OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of metallic clips for closure of full-thickness defects in the stomach wall.

METHODSForty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups with 12 in each group using random digits table. A 2 cm×2 cm full-thickness defect was created in the gastric body. No closure was performed in the first group; in the second group, mucosa closure with metallic clips; the third group, closure of full-thickness gastric tissue with metallic clip; the fourth group closure with 3-0 silk suture. After operation the animals were sacrificed at the third day and the seventh day. Wound healing was evaluated. Bursting pressure was recorded. HE and Masson staining was performed to inspect wound inflammation and tissue fibrosis situation.

RESULTSAfter operation all the animals in the first group died within 34 hours, while those in other groups survived. No intraperitoneal bleeding or infection were seen in the survived animals. General observation showed that the metallic closure group caused less intraperitoneal adhesions. Operative time was shorter in the second and third group compared to the fourth group [(45.8 ± 1.6) min and (42.5 ± 1.5) min vs. (48.0 ± 1.4) min, P<0.05]. The bursting pressure on the third day was lower [(36.9 ± 4.6) mm Hg and (39.8 ± 4.1) mm Hg vs. (50.5 ± 4.2) mm Hg, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in bursting pressure on the 7th day among the three groups [(95.0 ± 7.9) mm Hg and (97.8 ± 6.8) mm Hg vs. (98.5 ± 7.0) mm Hg, P>0.05]. HE staining revealed that metal closure had a better healing and Masson staining reflected no significant difference in healing at the same time point.

CONCLUSIONSMetal clips closure full-thickness defects in the stomach, regardless in full thickness or mucosa closure, is as safe and effective as suture closure.