Continuous Absorbable Intradermal Sutures Yield Better Cosmetic Results than Nonabsorbable Interrupted Sutures in Open Appendectomy Wounds: A Prospective,Randomized Trial

Background

Acute appendicitis is the most common reason for abdominal surgery in young adults and children. Open appendectomy is still the treatment often chosen because it is simple, safe, and effective. Our aim was to study whether cosmetic results of appendectomy wounds are better after using continuous absorbable intradermal (A) sutures compared with wound closure with interrupted nonabsorbable (NA) sutures.

Methods

A total of 206 adult patients with clinically suspected appendicitis were allocated to the study and prospectively randomized into two wound-closure groups: the interrupted NA suture group and the A suture group. Of these, 193 patients with sufficient data were invited to the outpatient clinic for cosmetic analysis. Cosmetic results were evaluated after a median of 14 months. For subjective scar assessment, the Vancouver scar scale, the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) were used. Objective evaluation was carried out by measuring surface area, average width, and estimated concentration change (ECC) of hemoglobin and melanin in the scar using spectrocutometry. For statistical analyses we used the Mann–Whitney test and Student’s t test.

Results

Both objective and subjective analyses showed better cosmetic results for absorbable intradermal suturing. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant as regards POSAS in both patient (p = 0.032) and observer scales (p = 0.001), and VAS (p = 0.002). Scar surface area was significantly smaller in group A than in group NA (p = 0.002). ECC measurements showed higher values for melanin in group NA than in group A (p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Continuous intradermal absorbable suturing yields a better cosmetic result than interrupted nonabsorbable suturing in lower abdominal transverse appendectomy.     

Innovative noninsufflation EFTR: sufficient endoscopic operative field by mechanical counter traction device

Background

No reliable pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) mechanical counter traction (MCT) device for the flexible endoscope to obtain a sufficient surgical endoscopic field has yet been developed. Our experience with 10 cases of hybrid NOTES prompted the realization of the importance of an MCT device for the flexible endoscope and inspired us to establish innovative noninsufflation endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with an MCT device.

Methods

We performed 40 EFTR 40 mm in diameter on excised whole porcine stomachs. Twenty were resected by an MCT device to obtain a surgical field (MCT group), and another 20 were resected with a conventional endoscopic attachment (control group). We evaluated the successful resection rates of EFTR and procedure times between two groups. Next, we implemented EFTR with a custom prototype MCT device in three cases of stomach pseudotumors in female dogs. Gastric pseudotumors ~40 mm in diameter were marked within the open surgical field created by the MCT device. After resecting the pseudotumors, we conducted full-thickness suturing using over-the-scope clips.

Results

In the MCT group, all 20 cases were completely resected. On the other hand, in the control group, only 8 cases were performed via EFTR (P < 0.01). The mean ± standard deviation EFTR procedure times for the MCT and control groups were 4.13 ± 0.824 and 36.26 ± 8.67 min, respectively (P = 0.001). In three dogs, sufficient surgical working spaces were obtained up to 78 mm (range, 65–78 mm), and full-thickness resections were performed safely and sutured with over-the-scope clips.

Conclusions

Our new prototype MCT device effectively obtains a sufficient surgical endoscopic field during EFTR. We are developing a new MCT with a bending function to perform EFTR in any location in the stomach.     

Laparoscopic gastrointestinal anastomoses using knotless barbed sutures are safe and reproducible: a single-center experience with 201 patients

Background

Intestinal anastomosis is a complex procedure during laparoscopy, mainly due to the difficulties knotting the sutures. Unidirectional barbed sutures have been proposed to simplify wall and mesentery closure, but the results for intestinal anastomosis are not clear. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and the safety of laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis using barbed suture.

Methods

Between June 2011 and May 2012, 15-cm-long unidirectional absorbable barbed sutures (V-Loc; Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) were used for all laparoscopic intestinal anastomoses: one suture for closure of intestinal openings after mechanical anastomoses and two sutures for hand-sewn anastomoses.

Results

Over a 1-year period, 201 consecutive patients required 220 laparoscopic anastomoses for gastrojejunostomy (n = 177; 172 during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 5 after gastrectomy), ileocolostomy (n = 15), colocolostomy (n = 1), esophagojejunostomy (n = 5), and jejunojejunostomy (n = 22; 4 after small bowel resection and 18 during gastric bypass or gastrectomy). Senior and training surgeons performed 209 closures of intestinal openings and 11 hand-sewn anastomoses. There was no conversion to usual sutures. One fistula occurred in an esophagojejunostomy and was managed conservatively. One self-limited anastomotic bleeding occurred, and no anastomotic stenosis occurred during 6 months of follow-up evaluation.

Conclusions

The use of knotless barbed suture for laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis is safe and reproducible.     

Comparing over-the-scope clip versus endoloop and clips (KING closure) for access site closure: a randomized experimental study

Background

A safe technique is essential for successful access site closure in Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and for closures of iatrogenic perforations.

Aim

To compare an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) versus an endoloop + endoclips closure technique (KING closure).

Methods

40 minipigs underwent NOTES peritoneoscopy with liver biopsy. Gastrotomies and rectotomies were closed with OTSC (n = 20; 10× stomach, 10× rectum) or KING closure (n = 20; 10× stomach, 10× rectum). The animals were euthanized 28 days after the procedure. The main outcome variables were technical feasibility, effectiveness, and healing.

Results

Stomach: All but one closure (KING) was successfully completed. The times of closure were similar between the techniques. At necropsy, all access sites were healed. In two animals (1× KING, 1× OTSC), an abscess, probably related to the closure technique, was found. Histologically, transmural healing with muscular bridging was observable in nine pigs for KING versus two pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.003). Inflammation was present in three pigs for KING versus seven pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.08). Rectum: All closures were successfully completed. The times of closure were similar between the techniques. At necropsy, all closure sites had healed. Transmural healing with muscular bridging was present in nine pigs for KING versus two pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.003). Inflammation was present in two pigs for KING versus seven pigs for OTSC closure (p = 0.03). In one animal (OTSC), an enterocolic fistula developed in the proximity of the closure site.

Conclusions

OTSC and KING closure are comparable closure techniques in terms of technical feasibility and effectiveness. KING closure provides a superior histological outcome compared with OTSC closure.     

Meaningful assessment method for laparoscopic suturing training in augmented reality

Background

To be an effective training tool, a laparoscopic simulator has to provide metrics that are meaningful and informative to the trainee. Time, path length and smoothness are often used parameters, but are not very informative on the quality of the performance. This study aims to validate a newly developed assessment method for laparoscopic suturing on the ProMIS augmented reality simulator, and compares it with scores of objective observers.

Methods

Twenty-four participants practised their suturing skills on the augmented reality suturing module: experienced participants (n = 10), >50 clinical laparoscopic suturing experience; and novice participants (n = 14), without laparoscopic experience. The performances were recorded and assessed by two unrelated observers and compared with the assessment scores. The assessment score was a calculation of time spent in the correct area and quality (strength) of the knot. To test the accuracy of the individual assessment parameters, we compared these with each other.

Results

The experienced participants had significantly higher performance scores than the novice participants in the beginner-level mode (mean 95.73 vs. 60.89, standard deviation 2.63 vs. 17.09, p < 0.001, independent t-test). The performance scores of the assessment method (n = 43) correlated significantly with the scorings of the objective observers (Spearman’s rho 0.672; p < 0.001). The parameter time spent in correct area had a calculated significant correlation with the strength of the knot (n = 229, Spearman’s rho 0.257, p < 0.001), but this was clinically irrelevant.

Conclusion

This assessment method is a valid tool for objectively assessing laparoscopic suturing skills. Although assessment parameters can correlate, to provide informative feedback it is important to combine meaningful measurements in the assessment of suturing skills.     

Intradermal absorbable sutures to close pilonidal sinus wounds: a safe closure method?

Purpose

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety of using intradermal absorbable sutures for pilonidal sinus skin closure.

Methods

The study was prospectively carried out in 203 patients randomized into two groups of patients. In the first group (103 patients), interrupted sutures were used; in the second group (100 patients), a continuous intradermal suture was used. We have analyzed the time off work, time to walk without pain, time to sit on the toilet without pain, wound infections, satisfaction rate and esthetic results.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to the time off work, time to walk without pain and time to sit on a toilet without pain. There was also no significant difference between the groups with regard to the wound infection rates (p = 0.64). The study suggested that the patients’ satisfaction was higher when an intradermal suture was used (p = 0.001). Similarly, a better cosmetic appearance of the scar was obtained with an intradermal suture (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that using intradermal sutures after excision and primary closure of the pilonidal sinus is safe and has advantages in terms of the cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.     

Human applications of submucosal endoscopy under conscious sedation for pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery

Background

The submucosal endoscopy provide not only a reliable methods of access and closure for peritoneoscopy, but also an endoscopic working space for full-thickness resection. The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcome of submucosal endoscopy for pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 10 patients who received submucosal endoscopies. The indications of submucosal endoscopy were transgastric peritoneoscopy (TGP) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) of a gastric subepithelial tumor. All procedures were performed with a standard gastroscope under conscious sedation with the balanced propofol method in the endoscopic unit. After a 40 mm submucosal tunnel was created using an endoscopic submucosal dissection technique, (1) in TGP, balloon dilation of a serosal puncture and intraperitoneal exploration was performed; (2) in EFTR, a full-thickness incision and snaring resection was performed. Closure of the mucosal incision was performed by endoclips.

Results

All cases were technically feasible. The mean times for creating the submucosal tunnel, main procedure (peritoneal exploration or resection), and closure were acceptable (10.44 ± 2.42 minutes, 18.80 ± 9.41 minutes, and 5.63 ± 2.17 minutes, respectively). The mean hospital stay was 3.8 ± 1.48 days. All TGPs were diagnostic (4 peritoneal carcinomatosis and 1 tuberculosis). En bloc and complete resections were possible in all EFTRs (3 gastrointestinal stromal tumors and 2 schwannomas; mean tumor size, 20.8 ± 3.27 mm). There were no procedure-related complications, such as significant bleeding or peritonitis.

Conclusions

Human applications of submucosal endoscopy under conscious sedation for pure NOTES were feasible and safe.     

Surgical treatment of esophageal perforations: the importance of a primary repair

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the outcome after primary repair in comparison to other surgical treatments and the advantage of reinforcing the sutures with an absorbable polyglactin 910 prosthesis.

Methods

All esophageal perforations surgically managed in this institution from January 1985 through April 2009 (n = 40) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients that underwent surgery with primary sutures (group A, n = 24) were compared with patients that received other surgical procedures (group B, n = 16). The time to initiate treatment (within or after the first 24 h) and if the suture was reinforced with a polyglactin 910 mesh were also analyzed in group A patients.

Results

The outcome was more favorable in group A than group B in terms of time in the intensive care unit (p = 0.005), and rate of reoperation (p = 0.005). There was no difference in the outcome after the primary suture with or without mesh reinforcement, although the rate of fistulization was lower in patients with a mesh (17 vs. 50 %, p = 0.19).

Conclusions

Primary repair has a better outcome than other surgical treatment, even when performed more than 24 h after symptom onset, but not later than 48 h. Reinforcing the sutures with an absorbable polyglactin 910 mesh therefore seems to improve the outcome.     

Long-Term Outcomes Comparing Surgery to Embolization-Ablation for Treatment of Solitary HCC <7 cm

Background

Resection has been the standard of care for patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transarterial embolization and percutaneous ablation are alternative therapies often reserved for suboptimal surgical candidates. Here we compare long-term outcomes of patients with solitary HCC treated with resection versus combined embo-ablation.

Methods

We previously reported a retrospective comparison of resection and embo-ablation in 73 patients with solitary HCC <7 cm after a median follow-up of 23 months. This study represents long-term updated follow-up over a median of 134 months.

Results

There was no difference in survival among Okuda I patients who underwent resection versus embo-ablation (66 vs 58 months, p = .39). There was no difference between the groups in the rate of distant intrahepatic (p = .35) or metastatic progression (p = .48). Surgical patients experienced more complications (p = .004), longer hospitalizations (p < .001), and were more likely to require hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge (p = .03).

Conclusion

Over a median follow up of more than 10 years, we found no significant difference in overall survival of Okuda 1 patients with solitary HCC <7 cm who underwent surgical resection versus embo-ablation. Our data suggest that there may be a greater role for primary embo-ablation in the treatment of potentially resectable solitary HCC.     

Feasibility of full-thickness gastric resection using master and slave transluminal endoscopic robot and closure by overstitch: a preclinical study

Background

Gastric submucosal tumors are often treated by laparoscopic wedge resection. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of gastric full-thickness resection through a totally endoscopic approach using the master and slave transluminal endoscopic robot (MASTER), and closure of the luminal defect with an endoscopic suturing device.

Methods

The operation was performed in two live porcine models under general anesthesia. First, the anterior wall of the stomach was slung to the abdominal wall using a percutaneous suturing device. An imaginary 5-cm lesion was marked using a needle knife. After the initial mucosal incision was made using an IT knife, the MASTER was introduced through a long overtube. A circumferential mucosal incision was completed with the MASTER to expose the muscularis propria which was grasped and incised to the serosal layer by electrocautery applied through the hook of the MASTER. The full-thickness resection of the gastric wall was completed with retraction using the grasper and dissection using the hook. While the defect was being created, the luminal space was maintained with traction of the percutaneous sutures. The defect was closed with suture plication using an Apollo Overstitch device.

Results

Two full-thickness gastric resections were performed in two nonsurvival porcine models (body weight = 30 and 35 kg, respectively) using the MASTER. The total procedure time was 56 min for the first model and 70 min for the second model. The luminal view was maintained during the whole procedure, and there was no damage to surrounding organs throughout the whole procedure. The gastric defects were closed successfully using Overstitch, with satisfactory gastric distension and no gas leakage afterward.

Conclusion

The current experiment demonstrated the feasibility and safety of a totally endoscopic approach for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors: full-thickness resection with the MASTER and successful closure of the defect using Overstitch.     

Prospective comparative study between straight and curved probe for pedicle screw insertion

Purpose

To evaluate difference in accuracy of pedicle screw insertion in thoracic and lumbosacral spine using a straight pedicle probe vis-à-vis a curved one.

Methods

Prospective, comparative, non-randomized, single-blind study. Straight and curved pedicle probes used on opposite sides of same vertebra in patients undergoing thoracolumbar pedicle screw fixation for various indications. Postoperative blinded evaluation for pedicle breaches done with a CT scan. Pedicle breaches graded as grade 0: no breach, grade 1: <2 mm, grade 2: 2–4 mm and grade 3: >4 mm breach.

Results

After appropriate statistical power analysis, 300 screws inserted in 59 patients from T4–L5 levels. No significant differences noted between the two probes in terms of screw length [two-tailed p = 0.16]; grade 0 screws [two-tailed p = 0.49] or screws with grade 2/3 breaches [two-tailed  p = 0.68]. With the right-hand-dominant operating-surgeon standing to left of patient during surgery, no difference noted between the two probes for either the right or left-side pedicle screw insertion [two-tailed p = 1]. Repeating these tests in the subset of thoracic pedicle screws too, revealed no significant difference.

Conclusions

No significant difference in outcome of pedicle screw insertion with either a straight or a curved pedicle probe.     

Efficacy of Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy in Early-Stage Endometrioid Uterine Corpus Cancer

Purpose

The objective of this study was to assess whether para-aortic lymphadenectomy has therapeutic efficacy for patients with early-stage endometrioid uterine cancer who underwent systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records and pathological findings of 547 patients with histologically proven FIGO stage I-II endometrioid uterine cancer, based on comprehensive surgical staging, including pelvic with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

Results

Among 547 patients, 330 patients had systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy only, and 217 had systematic pelvic with para-aortic lymphadenectomy. There were no significant differences in histopathological factors in the high-risk group, even though deep myometrial invasion (p = 0.02) and lymphvascular space invasion (p = 0.01) were more common in patients who underwent systematic pelvic with para-aortic lymphadenectomy in all study populations. Within a median follow-up of 31 (range, 5–120) months, there was no significant difference in overall survival between the pelvic lymphadenectomy only and pelvic with para-aortic lymphadenectomy groups in all populations (p = 0.77), even in high-risk patients (p = 0.82). Upon multivariate analysis, patients with lymphvascular space invasion had significantly worse overall survival (odds ratio (OR) = 7.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.86–29.23; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Although a prospective, randomized study needs to be performed for confirmation, our data suggest that the therapeutic benefit of para-aortic lymphadenectomy is uncertain in stage I and II endometrioid uterine corpus cancer, even in patients at high-risk for recurrence.     

Hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy using knotless unidirectional barbed absorbable suture during laparoscopic gastric bypass

Background

This report describes the authors’ institutional experience using knotless unidirectional barbed absorbable suture to close the common enterotomy of the jejunojejunostomy (JJ) and to create a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy (GJ) during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Methods

A retrospective review of morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass with a hand-sewn GJ between April 2011 and 2012 was performed. The authors’ traditional technique (TT) consisted of using standard monofilament absorbable suture to close the common JJ enterotomy in a single running layer and to create the GJ with a two-layer anastomosis. A novel technique (NT) was introduced using knotless unidirectional barbed monofilament absorbable suture to perform both tasks. A comparison between these two techniques was performed.

Results

In this study, 84 patients with a mean body mass index of 41.7 ± 4.7 kg/m² underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass using a hand-sewn technique. For the 84 patients, 75 primary procedures (89.3 %) and 9 revisional procedures (10.7 %) were performed. In 38 procedures (45.2 %), the TT was used, whereas 46 cases (54.8 %) were managed using the NT. For the primary procedures, the average operating room times were slightly faster in the NT group (178.9 ± 44.4 vs 154.2 ± 74.7 min; p = 0.08). The average hospital length of stay was comparable between the two groups (2.3 ± 0.7 vs 2.6 ± 1.4 days; p = 0.25). A 30-day follow-up assessment was obtained for all 84 patients, without a significant difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups (TT 18.4 % vs NT 13 %; p = 0.77). No complications were secondary to the JJ closure or gastrojejunostomy. The complications included bleeding (n = 1), small bowel obstruction (n = 1), dehydration (n = 2), esophagitis (n = 1), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 1). No anastomotic leak or stenosis occurred in either group. The mean percentage of excess weight loss at 1 month was 21.3 % ± 5.4 %, without a significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

In the study cohort, the use of knotless unidirectional barbed suture instead of traditional monofilament absorbable suture had similar 30-day outcomes and appears to be a feasible option for laparoscopic bowel closure and anastomosis creation.     

Randomized clinical trial of mesh fixation with “double crown” versus “sutures and tackers” in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Background

Although laparoscopic intra-peritoneal mesh repair (LVHR) is a well-established treatment option to repair ventral and incisional hernias, no consensus in the literature can be found on the best method of fixation of the mesh to the abdominal wall.

Methods

Between December 2004 and July 2008, 76 patients undergoing a LVHR were randomized between mesh fixation using a double row of spiral tackers (DC) (n = 33) and mesh fixation with transfascial sutures combined with one row of spiral tackers (S&T) (n = 43), in the WoW trial (with or without sutures). Patients were clinically examined and evaluated using a visual analog scale for pain (VAS) in rest and after coughing 4 h post-operatively, after 4 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Primary endpoint of the study was abdominal wall pain, defined as a VAS score of at least 1.0 cm, at 3 months post-operative. Quality of life was quantified with the SF-36 questionnaire preoperatively and after 3 months. Secondary endpoint was the recurrence rate at 24-month follow-up.

Results

The DC and S&T group were comparable in age, gender, ASA score, BMI, indication, hernia, and mesh variables. The DC group had a significant shorter operating time compared with the S&T group (74 vs 96 min; p = 0.014) and a significant lower mean VAS score 4 h post-operatively (in rest; p = 0.028/coughing; p = 0.013). At 3 months, there were significant more patients in the S&T group with VAS score ≥1.0 cm (31.4 vs 8.3 %; p = 0.036). Clinical follow-up at 24 months was obtained in 63 patients (82.9 %). The recurrence rate at 24 months was 7.9 % overall (5/63). There were more recurrences in the S&T group (4/36) than in the DC group (1/27), but this difference was not significant (11.1 vs 3.7 %; p = 0.381).

Conclusion

We found that double-crown fixation of intra-peritoneal mesh during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair was quicker, was less painful immediately post-operative and after 3 months, and did not increase the recurrence rate at 24 months. In hernias at a distance from the bony borders of the abdomen, transfascial sutures can be omitted if a double crown of tackers is placed.     

Urological surgery in patients with hemorrhagic bleeding disorders Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, von Willebrand disease: a retrospective study with matched pairs analysis

Purpose

To determine retrospectively the perioperative management and outcome of transurethral prostate/bladder surgery (TURP, TURB) and transrectal prostate biopsy in hemophiliacs.

Methods

Thirty-seven hemophilic patients underwent TURP (12 patients), TURB (13 patients), or transrectal prostate biopsy (12 patients) with proactive hemostaseological management (i.e., factor supply, close meshed hemostaseological analysis). Thirty-seven non-hemophiliac patients served as matched pairs who matched for age, gender, accompanying diseases, and the type of surgical procedure. The resulting pairs were analyzed for duration of surgery, hospital stay, and complications.

Results

Average TURP length in hemophiliacs was 77.92 min, in the matched pairs group TURP 67.08 min (p = 0.487). Mean TURB length in hemophiliacs was 43.46 min versus 35.38 min in controls (p = 0.678). More important, the length of hospital stay was significant longer in the hemophiliacs undergoing TURP compared to non-hemophiliac control group (12.08 days vs. 5.83 days; p < 0.001). In TURB patients, similar results were found (11.15 days hemophiliacs vs. 6.15 controls; p = 0.018). Regarding complications (bleeding, hemorrhage, readmission), no significant difference between the groups was obtained.

Conclusion

Urological interventions in hemophiliac patients with factor supply have the same risk for postoperative complications as in non-hemophiliacs. The only significant difference between hemophiliacs and non-hemophiliacs was the length of hospital stay.     

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus transurethral resection of the prostate: a randomized clinical trial

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

A total of 164 cases of BPH were selected from patients who were hospitalized between January 2010 and December 2011. Patients had received either HoLEP or TURP treatment. Clinical data were collected from the perioperative period, 1 month after surgery, and 12 months after surgery.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups in the maximum urinary flow rate (Q _max), postvoid residual volume (PVR), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), or quality-of-life score (QOL score) at 1 month after surgery (p = 0.56, p = 0.346, p = 0.536 and p = 0.145, respectively). However, after 12 months, patients from the HoLEP group demonstrated better scores in Q _max, PVR, IPSS, and QOL than those from the TURP group (p = 0.037, p = 0.003, p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). The two groups had comparable operation time (p = 0.105), catheterization time (p = 0.173), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.395), but were statistically different in the weight of resected prostate tissue (p < 0.001), bladder irrigation time (p < 0.001), hemoglobin levels (p = 0.011), and blood sodium levels (p = 0.002) after surgery.

Conclusions

Compared to TURP, HoLEP was safer and had better long-term efficacy as assessed by multiple quantitative measures. Therefore, HoLEP may present a better option in the treatment of BPH.     

Barbed Versus Usual Suture for Closure of the Gastrojejunal Anastomosis in Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: a Comparative Trial

Background

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the main bariatric procedures that require safe and reproducible anastomosis. The objective of this study is to compare the risk of leaks and stenosis of a mechanical gastric pouch jejunal anastomosis between the usual interrupted sutures and a continuous barbed suture for gastrojejunotomy, in order to reduce procedure time and costs.

Methods

A comparative trial of 100 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed between October 2010 and July 2011. The population was divided into two groups of 50 consecutive patients. In the first group, gastrojejunotomy was sutured with resorbable interrupted sutures and the second with continuous barbed suture. Diabetes, body mass index and the American Society of Anaesthesiology score were compared. The time required for suturing and the incidence of anastomotic leaks and stricture were also compared after 6 months.

Results

No fistulas or anastomotic stenoses had occurred at post-operative month 6 in either group. Gastrojejunotomy suture time was significantly shorter in the barbed suture group (11 versus 8.22 min; p?<?0.01). Total costs of material to complete the reconstruction were significantly lower in the barbed suture group (€26.69 versus €18.33; p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

The use of barbed suture is as safe as usual sutures and allows easier and faster suture in the closure of gastrojejunotomy. This suture could be incorporated in the standard laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique.