The role of tissue adhesives and sealants in colorectal anastomotic healing-a scoping review.

Purpose: Anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal resection is a serious postoperative complication with grave consequences for patients. Despite several efforts to reduce its incidence, AL is still seen among 2-20% of colorectal cancer patients receiving an anastomosis. The use of tissue adhesives and sealants as an extra layer of protection around the anastomosis has shown promising results. We conducted a scoping review to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the effect of tissue adhesives and sealants on colorectal anastomosis healing, as well as their effect on the postoperative outcome.

Methods: The databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched on 14/10/2022. Studies addressing the use of a tissue adhesive or tissue sealant applied around a colorectal anastomosis, with the goal to prevent AL or to decrease AL-related complications, were included. We presented an overview of the available studies and summarized their results narratively.

Results: Seven studies were included out of the 846 screened. All authors reported the rate of AL in their interventions group. Five of the studies found a decreased rate of AL compared to the control group. One study had no incidences of AL, while the last study had a seemingly low rate of AL but no comparison group. Information on secondary outcomes was sparingly reported, but the results hinted at a positive effect.

Conclusion: Tissue adhesives and sealants might have a beneficial effect on colorectal anastomosis healing. The literature is sparse, and this review has shown the need for further clinical studies.