Effect of a biologic glue on the leakage rate of experimental rectal anastomoses.

Because bowel and omental adhesions offer some protection when an anastomosis leaks, the effect of a fibrin glue on the leak rate was determined in a prospective animal study. EEA stapled anastomoses of the rectum were evaluated in dogs with respect to mortality, postmortem leak rate, adhesions, and the accuracy of barium enema done just before the animals were killed 7 days postoperatively. There was a reduction in fatal, free, and confined leaks which did not reach statistical significance. Adhesions were reduced. There were no false-positive barium enemas but a 7 percent incidence of false-negative results. The clinical management of a suspected anastomotic leak is discussed.