Decreased leakage rate of colonic anastomoses by tachosil coating: an experimental study.

Colorectal anastomotic coating has been proposed as a means to lower the leakage rate. Prior to clinical testing, coating materials need thorough experimental evaluation to ensure safety and efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate Tachosil as an anastomotic coating agent. Technically insufficient colon anastomoses were created in 80 C57BL/6 mice, and in half of the animals the anastomoses were covered with Tachosil. The animals were examined for clinical signs of anastomotic leakage, and the breaking strength of the anastomoses was evaluated. The number of leakages was reduced by Tachosil coating (10/40 versus 20/40 in controls; P=0.037). However, more cases of large bowel obstruction were found in the Tachosil group (12/40 versus 0/40 in controls; P<0.0005). Breaking strength was comparable between the Tachosil and control groups (0.49 N versus 0.52 N, respectively; P=0.423). Clinical studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of Tachosil anastomotic coating.