Efficacy of staple line reinforcement by barbed suture for preventing anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery

Figure 1 “Dog ear” structure. A: The intersection of the staple lines (arrow); B: schematic diagram of the intersection of the staple lines (arrow).

Figure 2 Continuous suture reinforcement. A: Use of a 3-0 barbed suture at the intersection of the staple lines; B: Completion of the suture on the other side of staple line intersection.

Figure 3 Consort diagram of patient flow. DST: Double stapling technique; ASA: American Society of Anesthesiologists.