Relaxation sutures for the oesophageal end-to-end anastomosis.

Intrathoracic end-to-end anastomoses were made in 4 series of piglets with 10 animals in each. In one series (S) the anastomoses were made with interrupted 6/0 silk sutures. In another series (MR) interrupted 10/0 supramid sutures were used after standardized resection. In a third series (F) 6/0 silk sutures were utilized and the oesophageal ends fastened to fascia perivertebralis with traction sutures. In a fourth series (RF) the anastomoses were made with silk 6/0 suture material after standardized resection and including traction sutures. The results were evaluated with standardized X-ray examination with calculation of anastomotic index, histological examination and macrophotography. Statistical analysis of the anastomotic index showed a significant difference between the F and S series. The anastomoses in the F series had healed with less stricture formation. No significant differences were observed between the MR and S series, the RF and S series, and the MR and RF series. Our results encourage us to recommend traction sutures in contriving an intrathoracic end-to-end oesophageal anastomosis.