Comparison of stapler and handsewn anastomosis techniques in creating an ileal conduit following radical cystectomy

Background and objective: Ileal conduit for urinary diversion can be completed using either end-to-end handsewn or stapled anastomosis. This study aimed to compare stepled and handsewn anastomosis methods in terms of complications, hospitalization and cost. Materials and methods: Forty-three patients were included in the hand-sewn and 44 patients in the stapler group. After creating an ileal conduit, continuity of the loop was achieved either with handsewn or stapler method. Patients’ demographic data, time to onset of bowel movement, time to transit to oral intake, time to removal of the drain, perioperative and postoperative complications, mortality and total costs were retrospectively recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean to the onset of bowel movements (p = 0.51) and the mean time to transit to oral intake (p = 0.23). The mean time to removal of the drain was significantly lower in the stapler group (p = 0.023). Perioperative complications were seen in eight patients in the handsewn group, while none of the patients in the stapler group developed perioperative complication (p = 0.003). Postoperative complications were similar between both groups (p = 0.75). The duration of hospitalization was statistically significantly lower in the stapler group (p = 0.004) and the mean total cost was statistically significantly more advantageous (p < 0.001). Conclusion: No significant difference was found between stapler and handsewn anastomosis techniques in terms of postoperative complications. On the other hand, hospitalization and total cost were in favour of stapler technique, showing that this technique can be used safely