Nonsuture colonic anastomosis.

Methyl-2-cyanoacrylate was used for nonsuture end-to-end anastomosis of the ascending colon in 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The results were studied in seven sacrificed rats and eight rats that died after the procedure. The mortality rate was 22 per cent in a six-month period. Twenty animals are being observed for further studies of the anastomoic site and possible late carcinogenic activity of the monomer. The local histotoxicity of methyl-2-cyanoacrylate, the strong binding capacity, the abundance of scar tissue, and the distraction of the mucosa, as pointed out by several earlier investigators, were confirmed in this work. Also, it was strongly evident that the age of the glue has a significant influence on survival. The use of tissue adhesives as a substitute for standard suture technique or as a reinforcement of an inadequate suture line requires further study. Investigations designed for improving properties of these monomers appear warranted.