“This study hypothesized that there may be additional differences between trauma surgery (TS) and emergency general surgery (EGS) patients, because the physiologic conditions are typically dominated by hemodynamic instability from hemorrhage in the former, whereas the latter is predominantly complicated by sepsis. The 2 groups may also have different patient demographics, with TS patients being younger and more likely to be male than EGS patients.”

“Available evidence is sparse and at high risk of bias, and neither stapling nor handsewing is justifiably favored in emergency laparotomy. Surgeons might therefore select the technique of their own choice with caution owing to unresolved uncertainty.”

Naumann DN, et al . Stapled versus handsewn intestinal anastomosis in emergency laparotomy: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Surgery. 2015 Apr;157(4):609-18. Full Text for Emory Users