Ex vivo comparison of different thoracoabdominal stapler sizes for typhlectomy in canine cadavers

Abstract

Objective: To determine the influence of staple size on leakage pressure of typhlectomy sites in canine cadavers.

Study design: Randomized, experimental cadaveric study.

Animals: Twenty-four fresh canine cadavers.

Methods: Ileocecocolic segments were exteriorized following right paracostal laparotomy after euthanasia. Cecal base length and wall thickness were measured. Each cecum was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (TA 30 V3 2.5 mm, TA 60 3.5 mm, and TA 60 4.8 mm). The cecal base was stapled and the cecum was removed. A 10 cm segment including the stapled cecal excision site was tested for initial leak pressure.

Results: The mean ± standard deviation body weights across the groups were 18.7 ± 6.1 kg, 16.2 ± 7.5 kg, and 14.2 ± 5.5 kg for the TA 30 V3 2.5 mm, TA 60 3.5 mm, and TA 60 4.8 mm groups, respectively (P = .48). There were no differences for mean cecal base length or wall thickness. Mean initial leak pressure (ILP) across groups was 182 ± 111 mmHg (TA 30 V3 2.5 mm), 112 ± 57 mmHg (TA 60 3.5 mm), and 77 ± 60 mmHg (TA 60 4.8 mm) (P = .78).

Conclusion: Each stapler size that was evaluated resulted in a mean ILP in excess of typical intraluminal pressures under normal circumstances. There were no differences among groups.

Clinical significance: The results of this cadaveric study support the use of any of the stapler sizes evaluated in similarly sized dogs. A prospective study is needed to be able to correlate stapler size and clinical outcome.