Background: The authors propose that U-Clips can significantly decrease the technical difficulty of performing thoracoscopic esophageal reconstruction, thus, reducing operating time, the incidence of postoperative leak, and stricture rate.
Methods: After obtaining Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, 3 4-kg female piglets underwent complete thoracoscopic esophageal transections. The esophagus was reconstructed thoracoscopically using S50 and S60 U-Clips over an 8F transanastomotic tube. Esophagrams were performed on postoperative day (POD) 7, 21, 44, and 77.
Results: Mean operating time was 57 minutes (45 to 75 min). Two of 3 piglets had no evidence of leak on POD 7 esophagrams. One animal had a small leak that resolved spontaneously on antibiotics. All 3 piglets tolerated a formula diet orally by POD 8. Over a 77-day survival period all 3 piglets had steady weight gain on an oral diet.
Conclusions: U-Clips are a feasible alternative to sutures for esophageal reconstruction in thoracoscopic surgery. Further study is warranted to investigate the full potential of U-Clips in minimally invasive pediatric surgery.