Anastomotic bleeding after double-stapled colorectal surgery linked to stapler spike position

Anastomotic Bleeding in Primary Double-stapled Colorectal Anastomosis Relating to the Placement of the Stapler Spike to the Staple Line

Observational Kepler University Hospital · NCT07506005

This project will see if placing the stapler spike on the mesenteric versus the opposite side affects early rectal bleeding in adults having double-stapled colorectal anastomoses for cancer or diverticulitis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment102 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorKepler University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Linz)
Trial IDNCT07506005 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center observational study that records the orientation of the trocar/spike relative to the rectal staple line in double-stapled colorectal anastomoses and tracks bleeding outcomes. Each anastomosis is inspected intraoperatively by sigmoidoscopy and postoperative persistent rectal bleeding within 24 hours is documented. The primary comparison is incidence of anastomotic bleeding when the spike is placed on the mesenteric side versus the antimesenteric side. Adult patients with documented anastomotic orientation are included, while procedures involving total mesorectal excision are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18 and older) undergoing colorectal resection with a primary double-stapled anastomosis for colorectal cancer or diverticulitis, with the anastomotic orientation documented and not undergoing TME, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients having non–double-stapled anastomoses, total mesorectal excision, or procedures for other conditions are unlikely to benefit from the findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, surgeons could reduce early anastomotic bleeding by adopting a preferred stapler spike position during double-stapled colorectal anastomosis.

How similar studies have performed: Surgical reports and small case series have suggested stapler spike position can affect bleeding, but no large definitive studies have conclusively proven the effect.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Colorectal surgery with primary colorectal anastomosis using the double-stapling technique, including side-to-end or end-to-end anastomosis
* Documented anastomotic orientation (mesenteric vs. antimesenteric)

Exclusion Criteria:

* TME

Where this trial is running

Linz

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colorectal CancerDiverticulitisColorectal anastomosisDouble StaplingAnastomotic Bleeding
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.