Abdominal midline incision closure. A multicentric randomized prospective trial of 3,135 patients, comparing continuous vs interrupted polyglycolic acid sutures

A randomized prospective multicentric study was organized to compare results between techniques using continuous sutures and interrupted sutures in closing abdominal midline incisions. The suture material employed was polyglycolic acid. This study included 3,135 patients who were randomized between the two methods of closure and who were stratified according to the type of wound: clean, clean-contaminated, and contaminated. The overall dehiscence rate was 1.6% in the continuous sutures group vs 2% in the interrupted sutures group. The dehiscence rate in the interrupted sutures group was significantly higher than in the continuous sutures group only in the stratum of contaminated wounds. The death rate was significantly higher in the interrupted sutures group. The number of needle sets was significantly less important when the continuous sutures technique was used. Continuous closure is preferable because it is more economic and expedient and also because it has the same incidence of wound dehiscence as interrupted sutures closure.     

Subcostal incision versus midline laparotomy in gallstone surgery: a prospective and randomized trial

We report the results of a prospective and randomized trial designed to study the incidence of abdominal and pulmonary complications in gallstone surgery comparing subcostal (SI) with midline incision. The need for postoperative analgesia was lower in the SI group. There was no difference in the degree of hypoxaemia in the first two postoperative days, but there was less impairment of pulmonary function in terms of vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (P less than 0.0001) in the SI group. SI patients also had a lower incidence of pulmonary or abdominal complications but the difference was not significant. Finally, we found a reduced hospital stay for the SI patients (P less than 0.01), probably related to a reduced postoperative analgesic requirement and an improved pulmonary function. We conclude that subcostal incision is a better approach for biliary tract surgery and should be used whenever possible.     

Sternal wound closure in patients undergoing open-heart surgery: a prospective randomized study comparing intracutaneous and zipper techniques.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective, randomized study was undertaken to compare a non-invasive surgical zipper to intracutaneous suture closure in open-heart surgery with respect to postoperative wound infection rate and cosmetic results. METHODS: A total number of 300 patients were included in the study, of which 150 had their skin wound closed with zipper and 150 with intracutaneous suture. The end-points were superficial and deep sternal wound infections within 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The incidence of total infection after 6 weeks was equal in the two groups (6.7 vs. 6.7%) (P=0.94). The superficial infection rate was 5.3% in the zipper group vs. 6.0% in the intracutaneous, and the deep infection rate was 1.4% in the zipper group and 0.7% in the intracutaneous. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Only the cosmetic result differed. On a visual scale from 1 (poorest) to 10 (best), an average score of 8.2 was obtained in the intracutaneous group versus 8.9 in the zipper group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The wound infection rate was equal for the intracutaneous group compared with the zipper group; however, the cosmetic result was judged better by the patients in the zipper group.     

Results of prospective, randomized clinical trials comparing standard and high-flexion posterior-stabilized TKA: a focused review

High-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs have been available for several years for patients desiring a greater postoperative flexion. We conducted a focused review on published results of prospective, randomized clinical trials that compared a standard posterior-stabilized TKA with a high-flexion posterior-stabilized TKA design. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 2.7 years. None of the articles included in the review showed a statistical difference between the standard and high-flexion designs in clinical flexion or range of motion. Mean postoperative flexion ranged from 106° to 130° for the standard design and 110° to 128° for the high-flexion design. Based on currently available literature, high-flexion cruciate-substituting TKAs do not appear to provide increased flexion in the short term. The downsides of these designs, such as increased cost, increased bone resection, and early femoral loosening, need to be weighed against the potential long-term improvement in polyethylene wear due to increased conformity in high flexion. Continued follow-up to document these findings will be important.     

Basal joint arthroplasty and carpal tunnel release comparing a single versus double incision: a prospective randomized study

Purpose

Basal thumb joint osteoarthritis frequently coexists with carpal tunnel syndrome. The two conditions have traditionally been treated surgically through separate incisions. We sought to determine whether carpal tunnel release using a single incision during basal joint arthroplasty is as effective as a two-incision approach in patients with concomitant carpal tunnel syndrome and basal thumb joint osteoarthritis.

Methods

For this purpose, 40 patients were randomly allocated to either a single-incision or double-incision approach, all of whom completed the full follow-up period. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, QuickDASH, and a 10-point visual analog scale pain-severity rating were obtained from patients 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.

Results

The two treatment groups experienced comparable, progressive improvement in all symptom-, function-, and pain-related outcomes, with mean surgery time significantly shorter with the single-incision approach, and four versus zero patients in the double-incision group developing pillar pain (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

Concomitant basal thumb joint osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome might be effectively performed through a single-incision approach, potentially avoiding any morbidity classically associated with a second incision.

Level of evidence

Level II/Therapeutic Study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04391751, 04/29/2020, retrospectively registered.

     

连续护理对行正中切口双侧疝修复术高龄患者应用的体会

目的总结连续护理干预在高龄患者行正中切口双侧疝修复术中的应用体会。 方法回顾性分析2016年1～10月于南京医科大学附属南京医院行正中切口腹膜前间隙无张力疝修补术的40例高龄双侧疝患者的资料。总结围手术期护理过程中的连续护理策略。 结果40例患者术中生命体征平稳、术程顺利,手术时间40～60 min,出血量20～50 ml;术后患者恢复良好,随访24个月,无复发。 结论连续护理能够为高龄患者提供持续的护理关怀和支持,能够使患者以轻松、平静的状态来接受手术,并协助其安全度过手术期。     

A randomized, prospective, parallel group study comparing the Harmonic Scalpel to electrocautery in thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Exhaustive hemostasis is essential to successful thyroidectomy. Electrocoagulation to control bleeding has the potential risk of injuring the surrounding structures from lateral dispersion of heat. The Harmonic Scalpel (HS) cuts and coagulates simultaneously using mechanical vibration rather than high temperatures. Because its use in thyroidectomies has been limited, we sought to compare procedure parameters and complications of thyroidectomies performed using the HS with those using electrocoagulation. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized into 2 surgical groups, HS and the standard technique using electrocautery and ligatures as the primary hemostatic method. A sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the following parameters: operative time, number of ligatures, blood loss, pain intensity, need for extra dose(s) of analgesic, incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and hypoparathyroidism. RESULTS: Both groups of 30 patients were comparable in age, gender, and nature of disease. In 38 patients (63%), surgery was performed for benign disease, and in 22 (37%), for differentiated carcinoma. Operative time (arithmetic mean +/- SD) was 25 minutes less in the HS group (96 +/- 23 vs 121 +/- 34, P = .005). Median number of ligatures in the HS group was 1 (range, 0-7) versus 17 (range, 6-28) ( P < .001). Mean blood loss, estimated by gauze weight, was less with HS (35 +/- 27 mL vs 54 +/- 51 mL, P = .06). Drainage during the first 24 postoperative hours and pain intensity during the first postoperative week were similar in both groups. There were no episodes of persistent nerve palsy or hypoparathyroidism in either group. CONCLUSION: The use of HS in thyroidectomies requires less operative time than does electrocoagulation.     

Transurethral resection versus transurethral incision of the prostate. A prospective randomized study

In this ongoing study, patients with an estimated prostate size of no more than 20 gm are randomized to undergo either transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or transurethral incision (TUIP) at the 6 o'clock position. To date, 93 patients have been included, and 3 months postoperatively, 80 to 90 per cent of the patients in each group reported improvement. There was also a significant decrease in symptom scores and a significant increase in maximum urinary flow rate, with great variation within each group but without difference between the groups. In both groups, there appears to be some deterioration over time. Operating time, estimated blood loss, time to catheter removal postoperatively, and duration of postoperative hospital stay were all significantly in favor of TUIP. Loss of ejaculation was reported by 37 per cent of patients after TURP and by 13 per cent after TUIP (not statistically significant). There was no difference between the groups in the need for further surgery. Therefore, TUIP is recommended as an alternative to TURP in patients with small prostates.     

A prospective randomized study in 100 consecutive patients undergoing major liver resection with versus without ischemic preconditioning

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning in a prospective randomized study involving a large population of unselected patients and to identify factors affecting the protective effects. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Ischemic preconditioning is an effective protective strategy in several animal models. Protection has also been suggested in a small series of patients undergoing a hemihepatectomy with 30 minutes of inflow occlusion. Whether preconditioning confers protection in other types of liver resection and longer periods of ischemia is unknown. Therefore, we conducted a prospective randomized study to evaluate the impact of ischemic preconditioning in liver surgery. METHODS: A total of 100 unselected patients undergoing major liver resection (> bisegmentectomy) under inflow occlusion for at least 30 minutes were randomized during surgery to either receive or not receive an ischemic preconditioning protocol (10 minutes of ischemia followed by 10 minutes of reperfusion). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent factors affecting the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning. ATP contents in liver were measured as a possible mechanism of protection. RESULTS: Both groups (n = 50 in each) were comparable regarding age, gender, duration of inflow occlusion, and resected liver volumes. Postoperative serum transaminase levels were significantly lower in preconditioned than in control patients (median peak AST 364 U/L vs. 520 U/L, P = 0.028; ALT 406 vs. 519 U/L, P = 0.049). Regression multivariate analysis revealed an increased benefit of ischemic preconditioning in younger patients, in patients with longer duration of inflow occlusion (up to 60 minutes), and in cases of lower resected liver volume (<50%). Patients with steatosis were also particularly protected by ischemic preconditioning. ATP content in liver tissue was preserved by ischemic preconditioning in young but not older patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes ischemic preconditioning as a protective strategy against hepatic ischemia in humans. The strategy is particularly effective in young patients requiring a prolonged period of inflow occlusion, and in the presence of steatosis, and is possibly related to preservation of ATP content in liver tissue. Other strategies are needed in older patients.     

A prospective randomized study comparing volume-standardized modified and conventional ultrafiltration in pediatric cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND: Modified ultrafiltration has been touted as superior to conventional ultrafiltration for attenuating the consequences of hemodilution after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in children. We conducted a prospective randomized study to test the hypothesis that modified and conventional ultrafiltration have similar clinical effects when a standardized volume of fluid is removed. METHODS: From October 1998 to September 1999, 110 children weighing 15 kg or less (median weight 6.1 kg, median age 6.3 months) undergoing surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for functionally biventricular congenital heart disease were randomized to conventional (n = 67) or arteriovenous modified ultrafiltration (n = 43) for hemoconcentration. The volume of fluid removed with both methods was standardized as a percentage of effective fluid balance (the sum of prime volume and volume added during cardiopulmonary bypass minus urine output): in patients weighing less than 10 kg, 50% of effective fluid balance was removed, whereas 60% was removed in patients weighing 10 to 15 kg. Hematocrit, hemodynamics, ventricular function, transfusion of blood products, and postoperative resource use were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups in age, weight, or duration of cardiopulmonary bypass. The total volume of fluid added in the prime and during bypass was greater in patients undergoing conventional ultrafiltration than in those receiving modified ultrafiltration (205 +/- 123 vs 162 +/- 74 mL/kg; P =.05), although the difference was due primarily to a greater indexed priming volume in patients having conventional ultrafiltration. There was no difference in the percentage of effective fluid balance that was removed in the 2 groups. Accordingly, the volume of ultrafiltrate was greater in patients receiving conventional than modified ultrafiltration (95 +/- 63 vs 68 +/- 28 mL/kg; P =.01). Preoperative and postoperative hematocrit levels were 35.6% +/- 6.6% and 36.3% +/- 5.6% in patients having conventional ultrafiltration and 34.4% +/- 6.7% and 38.7% +/- 7.5% in those having modified ultrafiltration. By repeated-measures analysis of variance, patients receiving modified and conventional ultrafiltration did not differ with respect to hematocrit value (P =.87), mean arterial pressure (P =.85), heart rate (P =.43), or left ventricular shortening fraction (P =.21) from baseline to the postbypass measurements. There were no differences between groups in duration of mechanical ventilation, stay in the intensive care unit, or hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: When a standardized volume of fluid is removed, hematocrit, hemodynamics, ventricular function, requirement for blood products, and postoperative resource use do not differ between pediatric patients receiving conventional and modified ultrafiltration for hemoconcentration after cardiac surgery.     

A prospective,randomized, controlled,trial comparing occult-scar incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy and classic three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by comparing a new technique using occult-scar incision for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (OSLC) with classic three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). In the occult-scar incision, we moved the subcostal and subxiphoid trocar insertion sites to the suprapubic area so that operative scars were hidden in the pubic hairs and below umbilicus.

Methods

Between July 2009 and 2012, patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to the OSLC or CLC approach after obtaining informed consent. Outcome was measured by operative time, operative complications, hospital length of stay, cost, analgesia required after surgery, and cosmetic outcomes. The patient satisfaction score (PSS) and visual analog score (VAS) also were used to evaluated the level of cosmetic result and postoperative pain.

Results

A total of 75 patients were randomized into CLC (n = 35) and OSLC (n = 40) groups. No patient was converted to an open procedure in either the CLC or OSLC group. No operative complications were reported within 30 days in either group. The PSS of 7 and 30 days after surgery were both significantly higher in the OSLC group than in the CLC group (5.8 ± 1.5 vs. 8.0 ± 1.1, P = 0.03; 6.5 ± 1.2 vs. 9.2 ± 0.8, P = 0.02). The VAS for pain was significantly lower in the OSLC group on postoperative day 3 compared with the CLC group (2.6 ± 1.2 vs. 6.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in operative time, hospital stay, and cost between the two groups.

Conclusions

The OSLC is a safe and feasible alternative compared with CLC in experienced hands, and it is superior for outcomes regarding pain control and cosmesis.     

Effectiveness of local anaesthesia techniques in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A prospective randomized study

AIM: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of intrarectal lidocaine gel versus periprostatic lidocaine injection during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy. METHODS: Ninety men undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy from July through December 2004 were randomized into three groups of 30 patients each. Before the biopsy, patients in Group 1 received 20 mL of 2% lidocaine gel intrarectally; patients in Group 2 received 5 mL (2.5 mL per side) of 2% lidocaine solution injected near the junction of the seminal vesicle with the base of the prostate (along the neurovascular bundles), and patients in Group 3 (control group) received 5 mL (2.5 mL per side) of normal saline injected along the neurovascular bundles. Pain level after the biopsy was assessed using a 10-point linear visual analog scale (VAS). Results were statistically compared by the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. RESULTS: Patients in Group 2 had significantly lower VAS scores than those in Group 3 (3.6 +/- 2.1 vs 5.8 +/- 1.9, P < 0.0001), but those in Group 1 did not (5.5 +/- 2.7 vs 5.8 +/- 1.9, P = 0.67). Gross hematuria, rectal bleeding, and hemospermia occurred in 36 (40.0%), 6 (7%) and 5 (6%) patients. One patient had temporary vasovagal syncope. No patient reported febrile urinary tract infection or urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS: Periprostatic injection of local anaesthetic is a safe technique that significantly reduces pain during prostate biopsy, whereas intrarectal lidocaine injection did not reduce pain. This safe, simple technique should be applied in men undergoing TRUS-guided prostate biopsy to limit patient discomfort.     

A prospective study comparing the analgesic efficacy of levobupivacaine, ropivacaine and bupivacaine in pediatric patients undergoing caudal blockade

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to compare postoperative analgesic efficacy, analgesic duration and motor blockade of levobupivacaine, ropivacaine and bupivacaine administered caudally in equal concentrations to children undergoing elective minor surgery. METHODS: In the study, 182 children, aged 1-7 years, undergoing either inguinal hernia repair or orchidopexy, were randomly allocated to one of the three groups. They received via a caudal extradural either 1 ml x kg(-1) levobupivacaine 0.2% (Group L) or 1 ml x kg(-1) ropivacaine 0.2% (Group R) or 1 ml x kg(-1) bupivacaine 0.2% (Group B). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was noted in age, weight, duration of the operation or level of the caudal block between the groups. The onset of analgesia was significantly later after levobupivacaine. Postoperative pain scoring evaluated with Children's and Infant's Postoperative Pain Scale observational scale showed no statistical difference between groups. Median postoperative analgesia was 5.75 h (SEMed: +/- 0.65) in Group L, 5.7 h (SEMed: +/- 0.8) in Group R and 5.35 h (SEMed: +/- 1.3) in Group B the difference being statistically nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of motor block was significantly less after ropivacaine and levobupivacaine during the first 2 h postoperatively.     

A prospective, randomized study comparing highly selective vagotomy and extended highly selective vagotomy in patients with duodenal ulcer

The recurrence rate of duodenal ulcer after highly selective vagotomy is nearly 10 percent. To diminish this percentage, extended highly selective vagotomy with sectioning the gastroepiploic nerves has been proposed in order to reduce postoperative gastric acid secretion. We have prospectively compared the decrease in gastric acid secretion through measurement of basal acid output, maximal acid output, and peak acid output in patients who underwent highly selective vagotomy or extended highly selective vagotomy. No significant differences in postoperative gastric acid secretion were found and, therefore, no changes in the probability of postoperative recurrence of duodenal ulcer were seen.     

Outcome of subvastus approach in elderly nonobese patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled study

Background:

Subvastus approach in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) spares the quadriceps and may assist in faster rehabilitation. The present randomised controlled study was conducted to determine if the subvastus approach results in early recovery, faster mobilization, shorter hospital stay, and improved function.

Materials and Methods:

100 patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA were randomized into two groups: subvastus group and medial parapatellar group. The patients were assessed clinically using VAS, time to straight leg raise, ability to stand with walker, ability to use a commode chair, ability to climb stairs, flexion at discharge, and day of discharge. Perioperative blood loss and duration of surgery were also compared. The patient were kept on same pain management and physiotherapy protocol. The evaluation was done at day 0,1,3 and at discharge. Statistical analyses tested the null hypotheses of no differences in patients treated with either group at 95% significance level (P < 0.05).

Results:

The VAS score was significantly lower in subvastus group on day 1 and day 3. Also mean hospital stay was 2.04 days less in subvastus group. Patients with subvastus approach were able to perform straight leg raising 0.44 days earlier. Though time to stand with walker was same for both groups, the ability to use commode chair, and climb stairs was significantly early (P < 0.05) in the subvastus group. The average flexion at the time of discharge in subvastus and parapatellar group were 100.8 and 96.8°, respectively. The mean perioperative blood loss in subvastus group and parapatellar group were 343 ml and 372 ml, respectively. Average surgical time required for subvastus approach and parapatellar approach were 108.5 and 94.3 min, respectively.

Conclusions:

Subvastus approach produce appreciably less pain and faster mobilization due to lesser insult to quadriceps, thus assisting in early rehabilitation, shorter hospital stay, less expenditure, and more patient satisfaction.     

Multicenter prospective randomized phase II study of antimicrobial prophylaxis in low-risk patients undergoing colon surgery

Purpose

Postoperative antimicrobial therapy is generally administered as standard prophylaxis against postoperative infection, despite a lack of sufficient evidence for its usefulness. This study was a phase II study to evaluate the necessity of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing a colectomy.

Methods

Patients received 1 g cefmetazole or flomoxef immediately after anesthetic induction, every 3 h during surgery, and then later once again on the next day. They were randomly assigned to receive either cefmetazole or flomoxef.

Results

Ninety-one patients were enrolled in the study. A surgical site infection (SSI) occurred in 7.7% (7/91) of patients. All cases were superficial incisional infections. When comparing the two drugs, SSI occurred in 8.3% (4/48) of patients treated with cefmetazole and in 7.0% (3/43) treated with flomoxef, showing no significant difference (P > 0.99).

Conclusion

Antimicrobial prophylaxis was well tolerated when used on the day of a colectomy and once again on the next day.