Comparison of Biofragmentable Anastomosis Ring and Sutured Anastomoses for Subtotal Colectomy in Cats with Idiopathic Megacolon

Objective— To report use of a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) device in cats with idiopathic megacolon (FIM) and compare outcome after subtotal colectomy with sutured colocolic anastomosis. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Nineteen cats with megacolon. Methods— Medical records (January 1990–January 2004) of cats treated surgically for idiopathic megacolon with sutured (SUT) or BAR anastomosis were retrieved and reviewed. Operative, short- and long-term complications, and survival times were recorded and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis used to assess outcome. Results— There were 11 SUT and 8 BAR cats. One BAR cat had anastomotic dehiscence 36 hours after surgery. Mild serosal tearing during BAR insertion in 6 cats was corrected by suture reinforcement. One SUT cat developed anastomotic stricture at 32 days. Short-term complication rates at 3 and 7 days were 18% and 45% in the SUT group and 25% and 87.5% in the BAR group, respectively (P=.058). Two SUT cats had persistent loose stool consistency and were euthanatized 254 and 1661 days after surgery. One BAR cat had recurrence of constipation which was managed medically. Long-term complication rates were not significantly different between SUT and BAR (P=.61). The 1 and 4-year survival rates were 90% for SUT and 100% for BAR (P=.29). Conclusions— No difference was detected for short and long-term complication rates and survival times between SUT and BAR groups. Clinical Relevance— The BAR device can be used for colocolic anastomosis in cats with idiopathic megacolon. Serosal tearing during BAR insertion was a common intraoperative complication. Regardless of anastomotic technique, survival outcome after colonic resection is excellent for cats with FIM.