Evaluation of a novel modified suture material designed to facilitate intracorporeal knot tying during laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic intracorporeal knot tying in minimally invasive surgery is an advanced skill. Mastering this skill is an arduous process with a long learning curve. While recent advances in instrumentation have allowed easier suturing and tying, until now, no attempts have been made to modify the suture material in order to facilitate this process. We present an evaluation of a novel modified suture material designed to allow inexperienced surgical residents to tie intracorporeal knots laparoscopically using conventional laparoscopic needle drivers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Surgical residents with no prior experience in laparoscopic surgery were invited to take part in this investigation. Each of the 14 participants was given a 10-minute demonstration of laparoscopic intracorporeal knot tying and then allowed a mentored practice session of 10 minutes. In the first trial, they were then randomized to tie a laparoscopic knot with either a standard or a modified dry suture. Time and accuracy scores were recorded. They then performed the same task with the other type of suture. On the second trial, wet standard and modified sutures were used, and the order of the sutures used in the first trial was reversed. RESULTS: The average time taken to tie an intracorporeal knot laparoscopically was significantly less when the modified suture was used in both dry and wet conditions (162.71 +/- 10.79 seconds v 270.86 +/- 22.76 seconds; P = 0.0039, and 123.29 +/- 4.70 seconds v 247.57 +/- 23.17 seconds; P = 0.0032, respectively). No significant difference in accuracy scores was noted with the two sutures. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified suture design allowed inexperienced surgical residents to perform intracorporeal laparoscopic knot tying on average faster than the standard suture did. The concept of modifying suture design to facilitate laparoscopic suturing and knot tying deserves further investigation and development.     

Prospective randomized evaluation of surgical resident proficiency with laparoscopic suturing after course instruction

Background: Laparoscopic suturing is required to develop competency in advanced laparoscopy. Methods: Manuals detailing laparoscopic suturing were give to 17 Surgery residents. One week later they performed a suture on a training model. Time (s), accuracy (mm), and knot strength (lb) were recorded. The residents were blindly randomized to intervention (n = 9) and control (n = 8) groups. The intervention residents attended a 60-min course with lecture, video, and individual proctoring. Two weeks later they performed a stitch with standard laparoscopic instruments and a stitch with a suturing assist device. Statistical analysis included a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: The intervention residents decreased their suturing time from the first to the second stitich (732.4–257.6s), the control and residents decreased their time from 500.2 s to 421.8 s. The time required to perform the second stitch showed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.46), but the difference in reduced time between the first and second stitch was significant (p = 0.001). Using the suturing assist device for the third suture, the intervention and control groups both decreased their times significantly. The control residents performed almost as quickly as the intervention residents with the suturing; device (p = 0.11). Accuracy and knot strength were not different in any test. Conclusions: Residents can improve suturing skill with a short didactic course and individual proctoring. A suturing assist device decreases time required by inexperienced surgeons to device perform an intracorporeal tie.     

Evaluation of specialized laparoscopic suturing and tying devices.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic suturing and tying constitute advanced minimally invasive surgery skills. Developing proficiency in the standard methods with needle drivers is often an arduous process. Recent advances in laparoscopic instrumentations has allowed for easier methods of suturing and tying. This study investigated the hypothesis that the use of a specialized suturing device and a specialized tying device allows inexperienced medical students to suture and tie laparoscopically. METHODS: Preclinical medical students who had not received any training in open or laparoscopic surgery were included in this investigation. Each student was given a 5-minute demonstration of a specialized suturing device and a specialized tying device. The medical students were not allowed to deploy either device before actual use. After the demonstration, each student was given the device to use in a porcine model. Times were recorded and a subjective grade was given for each student. RESULTS: Twenty medical students were involved in this study. All medical students were able to complete the task of suturing and tying. The average time to suture was 104.6 seconds and the average time to tying was 31.2 seconds. The average subjective performance grade was 90 (out of 100). CONCLUSION: Specialized devices are easy to learn and use for laparoscopic suturing and tying with minimal instruction even for inexperienced medical students. Even surgeons who are not well versed in laparoscopic surgery should be able to suture and tie with certain laparoscopic instruments.     

Teaching basic video skills as an aid in laparoscopic suturing

Background There is a perception among surgeons that performing laparoscopic suturing is unduly difficult. The purpose of this study is to document a program which aides in learning laparoscopic suturing. Methods Fourteen volunteer medical students without prior experience were taught laparoscopic suturing. Videoscopic pelvitrainers were utilized for a 2-h training session. Extracorporeal and intracorporeal knot tying was demonstrated utilizing a three-throw square knot. After a 2-h practice session each student’s time to complete an extracorporeal and intracorporeal suture was recorded. Results The average times required for completion were: extracorporeal suture and knot 1 min 54 s; intracorporeal suture and knot 3 min 12 s. Conclusions Novice students were able to perform at extra and intracorporeal suturing with 2 h of practice, utilizing a systematic program of teaching basic video skills. Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Orlando, Florida, USA, 11–14 March 1995     

Perforated duodenal ulcer: laparoscopic treatment of perforation and ulcerous disease

STUDY AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to report a continuous series of 44 perforated duodenal peptic ulcers operated on through laparoscopic approach with curative treatment of the peptic ulcer disease for socioeconomic purpose. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From February 1995 to May 1996, 44 patients were operated on laparoscopically. There were 42 men and two women (mean age: 36 years). All patients had peritonitis with pneumoperitoneum in 68%. Duodenal peptic ulcer was known in 12 patients and antecedent of episodic epigastric pain were present in 27. Four trocads were used. The diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal exploration and peritoneal lavage was performed with physiological serum. RESULTS: The procedures were: suture of perforated ulcer associated with posterior vagotomy and anterior seromyotomy (n = 6), with troncular vagotomy and pyloroplasty (n = 24) and single suture (n = 1). A conversion into laparotomy was necessary in 13 patients (29.5%). There was no mediastinitis, no postoperative death. Peritonitis by leakage occurred in two patients who were reoperated by laparotomy; mean duration of hospital stay was 5.5 days. With a one-year follow-up, all patients were in good condition, free of pain. CONCLUSION: With laparoscopic surgery, diagnosis of peptic ulcer perforation was confirmed, peritoneal lavage was perfectly done, duodenal perforation was sutured and surgical treatment of the peptic ulcer disease was performed, which is important in poor countries.     

Laparoscopic suturing and knot tying: a comparison of standard techniques to a mechanical assist device.

BACKGROUND: Suturing and knot tying are basic skills for surgeons. Performing these tasks laparoscopically can be a tedious, time-consuming endeavor associated with much frustration. We evaluated a mechanically assisted suture and pretied knot device (Quik-Stitch) for performing the basic tasks of suturing and knot tying. METHODS: We performed a time study using 1) intracorporeal suturing and knot tying, 2) intracorporeal suturing and extracorporeal knot tying, and 3) a mechanically assisted suture and pretied knot device (Quik-Stitch). From September 2000 through March 2001, time trials were conducted using each of the different techniques. Three attending surgeons, one with much experience and 2 with less experience, and 2 chief residents, with the least experience, participated in the study. RESULTS: For the experienced surgeon, the average times for intracorporeal knot tying, extracorporeal knot tying, and knot tying with Quik-Stitch were 97.3, 103.9, and 67.7 seconds, respectively. For the less experienced surgeons, the times were 237.2, 224.3, and 92.5 seconds, respectively. For the least experienced group, the times were 265.3, 263.0, and 128.7 seconds, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanically assisted suture device and pretied knot (Quik-Stitch by PARE Surgical, Inc, Englewood, CO, USA) provides significant time-saving to surgeons regardless of experience and thus reduces operating room costs. Less experienced surgeons and surgeons in training benefited the most by the use of this device.     

Comparison and analysis of laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing devices: preliminary results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: One of the most challenging aspects of laparoscopic surgery is intracorporeal suturing and knot tying. A loss of depth perception and tactile sense and visual obstruction make placing accurate and well-tied knots a difficult and time-consuming task. Two devices conceived to ease the task of suturing and knotting while presumably speeding performance are the Suture Assist (SA; Ethicon Endo-Surgery) and EndoStitch (ES; US Surgical/Tyco). We set out to objectively assess suture placement accuracy and knot speed and strength of these two suturing devices and conventional laparoscopic suturing (CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To date, six surgeons with laparoscopic experience were trained on the three suturing techniques. A pelvic trainer was set up with a freshly marked and incised swine renal pelvis and ureter. Each surgeon placed four sutures of 2-0 polyester suture with each technique (repeated on three separate occasions) with five half-hitches for a total of 216 knots. Time, strength, and accuracy were measured for each suture/knot placement. The knot distance was then measured from the marked target using calipers and carefully dissected from the tissue. Each knot was individually tested on a Monsanto Model 10 tensiometer, whereby slippage, strength, and breakage points were determined. RESULTS: The mean times (min:sec) and accuracy (millimeters) were as following: CS 5:08 and 0.457, ES 2:45 and 0.660, and SA 2:40 and 0.508. The difference in time was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001), while the difference in accuracy was not. Only 182 of 216 knots were able to be included for analysis because of either a small knot lumen or device failure. Device failures necessitating intervention were encountered only with the SA, which had a misfire rate of 9.7% (7 of 72). The mean knot strength was measured at 41.1 N for CS, 57.3 N for SA, and 28.0 for ES. Knot break percentage (breakage) was calculated as 50.8% for CS, 20.7% for ES, and 95% for SA. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results show that each of the laparoscopic suturing devices has distinct advantages over conventional intracorporeal suturing and tying. Decreased times and comparable, if not greater, knot strengths may translate into improved laparoscopic suturing/tying performance for laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing devices.     

腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术治疗早期前列腺癌的临床经验(附10例报告)

目的：总结腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术治疗早期前列腺癌的手术经验。方法：采用前列腺特异抗原检测和前列腺穿刺筛选10例PT1b～PT3a前列腺癌患者，用腹腔镜行前列腺癌根治术，总结手术时间、出血量和并发症的发生情况，并进行术后随访。结果：10例腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术均获成功。手术时间210～310min，平均250min；出血量200～500ml，平均340ml。术中发生大出血2例，术后尿外渗1例，未出现尿失禁和排尿困难。结论：腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术涉及较多腹腔镜下分离、切割、止血和缝合技术，只有熟悉前列腺的局部解剖、使用良好的腹腔镜器械、熟练掌握各种腹腔镜操作技术，才能缩短手术时间，减少手术并发症的发生。     

Development of laparoscopic anterior seromyotomy and right posterior truncal vagotomy for ulcer prophylaxis.

This study investigated the feasibility of a laparoscopic antiulcer procedure. The following antiulcer operations were performed laparoscopically in 20 pigs: truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty (n = 5), highly selective vagotomy (n = 5), right truncal vagotomy and left highly selective vagotomy (n = 5), and anterior seromyotomy and posterior truncal vagotomy (n = 5). Each procedure was videotaped and assessed in terms of ease of access, need for additional trocars, requirements for suturing, and complexity of the procedure. The anterior seromyotomy and posterior truncal vagotomy provided the optimal combination of antiulcer prophylaxis and adaptivity to the laparoscopic approach. We employed a Nd:YAG laser operating at 20 W delivered via a 600 micron sculpted tip which simplified the anterior seromyotomy. Anterior seromyotomy-posterior truncal vagotomy was then performed in three cadavers without evidence of perforation of the stomach. Our initial experience in a 46-year-old male demonstrates that the procedure can be performed with relative ease in humans. Thus, an effective antiulcer operation, anterior seromyotomy-posterior truncal vagotomy can be performed laparoscopically and may be a reasonable alternative for treating those patients who had a poor response to medical therapy.     

Scissor-knot-pusher: an instrument for simplified laparoscopic extracorporeal knotting.

This paper describes the "scissor-knot-pusher," an instrument that greatly facilitates the execution of knot tying during laparoscopic operations. The instrument acts in essence as an extension of the surgeon's hand and, given its rigid structure, allows the surgeon full control of the process of knot tying. Additionally, after the knot has been tightened, it is possible to cut the suture without using a different instrument. As a result, this technical device simplifies knot tying and may help to reduce the frustration and the time often associated with intracorporeal suturing during laparoscopic surgery.     

A methods of laparoscopic suturing of perforated pyloro-bulbar ulcers

The article describes a method of laparoscopic suturing perforated ulcers of the pylorobulbar zone. The elements of all steps of the operation are analyzed including the places of introducing the trocar, the method of putting the intracorporeal stitches, means of sanitation and drainage of the abdominal cavity. The method was successfully used in operations on 43 patients with perforated ulcers without any complications.     

Video-laparoscopic surgeries in Meckel diverticulum in children

From 1992 to 2001 laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of various pathologic changes of Meckel diverticulum were carried out in 58 children aged from 3 weeks to 14 years. Bleeding from the diverticulum was in 33 patients, diverticulitis--in 21, intestinal obstruction--in 4 patients. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed carefully with trochars of small diameters (3-5 mm). Conversion to open operation was necessary in 2 patients due to inflammation in the diverticulum and adjacent parts of the intestine. Circulatory resection of the intestine with the diverticulum in the limits of healthy tissues was performed. All 33 patients with intestinal bleeding were examined with 99mTc before surgery. Only 15 (45.4%) patients demonstrated pathologic accumulation of radionuclide in the zone of the diverticulum. Laparoscopic resection of the diverticulum was performed in 56 patients. Three methods of endoscopic resection were used: with suture device Endo-Gia-30 (31 patients), with application of Roeder's loop on the base of the diverticulum when it was 1-1.5 cm wide maximum (23), with suturing of intestine with two-layer intracorporel endoscopic suture (2). All the started laparoscopic operations were finished successfully. There were no conversions to open surgery. Mean time of surgery was 45 min. There were no intraoperative complications. In postoperative period one patient showed acute adhesive intestinal obstruction which was treated with laparoscopy. Mean hospital stay was 6.1 bed-days. There were no lethal outcomes. Cosmetic effect was excellent in all the cases.     

Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy: development of a technique simplified by application of Nitinol clips and a wet monopolar electrosurgery device

PURPOSE: We developed a technique for laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy with the use of intracorporeal suturing and subsequently simplified the technique by application of experimental Nitinol clips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy on 16 domestic swine divided into four groups of four animals each. The kidney was exposed laparoscopically, and the renal artery was atraumatically clamped. The lower pole of the kidney was amputated to expose a lower-pole calix, and hemostasis of the cut renal surface was obtained with a wet monopolar electrosurgical device (Floating Ball device [FB]; TissueLink, Dover, NH). Anastomosis of the ureter to the lower-pole calix was performed over a guidewire using 3-0 Vicryl suture in group 1 and Nitinol clips in group 3. A double-J ureteral stent was then deployed retrograde under fluoroscopic guidance. In addition, we evaluated the use of fibrin glue as a sealant over the sutured or clipped anastomotic site (groups 2 and 4, respectively). Ureteral stents were removed after 3 weeks, and the animals were evaluated and sacrificed after an additional 3 weeks. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy was completed in all 16 animals. In each case, excellent renal parenchymal hemostasis was obtained with the FB device, with a mean hemostasis time of 4.1 minutes. The mean anastomotic time with standard suture reconstruction was 37.1 +/- 5.4 minutes, while the anastomotic time with the Nitinol clips was 29.0 +/- 8.0 minutes (P = 0.0339). Retrograde pyelograms in groups 1 and 3 (no fibrin glue) showed a patent anastomosis with no hydronephrosis in three of the four animals in each group. One animal in group 1 and one animal in group 3 developed large urinomas secondary to anastomotic failure. The animals that received fibrin glue over the anastomotic site (groups 2 and 4) all showed narrowed anastomoses with severe hydronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS: With available instrumentation, laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy is technically feasible. Nitinol clip technology significantly reduces collecting-system reconstruction time. Application of fibrin glue as a urinary tract sealant resulted in an unexpected adverse outcome.     

Robotic surgery and resident training

BACKGROUND: Robotic technology promises to have an important future in surgery, but few residency programs incorporate robotics into surgical training. We sought to compare the speed and accuracy with which junior residents could perform laparoscopic tasks using both a robotic surgical device (Zeus MicroWrist) and conventional laparoscopic instruments. METHODS: Twelve residents performed exercises of progressive difficulty in an inanimate model using both the robot and conventional laparoscopy. Analysis of variance statistical analysis was used to compare task time and suturing accuracy scores. RESULTS: Grasping and suturing exercises were performed significantly faster with conventional laparoscopic instruments than with the robot. However, no difference in task time was noted for intracorporeal knot tying. Accuracy scores for suturing were higher for the robot. CONCLUSIONS: Junior residents can be instructed easily and quickly in both robotic and conventional advanced laparoscopic skills. The utility of robotic surgical devices in resident training requires further investigation.     

External iliac vein injury and its repair during laparoscopic radical cystectomy.

We describe a case of external iliac vein injury, sustained during laparoscopic radical cystectomy, which was managed laparoscopically with intracorporeal suturing.     

Laparoscopic repair of various types of biliary-enteric fistula: three cases

Biliary-enteric fistula is one of the reasons for converting from laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to open surgery. Here we present three cases of various types of biliary-enteric fistula treated successfully by laparoscopic surgery. Two cases were diagnosed preoperatively, and the remaining case intraoperatively. The first patient had a cholecystoduodenal fistula with a common bile duct stone. The second patient had cholecystocolic and choledochoduodenal fistulas with a common bile duct stone, and the third patient had a cholecystogastric fistula. The fistulas were repaired laparoscopically by intracorporeal suturing or with an endoscopic linear stapling device. All the patients had good postoperative courses without any postoperative complication. Our experience has shown us that with advances in surgical skills and instruments, laparoscopic surgery for biliary-enteric fistula can be adopted as the first treatment choice regardless of the preoperative diagnosis.     

后腹腔镜输尿管端端吻合术治疗下腔静脉后输尿管(附8例报道并文献复习)

目的:报道后腹腔镜输尿管端端吻合术治疗下腔静脉后输尿管的手术技术和临床效果;并复习有关腹腔镜技术治疗下腔静脉后输尿管的文献。方法:8例术前均接受IVP和(或)逆行造影检查。使用后腹腔途径、三个穿刺通道行输尿管端端吻合术。术后3和6个月复查IVP,随后每年复查B超或IVP。结果:8例手术均获成功。平均手术时间78min。术中出血量可忽略不计(少于10ml)。术后肠功能恢复时间24~48h。腹膜后引流管拔除时间一般为2~3天。平均术后住院时间6.5天。未出现围术期并发症。术后4~6周拔除双J管。平均随访23个月,复查B超和(或)IVP,无吻合口狭窄,输尿管梗阻均明显缓解。6例术前有疼痛症状者完全缓解。结论:后腹腔镜输尿管端端吻合术治疗下腔静脉后输尿管安全可行,平均近2年的随访显示出很好的手术效果。结合复习的文献报道结果,腹腔镜手术可能会成为治疗下腔静脉后输尿管的首选方式。     

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in the Animal Model

Purpose:

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty has been associated with long operative times. This study proposed to evaluate the feasibility of two different laparoscopic techniques for the performance of pyeloplasty repair of secondary ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.

Materials and Methods:

Sixteen female Yucatan mini-pigs underwent general anesthesia for cystoscopy, retrograde pyelography, urine culture and a baseline renal scan. Unilateral UPJ obstruction was created by ligating the UPJ over a 5F catheter. Six weeks later a laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed utilizing an intracorporeal suturing technique and the Lapra-Ty suture clip or the Endostitch device with intracorporeal knot tying. Four control animals underwent only cystoscopy and in/out ureteral catheterization. In the study animals the ureteral stent was maintained for six weeks and at six weeks, three months and six months post-pyeloplasty the animals underwent the previously mentioned studies. At six months post-pyeloplasty the animals were euthanized and the UPJ was calibrated. Histopathology was obtained on the ureter below the anastomosis, at the anastomosis, above the anastomosis and on a renal biopsy.

Results:

All planned laparoscopic pyeloplasties were completed. However, the stricture model was too severe in that most animals developed 40-45% decrease in renal function in the kidney following ipsilateral UPJ ligation. There was no significant difference between the two pyeloplasty techniques with respect to operative time to perform the pyeloplasty (mean of 40 minutes), post-pyeloplasty ureteral caliber (7.5-8.0 F), serum creatinine or healing scores at, above or below the anastomosis.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty can be performed equally successfully with the Endostitch device and intracorporeal knot tying or with the intracorporeal suturing technique and Lapra-Ty clips. The resultant pyeloplasty is also equivalent for the two techniques.     

Laparoscopic partial cystectomy for various bladder pathologies

OBJECTIVE: To present our initial experience with laparoscopic partial cystectomy (LPC) in selected patients with various bladder pathologies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2004 and April 2006, four patients had LPC at our centre (mean age 52 years, range 35-70); the transperitoneal approach was used for three and a pre-peritoneal approach for one. The surgical procedures used sequentially included transurethral incision around the lesion, laparoscopic excision of the lesion (partial cystectomy) and intracorporeal suturing. Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was also used for the two patients with malignancy. RESULTS: All operations proceeded smoothly; the bladder pathologies included one bladder endometriosis, one bladder leiomyoma, one urothelial carcinoma within the bladder diverticulum and one urachal adenocarcinoma. The mean (range) operative duration was 197.5 (120-300) min, the estimated blood loss 70 (50-100) mL, the hospital stay 6.75 (5-9) days, and duration of Foley catheterization 7.25 (6-9) days. No open conversion was required and no patient had peri-operative complications. The surgical margins were free of cancer and the dissected lymph nodes were negative in those two patients with bladder malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: LPC is safe and feasible in selected patients with various bladder pathologies.