Is staple line reinforcement still needed on contemporary staplers? A benchtop analysis

Background Staple line reinforcement (SLR) is commonly used in bariatric surgeries to reduce leaks and bleeds. With the evolution of staplers, the need for buttressing with the latest surgical stapling technology is in question. The efficacy of GORE® SEAMGUARD® (G-SLR) to improve staple line strength based on an established measure of burst pressure was evaluated. A benchtop test on synthetic tissue evaluated the pressure required for staple line leak across surgical staplers with and without G-SLR. Methods Staple lines on a consistent thickness synthetic bowel were pressurized to the point of failure (burst pressure) among Ethicon®, Intuitive®, and Medtronic® surgical staplers with and without G-SLR. Burst pressure and leak location (through the staple line [TTSL] or through the staple [TTS], on the anvil or cartridge side) were recorded. Visual confirmation of a leak concluded each test. Results The pooled mean burst pressure for G-SLR was greater ( p < 0.05) by 0.494 pounds/square inch compared with no reinforcement with no meaningful differences among staplers. Leak failures were primarily TTS (91.7%) and equally distributed between reinforcement groups with more leak failures on the cartridge side with G-SLR and on the anvil side for non-SLR group. Leaks occurred across the length of staple lines with no discernable pattern. Conclusion Employing a buttressing material strengthens the staple line, as measured by burst pressure, and may reduce the risk for staple line failure. This benchtop study of G-SLR with three commonly used surgical staplers demonstrated a significant increase in burst pressures among the studied stapling devices. Graphical abstract