Is single-layer better than double-layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis? A comparative study in pediatric patients

Objective
The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-layer anastomosis compared with double-layer interrupted anastomosis in pediatric patients.
Patients and methods
The study included 60 patients, and it was carried out in Pediatric Surgery Unit, El-Minia University Hospital from February 2016 to February 2017, and the patients were classified into two groups, each group comprising 30 patients. Group A was operated with single-layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis and group B was operated with double-layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis. All patients were subjected to carful preoperative assessment and preparations. Postoperatively, intravenous fluids were continued until oral fluids begin, usually on the third day postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 1 month postoperatively with special emphasis on postoperative complications.
Results
The most frequent diagnosis was intussusception; it represented 33.3 and 36% in groups A and B, respectively. The operative time and the postoperative hospital stay were less in group A, with values less than 0.001 and 0.049, respectively, which is statistically significant. Intestinal leakage was reported in two (6.7%) cases in both groups, whereas postoperative distension was reported in four (13.3%) cases in group A and 13 (43%) cases in group B, with a -value of 0.01, which was statistically significant. Wound infection was reported in two cases in group A and five cases in group B. Two cases needed re-exploration in group B. Postoperative vomiting was reported in five (16.7%) cases in group A and 10 (33%) cases in group B.
Conclusion
We concluded that single-layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis is effective, safe, successful, of less operative time, less hospital stay, and valuable cost-effectiveness.