Kono-S Anastomosis for Surgical Prophylaxis of Anastomotic Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease: an International Multicenter Study

Introduction: The Kono-S (antimesenteric functional end-to-end handsewn) anastomosis has been used for Crohn’s disease in Japan and the USA since 2003 and 2010, respectively. This technique was designed to reduce the risk of anastomotic surgical recurrence. This study reviews the outcomes a decade after the introduction of the Kono-S anastomosis to clinical practice. Methods: This study was conducted at five hospitals (four in Japan and one in the USA). A total of 187 patients in Japan (144 patients, group J) and the USA (43 patients, group US) who underwent Kono-S anastomosis for Crohn’s disease between September 2003 and September 2011 were included. Results: With a median follow-up of 65 months, two surgical anastomotic recurrences have occurred in group J. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that 5 and 10 years surgical recurrence-free survival rate was 98.6 % in group J. No surgical anastomotic recurrences have been detected in group US with a median follow-up of 32 months. The Kono-S anastomosis was technically feasible and performed in all patients. Conclusion: The Kono-S anastomosis appears to be safe and effective in reducing the risk of surgical recurrence in Crohn’s disease.