In this case series report of 10 colorectal cancer patients, a polyethylene glycol-coated collagen-based haemostatic patch was applied after rectal resection to reinforce rectal anastomoses and reduce anastomotic leakage. Patients underwent rectal resection and anastomoses were stapled in place. The patch-Hemopatch®-was applied to 75% of the anastomotic circumference. The surgeon judged the simplicity of application using a reinforcement of rectal anastomosis score. Mean age of patients was 68.1 (range 50-94) years. The patch was successfully applied in eight patients; in seven patients, patch application was straightforward or only slightly complex, according to the reinforcement of rectal anastomosis score. Seven of eight patients experienced no leakage or signs of stricture 6 weeks post-surgery. All patients underwent radical resection. It is possible to apply Hemopatch® during colorectal surgery. However, the patch application procedure needs to be standardized and efficacy needs to be evaluated by conducting larger clinical studies.
Published by Oxford University Press and JSCR Publishing Ltd. © The Author(s) 2021.