Suture Button装置修复下胫腓联合损伤的初步报告

[目的] 探讨Suture Button装置治疗下胫腓联合损伤后的手术方法及临床效果.[方法] 对截止于2007年9月利用Suture Button装置固定的下胫腓联合急、慢性损伤的13例病人进行连续随访观察,通过术后X线片数字化测量和标准的踝足功能评分,评估其疗效并探讨临床应用前景.[结果] 除1例病人因术后短期再次创伤意外,行2次手术更换为传统螺钉内固定外,其余病人均在术后6周开始部分负重功能锻炼,术后第3个月功能平均评分达到满意,术后第6、12个月功能平均评分达到优良,X线片未发现内固定失效.[结论] Suture Button装置治疗下胫腓联合损伤具有技术简单、手术时间短、内固定器物理特性符合人体正常解剖生理、固定强度足够、无需2次手术取出等多项优势,可能成为下胫腓联合损伤新的治疗标准.     

Suture damage during robot-assisted vascular surgery: is it an issue?

BACKGROUND: Manipulation of sutures during endoscopic surgery could lead to damage of suture structure, supposedly resulting in loss of strength. Lack of tactile feedback in robotic surgical systems might increase this problem. The objective of this study is to evaluate suture strength after robotic manipulation and to determine which suture material is least susceptible to damage from robotic manipulation. METHODS: The da Vinci surgical system was used to manipulate sutures. Three different suture materials (Prolene, ePTFE, Ethibond) of 3 different sizes (3-0, 4-0, and 5-0) were tested. A total of 270 sutures were pulled on a Servohydraulic Universal Testing Machine. The frequency of breaks at a manipulation-point and the maximum applied force (N) before the suture broke were used for statistic analysis. RESULTS: No loss in strength was shown in the ePTFE sutures after manipulation, whereas both Prolene and Ethibond sutures showed a significant loss of strength. CONCLUSIONS: ePTFE sutures are least susceptible to robotic manipulations and are, therefore, to be considered as a material of first choice.     

Suture de la coiffe des rotateurs. Résultats à long terme

Objectives. – To evaluate the results of rotator cuff repair and to look for preoperative and/or intraoperative predictors of long-term outcomes.Patients and methods. – All patients who underwent open rotator cuff repair surgery for a full-thickness tear between 1990 and 1996 and who were subsequently followed-up for at least 4 years were contacted. The surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation program were standardized. We recorded factors potentially associated with outcomes (age, sex, dominant hand, pain, symptom duration, and active range-of-motion limitation.Results. – Of the 56 patients identified, 26 men and 24 women with a mean age of 58.5 years were included in the study. Mean symptom duration was 12 months (range, 3–48 months). Before surgery, mean active range of motion of the shoulder was 144° for forward elevation, 135° for abduction, and 39° for lateral rotation with the elbow at the side. The size of the tear measured during surgery was 1 to 5 cm. Mean time to recoveryof shoulder power (75% of the value before the tear) as assessed by the patients was 10 months. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, a significant reduction in pain was noted (from 2.18/3 to 0.98/3; p < 0.001), although two-thirds of patients reported occasional pain. Six patients were dissatisfied. Range of motion was improved in one-fourth of patients. Constant’s score after surgery was 65/100. Persistent difficulty in taking objects down from high shelves was noted. None of the preoperative or intraoperative factors studied predicted the long-term outcomes.Conclusion. – In this series of patients, rotator cuff repair reduced pain severity. Nearly a year was needed to achieve the final result. Only a minority of patients experienced an improvement in range of motion.     

Which Suture Material is Optimal for Pancreaticojejunostomy Anastomosis? An In Vitro Study

Background: Which suture material is optimal for pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis is a matter of debate with contradictory results. The aim of the present in vitro study was to determine the effects of pancreatic juice, bile, and their mixture on different suture materials in terms of breaking strength and disintegration. Material and Methods: Four suture materials, silk, polyglactin 910, polydioxanone, and polypropylene, were tested in pancreatic juice, bile, and their mixture. Determination of breaking strength and disintegration under electron microscope for each suture material was done on days 0, 3, 6, and 10. Results: The breaking strength of polyglactin 910 and silk was significantly higher than polypropylene and polydioxanone (p < .05). Polyglactin 910 significantly lost its breaking strength with time in pancreatic juice, bile, and their mixture (p < .001). The breaking strength of each type of suture did not significantly alter in pancreatic juice, bile, and their mixture at the baseline measurement and at the end of the experiment (p > .05). No obvious disintegration has been observed under electron microscope in the architecture and appearance of suture materials after days of exposure to pancreatic juice, bile, and their mixture. Conclusions: None of the suture materials was disintegrated on exposure to pancreatic juice, bile, and their mixture. Polyglactin 910 has the highest breaking strength and significantly loses its strength throughout the experiment but still remains higher than other suture materials. Polypropylene, polydioxanone, and silk showed less variation across the incubation period.     

Continuous auditory monitoring--how much information do we register?

We have studied response times of 30 anaesthetists to a standardized episode of arterial oxygen desaturation in a simulated patient, randomized to the use of either a fixed or variable pitch pulse oximeter. We wished to determine if a variable auditory signal was important in detecting adverse events. A variable pitch pulse signal had a shorter time to recognition of desaturation (P < 0.0001), with a mean response time of 32 s, compared with 129 s for the fixed pitch signal.      

Continuous femoral nerve block after total knee arthroplasty?

Background: A continuous femoral nerve block is frequently used as an adjunct therapy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is still debate on its benefits.
Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, patients received a basic analgesic regimen of paracetamol and dicloflenac for the first 48 h postoperatively. In addition, the study group received a continuous femoral nerve block. A morphine patient-controlled analgesia pump was also available as a rescue analgesic to all the patients. Patients' numeric rating scores for pain, the amount of morphine consumed and its side effects during the first 48 h were recorded. Knee flexion angles achieved during the first week were registered. Three months postoperatively, patients completed Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Score.
Results: The study group ( n =27) had less pain ( P =0.0016) during the first 48 h, was more satisfied with the analgesia ( P <0.001) and used less morphine ( P =0.007) compared with the control group ( n =26). Fewer patients were nauseated, vomited or were drowsy in the study group ( P =0.001). Also, the study group achieved better knee flexion in the first 6 days after surgery ( P =0.001), with more patients reaching 90° flexion than the control group. However, after 3 months, there were no significant functional differences between the groups.
Conclusion: A continuous femoral nerve block leads to better analgesia, less morphine consumption and less morphine-related side effects after TKA. Early functional recovery is improved, resulting in more patients reaching 90° knee flexion after 6 days. However, after 3 months, no significant functional benefits were found.     

Suture materials: do they affect fistula and stricture rates in flap urethroplasties?

INTRODUCTION: The effect of suture materials on urethroplasty complications is debated. Indeed, materials with a delayed absorption might either reduce the incidence of fistulas by ensuring a prolonged approximation of neo-urethral edges or increase the risk of urethral strictures due to a prolonged tissue reaction during suture absorption. We retrospectively evaluated the role of suture materials in the complication rate of urethroplasty procedures performed in our institution over a 10-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-six boys undergoing a flap procedure (parameatal based, preputial tube, or onlay preputial flap) for hypospadias repair were considered for this study. The patients were stratified into two groups according to the suture material used for urethroplasty. Polyglactin (Vicryl), a polyfilament with intermediate absorption, was used in 254 group A patients, whereas polydioxanone (PDS), a monofilament with prolonged absorption, was used in 82 group B patients. The success of a one-stage repair and stricture and fistula rates were evaluated. RESULTS: A successful one-stage repair was achieved in 82% of the group A and in 83% of the group B patients (p = 0.97). No statistically significant differences were noted in fistula and/or stricture rates in the two groups, even considering each procedure separately. CONCLUSIONS: This series suggests that suture materials do not affect the complication rate in flap urethroplasty procedures. Appropriate technique, meticulous surgery, and surgeon experience seem to be more crucial factors. A randomized trial is warranted.     

Suture repair of umbilical hernia during caesarean section: a case–control study

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the additional burdens in terms of pain, prolongation of surgery and morbidity which is added to elective caesarean section if umbilical hernia suture repair is performed simultaneously. Secondly, patient’s satisfaction and hernia recurrence rate were assessed.

Methods

Consecutive women with symptomatic umbilical hernia undergoing internal or external suture repair during elective caesarean were included in this retrospective cohort–control study. Data on post-operative pain, duration of surgery and morbidity of a combined procedure were collected. These patients were matched 1:10 to women undergoing caesarean section only. Additionally, two subgroups were assessed separately: external and internal suture hernia repair. These subgroups were compared for patient’s satisfaction, cosmesis, body image and recurrence rate.

Results

Fourteen patients with a mean age of 37 years were analysed. Internal suture repair (n = 7) prolonged caesarean section by 20 min (p = 0.001) and external suture repair (n = 7) by 34 min (p < 0.0001). Suture repair did not increase morphine use (0.38 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 02 mg/kg body weight), had no procedure-related morbidity and prolonged hospitalization by 0.5 days (p = 0.01). At a median follow-up of 37 (5–125) months, two recurrences in each surgical technique, internal and external suture repair, occurred (28 %). Body image and cosmesis score showed a higher level of functioning in internal suture repair (p = 0.02; p = 0.04).

Discussion

Despite a high recurrence rate, internal suture repair of a symptomatic umbilical hernia during elective caesarean section should be offered to women if requested. No additional morbidity or scar is added to caesarean section. Internal repair is faster, and cosmetic results are better, additional skin or fascia dissection is avoided, and it seems to be as effective as an external approach. Yet, women must be informed on the high recurrence rate.     

Does Hyperthermia Induce Peritoneal Damage in Continuous Hyperthermic Peritoneal Perfusion?

To investigate the mechanisms of the peritoneal damage induced by continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (CHPP), protein and fluid loss during and after CHPP and continuous normothermic peritoneal perfusion (CNPP) was studied. Sixteen patients with advanced gastric cancer underwent peritoneal perfusion therapy with saline solution containing 150 to 300 mg cisplatin and 30 to 60 mg mitomycin C for 60 minutes. The temperature in Douglas' pouch was maintained at 42.0°C in the CHPP group (n= 9) and 37.0°C in the CNPP group (n= 7) during perfusion. No statistical differences were found in patients' characteristics between the groups except the maximum temperature in Douglas' pouch during perfusion (41.6°± 0.4°C and 37.6°± 0.4°C in CHPP and CNPP groups, respectively, p < 0.05). The amount of protein lost into the perfusate was 0.35 ± 0.22 g/kg body weight in the CHPP group and 0.37 ± 0.19 g/kg in the CNPP group, showing no significant difference. On the day of surgery, there was no significant difference in the amount of protein and fluid lost through the abdominal drains between the CHPP group (27.9 ± 24.6 mg/kg/hr and 0.94 ± 0.63 ml/kg/hr, respectively) and the CNPP group (25.9 ± 8.6 mg/kg/hr and 1.03 ± 0.31 ml/kg/hr, respectively). We could not find any significant differences in postoperative protein and fluid loss between the groups on the following 3 days either. We conclude that the peritoneal damage by CHPP is not caused by the hyperthermia but by the peritoneal perfusion with saline solution containing anticancer drugs.     

Continuous renal replacement therapy: does technique influence azotemic control?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Different techniques of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) might have different effects on azotemic control. Accordingly, we tested whether continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) or continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) would achieve better control of serum creatinine and plasma urea levels. DESIGN: Retrospective controlled study. SETTING: Two tertiary Intensive Care Units. PATIENTS: Critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF) treated with CVVHDF (n = 49) or CVVH (n = 50). Interventions: Retrieval of daily morning urea and creatinine values before and after the initiation of CRRT for up to 2 weeks of treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Before treatment, serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower in the CVVH group than in CVVHDF group (urea: 31.0 +/- 15.0 mmol/L for CVVHDF and 24.7 +/- 16.1 mmol/L for CVVH, p = 0.01, creatinine: 547 +/- 308 micromol/L vs. 326 +/- 250 micromol/L, p < 0.0001). These differences were still significant after 48 h of treatment (urea: 20.1 +/- 8.3 mmol/L vs. 14.1 +/- 6.1 mmol/L; p = 0.0003, creatinine: 360 +/- 189pmol/L vs. 215 +/- 118 micromol/L; p < 0.0001). Throughout the duration of therapy, mean urea levels (22.3 +/- 9.0 mmol/L for CVVHDF vs. 16.7 +/- 7.8 mmol/L for CVVH, p < 0.0001) and mean creatinine levels (302 +/- 167 vs. 211 +/- 103 micromol/L, p < 0.0001) were better controlled in the CVVH group. CONCLUSIONS: CRRT strategies based on different techniques might have a significantly different impact on azotemic control.