment group was repaired using the colonic sac duct, while the control group received conventional surgical repair. At 7, 14, and 21 days after the surgery, the healing of the anastomotic leakage was evaluated by examining the bursting pressure, tissue microvessel density and hydroxyproline content at the anastomosis.

RESULTSUsing the colonic sac duct, the anastomotic leakage was successfully repaired without death of the pigs or the occurrence of intestinal stenosis or necrosis. At 7 and 14 days after the surgery, the bursting pressure, hydroxyproline contents, and microvessel density in the treatment groups were higher than those in the control group, but such difference was not found at 21 days.

CONCLUSIONColonic sac duct allows effective repair of colon anastomotic leakage, and is especially useful for leakage lasting for 48-72 h complicated by severe abdominal infection.