Dexon versus chromic catgut-Mersilene simultaneously employed for gastro-intestinal anastomoses, evaluated endoscopically.

Twenty gastro-intestinal anastomoses were sutured, in a randomized manner, with two layers of Dexon in the anterior or posterior suture line, and chromic catgut-Merselene in the other. Each of the suture lines was evaluated "blind" using endoscopy, 3 months postoperatively. No anastomosis failure was observed, in any of the patients, nor were there any definite differences between the two suture lines with regard to the degree of irritation. However, visible, non-absorbable suture material could be seen in two cases where conventional material had been employed. It is concluded that two layers of Dexon are preferable to non-absorbable materials for use in gastro-intestinal anastomoses.