Comparison of Multiple-U and Simple Interrupted Suture Techniques in Microvascular Anastomosis: An Experimental Study in Male Albino Rats.

Background: The multiple-U technique is a new method for microvascular anastomosis that allows for easy and stable intima-to-intima contact, which is crucial for a successful procedure. The present work aimed to compare the Multiple-U technique and the simple interrupted suture technique regarding patency, time needed for anastomosis, duration of bleeding after declamping, and blood leakage. Methods: In an experimental study, forty adult male albino rats with an average weight of 200-350 gm were subjected to femoral artery anastomosis and were split into two equal groups (n = 20): simple interrupted suture in one group and multiple-U technique in another group. The milking test was done to assess the patency of the repaired vessel after an anastomosis. Anastomosis time, anastomotic leakage, bleeding time, and vessel diameter were assessed. Results: Regarding anastomotic leakage, the Multiple-U technique leakage (6-18 ml) was less than the leakage of the Simple Interrupted Suture technique (7.5-24 ml). Regarding vessel diameter after anastomosis, there was a significant decrease in vessel diameter in the simple interrupted suture technique (1.7 - 1.9 mm) when compared with the multiple U technique (1.9 - 2.17 mm) (p = 0.017). Our results showed non-significant differences between the two techniques regarding patency rate and anastomosis time. Conclusion: The multiple-U technique significantly decreased bleeding time and vessel diameter after anastomosis. Therefore, our recommendation is to use the multiple-U technique, particularly in digital replantation and in cases with a high risk of vessel occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]