Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41832382›Full record

SynthesisTechniques in coloproctology2026

Novel adjunctive technologies for the prevention of colorectal anastomotic leakage: a systematic review.

G Gravante, A Annicchiarico, R Melcarne, M Pollini, L Vincenti, A Picciariello

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Techniques in coloproctology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

G GravanteDepartment of General Surgery, Azienda Sanitaria Locale ASL Lecce, Casarano, Italy.
A AnnicchiaricoDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
R MelcarneDepartment of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
M PolliniDepartment of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.
L VincentiSurgical Unit, IRCCS de Bellis, Castellana Grotte, 70013, Bari, Italy.
A PicciarielloDepartment of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy. arcangelo.picciariello@unisalento.it.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) remains one of the most serious complications following colorectal surgery, particularly after low anterior resection. In recent years, several adjunctive technologies have been introduced to reinforce anastomotic integrity during the early phases of healing. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and clinical effectiveness of novel mechanical and biological devices designed to prevent AL in colorectal surgery.

methodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Human studies evaluating innovative adjunctive devices for AL prevention in patients undergoing low anterior resection were included. Studies focusing on transanal tubes, omental wrapping, or suture reinforcement were excluded. The primary outcome was the rate of anastomotic leakage.

resultsEighteen studies published between 2005 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria. The evaluated technologies were grouped into six categories: bioabsorbable staple-line reinforcements, nitinol-based compression rings, biodegradable intraluminal sheaths, vacuum-anchored diversion systems, fi brin-based sealants, and collagen patches (Seamguard™, C-Seal™, ColonRing™, Colovac™, Tissucol™/Greenplast™, TachoSil™, and Hemopatch™). Considerable heterogeneity in study design and methodological quality was observed. Although several devices demonstrated acceptable technical feasibility and safety, their eff ect on AL prevention was inconsistent. Only a limited number of studies included control groups or were designed as randomized controlled trials. Device-related complications, including migration, technical difficulties, and local tissue reactions, were reported in some series.

conclusionsCurrent adjunctive technologies have not consistently demonstrated a reduction in AL rates after colorectal surgery. While selected devices may provide potential benefit in high-risk patients, their clinical applicability remains limited by technical constraints and heterogeneous evidence. Further large, high-quality studies incorporating standardized definitions of AL and patient-specific risk stratification are warranted.

Indexed as

Anastomotic LeakColorectal Surgical ProceduresRectumAnastomosis, SurgicalColonHumansAnastomotic leakageAnastomotic reinforcement devicesColorectal surgeryurgical sealants and biomaterials

Identifiers

PMID41832382
PMCPMC12992371

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.