The use of disposable skin staples for intestinal resection and anastomosis in 63 dogs: 2000 to 2014.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of disposable skin staples for intestinal resection and anastomosis in dogs and report associated dehiscence and mortality rates.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of medical records of dogs that underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis using disposable skin staples between 2000 and 2014. Data regarding patient signalment, indication for surgery, location of the resection and anastomosis, number of procedures performed, evidence of peritonitis at the time of surgery, surgeon qualifications, dehiscence, and mortality were obtained from the medical records. Mortality was defined as failure to survive beyond 10 days following resection and anastomosis.

RESULTS

The overall mortality rate of patients undergoing intestinal resection and anastomosis was 12·7% (8/63). The most common indication for resection and anastomosis was neoplasia (20/63 [31·7%]), followed by foreign body removal (19/63 [30·2%]). The overall dehiscence rate was 4·8% (3/63). No difference in mortality associated with indication for surgery, whether multiple procedures were performed, surgeon qualifications, or evidence of peritonitis at the time of surgery was identified.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this retrospective study, the overall mortality and dehiscence rates using disposable skin staples were similar to previously reported outcomes following resection and anastomosis.