Stapled and nonstapled laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair

Background: Controversy exists regarding whether it is necessary to secure the mesh prosthesis during laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair. It is unknown whether stapling the mesh affects recurrence rate, incidence of neuralgia, or port-site hernia. Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized trial comparing stapled with nonstapled laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repairs in a series of 502 consecutive patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair at two institutions between January 1995 and March 1997. Results: In all, 263 nonstapled and 273 stapled repairs were performed in 502 patients. Patients were evaluated at a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 1–32 months) by independent surgeons. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of recurrence (0 to 263 nonstapled, 3 to 273 stapled; chi-square p= 0.09). The overall recurrence rate was 0.6%. There was no significant difference in operative time, port-site hernia, chronic pain or neuralgia between the two groups. Conclusion: It is not necessary to secure the mesh during laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair, allowing a reduction in the size of the ports. Received: 28 July 1998/Accepted: 25 November 1998     

Small bowel obstruction secondary to stapled laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy

Background: This study analyzes the complication of small bowel obstruction following stapled division of the adnexa during laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Methods: We reviewed the records of three patients with small bowel obstruction following stapled LAVH. We then tested the proposed mechanisms of obstruction by firing endoscopic staplers across silicon tubing to simulate division of the adnexal structures. Staple shape, spillage, and closure were analyzed. Results: Small bowel obstruction can result when a partially formed endoscopic staple hooks the small bowel. The problem can be traced to either spilled intraperitoneal staples or partially formed staples that adhere to part of the adnexal staple line. The mechanisms staple closure, spillage, and ability to hook small bowel were confirmed with a laboratory model. Conclusions: Techniques for reducing the incidence of small bowel obstruction following stapled LAVH include minimizing staple spillage and careful inspection of the adnexal staple line for partially formed staples. Received: 24 September 1997/Accepted: 15 May 1998     

Determination of cell viability after laparoscopic tissue stapling in a porcine model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Surgical stapling devices are often used to secure the distal ureter along with a cuff of bladder during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. As the viability of cells within the stapled tissue would be important in patients with upper urinary-tract transitional-cell carcinoma, we determined the viability of cells within the lines of various commercially available staplers in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four laparoscopic stapling devices were used: two vascular and two tissue designs (US Surgical, Norwalk, CT, and Ethicon, Cincinnati, OH). The devices were deployed across a portion of the bladder, much as they would be during a nephroureterectomy to create a bladder cuff while excising the distal ureter. The animals were sacrificed 6 weeks later, and the stapled sites were harvested for histopathologic examination by an experienced genitourinary pathologist (PH). RESULTS: Grossly, there were no visible staples at harvest of the stapled bladder and the ureterovesical junction, with a completely healed bladder being seen in all four animals. On histologic examination with hematoxylin and eosin staining, there were distinctly viable cells within the staple lines of the ureterovesical junction and the bladder wall, similar to the unstapled control tissue. There were viable cells in all samples of tissues stapled by either vascular or tissue staplers. CONCLUSIONS: Deployment of both vascular and tissue staplers resulted in viable cells within the staple lines at the ureterovesical junction and bladder wall in this porcine model. There is a potential risk of tumor recurrence at the stapled site in patients who have the ureter and bladder cuff secured with these devices during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma. Despite this concern, to date, over a period of 13 years, clinical experience has not revealed a single case of tumor recurrence within the stapled cuff of bladder. Careful endoscopic evaluation of the stapled bladder-cuff site after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy should minimize the potential for local tumor recurrence.     

Recurrent Symptoms after Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy and the Impact on Patient Satisfaction after a Minimum of 2 Years Follow-up

Background : Stapled haemorrhoidopexy came as an attractive alternative to treat grade 3 haemorrhoids. This study aims to assess the nature of recurrent symptoms and the impact on patient satisfaction after a minimum follow-up of two years in a group of patients who underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy.

Methods : A standardized questionnaire was used to evaluate a consecutive group of patients by telephone treated by a stapled haemorrhoidopexy between January 2004 and December 2007. Outcome assessment comprised residual symptoms, subsequent treatment, and patient satisfaction.

Results : Hundred sixty-five patients underwent a stapled haemorrhoidopexy in the study period. Twenty-five patients (15%) were lost to follow-up. The included 140 patients presented with grade 2 (16) or grade 3 (124) prolapsing internal haemorrhoids. Median age was 50 years (range 27–79) and 56% were males. Median follow-up was 43 months (range 25–87). At final follow-up, 79 patients (56%) remained symptom-free. Nevertheless, 89% were more than satisfied. Only 11% were disappointed with the ultimate outcome. Recurrent symptoms were prolapse (52 patients), anal bleeding (46 patients), anal pressure or pain (24 patients) and pruritus (21 patients). Thirty-five patients had subsequent therapy: 20 underwent surgical resection and 15 had sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation. Patient satisfaction correlates with the number of recurrent (residual) symptoms and the need for further treatment.

Conclusion : Despite the high symptomatic recurrence rate after stapled haemorrhoidopexy, 89% of patients were satisfied. This suggests that recurrent or residual symptoms after stapled haemorrhoidopexy are often less severe compared to the initial presenting symptoms.     

A randomized, controlled, clinical study of laparoscopic vs open tension-free inguinal hernia repair

Background: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was to compare laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair with a standard tension-free open mesh repair (open). Methods: A total of 108 low-risk patients with unilateral (primary or recurrent) or bilateral hernias were randomized to TAPP (group 1 = 52 cases) or open (group 2 = 56 cases). The outcome measures included operating time, complications, postoperative pain, return to normal activity, operating theater costs, and recurrences. Results: The mean operative time was longer for the TAPP than for the open group only in unilateral primary hernias. At rest, the median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was higher for group 1 than group 2 at 48 h postoperatively. Mild to discomforting pain in the inguinal region after 7 days, night pain after 30 days, and inguinal hardening after 3 months were more frequent in group 2 than group 1. No significant differences were observed in return to normal activities between the groups. One hernia recurrence was observed after 1 month in group 1. TAPP was significantly more expensive than open. Conclusions: TAPP was associated with less postoperative pain than open. The increase in operating theater costs, however, was dramatic and was not compensated by shorter time away from work. TAPP should not be adopted routinely unless its costs can be drastically reduced. Received: 10 June 1997/Accepted: 6 October 1997     

Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Different Circular Staplers for Mucosectomy in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Background The main objections against circular stapled mucosectomy have been anal pain and rectal bleeding during the surgical procedure or in the immediate postoperative follow-up. To avoid these consequences, a new stapler (PPH33-03) has been developed. The aim of this trial was to compare the intraoperative and short-term postoperative morbidity of stapled mucosectomy with PPH33-01 versus PPH33-03 in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing hemorrhoidectomy with PPH33-01 (group 1, n = 30) versus PPH33-03 (group 2, n = 30) for grade III–IV symptomatic hemorrhoids. For the follow-up, the patients underwent examination and proctoscopy at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. We recorded anal pain (linear analog scale from 0 to 10), intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative bleeding, and continence (Wexner Continence Grading Scale). Results Demographic and clinical features showed no differences between the two groups. More patients required suture ligation to stop anastomotic bleeding at surgery when the PPH33-01 stapler was used (15 versus 4, P < 0.05). Rectal bleeding during the first postoperative 4 weeks was similar (P > 0.05). The postoperative pain scores during the first week were similar (P > 0.05). Patients with pain on defecation were fewer in the PPH-03 group (15 versus 2, P < 0.05). Six patients from group 1 and none from group 2 (P < 0.05) had granulomas along the line of staples at the sites of the reinforcing stitches; the granulomas were associated with postoperative anal discomfort and rectal bleeding. One patient in group 1 complained of persistent pain that resolved within 3 months. Of all the intraoperative or preoperative variables analyzed, only the presence of granuloma was associated with postoperative bleeding and anal discomfort. We have not found any recurrence or incontinence during the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions Intraoperative bleeding along the stapled line and tenesmus or discomfort during defecation were less frequent after circular stapled mucosectomy with PPH33-03. Therefore, circular stapled mucosectomy with PPH33-03 decreases the risk of immediate complications and thus allows implantation with more safety as a day surgery procedure.     

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach to place a polypropylene mesh on the abdominal wall: an experimental swine model of a technique that can be used for incisional hernia repair

Background The placement of intraabdominal polypropylene mesh entails risks of adhesions and fistulas that can be avoided by preperitoneal placement.Methods This comparative, open, experimental, prospective, randomized, and transversal study randomized pigs into two groups of 11 each for intraperitoneal (IPOM) or preperitoneal (TAPP) polypropylene mesh placement by laparoscopy. Diagnostic laparoscopy and tissue en-bloc resection was performed 28 days postoperatively for histopathologic analysis.Results The following data were observed for the two study groups: surgical time (IPOM: 35.73 ± 4.22 min; TAPP: 58.09 ± 6.28 min; p = <0.0001); adhesions (IPOM: 81.81%; TAPP: 27.27%; p = 0.032), grade III for IPOM and grade II for TAPP (p = 0.001); and interloop adhesions (IPOM: 81.81%; TAPP: 9.09%; p = 0.003). No fistulas were found in either group. The TAPP procedure showed better integration of mesh, without lesion to abdominal organs. Two complications, occurred with IPOM, and one with TAPP (p = 1.0, not significant).Conclusions The perperitoneal technique requires more time, but has fewer adhesions and less intraabdominal inflammatory response. It is a feasible technique that may diminish risks in the laparoscopic treatment of incisional hernias with polypropylene mesh.     

Perioperative outcome of laparoscopic left lateral liver resection is improved by using a bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement material in a porcine model

Hypothesis Laparoscopic liver surgery is significantly limited by the technical difficulty encountered during transection of substantial liver parenchyma, with intraoperative bleeding and bile leaks. This study tested whether the use of a bioabsorble staple line reinforcement material would improve outcome during stapled laparoscopic left lateral liver resection in a porcine model. Study design A total of 20 female pigs underwent stapled laparoscopic left lateral liver resection. In group A (n = 10), the stapling devices were buttressed with a bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement material. In group B (n = 10), standard laparoscopic staplers were used. Operative data and perioperative complications were recorded. Necropsy studies and histopathological analysis were performed at 6 weeks. Data were compared between groups with the Student’s t-test or the chi-square test. Results Operating time was similar in the two groups (64 ± 11 min in group A versus 68 ± 9 min in group B, p = ns). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in group B (185 ± 9 mL versus 25 ± 5 mL, p < 0.05). There was no mortality. There was no morbidity in the 6-week follow-up period; however, two animals in group B had subphrenic bilomas (20%) at necropsy. At necropsy, methylene blue injection via the main bile duct revealed leakage from the biliary tree in four animals in group B and none in group A (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination of the resection site revealed minor abnormalities in group A while animals in group B demonstrated marked fibrotic changes and damaged vascular and biliary endothelium. Conclusion Use of a bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement material reduces intraoperative bleeding and perioperative bile leaks during stapled laparoscopic left lateral liver resection in a porcine model. This study was funded in part by a research grant from the Minimally Invasive Surgery Center of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Weill College of Medicine of Cornell University, which are supported by Karl Storz Endoscopy of America, Tyco Health and W.L. Gore.     

Duodenal switch: Fully stapled technique

BackgroundDuodenal switch and single anastomosis modifications continue to gain greater interest among bariatric surgeons. Limiting factors to adoption include concerns around the nutritional management, patient compliance and follow-up, and the technical challenge of the operation. The majority of techniques offered currently use a hand-sewn duodenoileostomy. This approach is limited by the steep learning curve as well as longer operating times.ObjectivesWe present a video demonstrating the fully stapled technique for duodenoileostomy and ileileostomy. We offer technical pearls around the technique, specifically focused on maintaining a widely patent anastomosis, open biliopancreatic limb, safe duodenal dissection, and correct loop orientation.MethodsLaparoscopic fully stapled duodenoileostomy for duodenal switch and single anastomosis modification.SettingCommunity hospital, single institution, 3 surgeons.ConclusionTriple staple offers a reproducible and safe technique for the duodenoileostomy and specifically for construction of a Roux or loop anastomosis in duodenal switch.     

Buttressing of the staple line in gastrointestinal anastomoses: overview of new technology designed to reduce perioperative complications

BACKGROUND: Mechanical stapling devices are widely used in all fields of surgery as they can cut and sew tissue in a quick and easy manner. However, complications like bleeding or leakage at the staple line are frequently encountered and can have devastating consequences. Recent developments have led to the introduction of staple line reinforcement to reduce these complications. METHODS: The literature has been reviewed to find and describe different methods to improve stapled resections and to give an extensive overview of the different staple line reinforcement materials, their properties and indications. RESULTS: Several types of staple line reinforcement are available. Reinforcement of the staple line with membranes of either non-, semi- or absorbable material seems to be effective in minimizing the risk of leakage and bleeding by providing strength to the cut tissue. CONCLUSION: Application of staple line reinforcement material seems a promising technique in preventing leakage and bleeding at the stapled suture line, thus potentially reducing complications of gastrointestinal surgery. More studies are needed to investigate the exact properties, behavior and effects of the staple line reinforcement material.     

Self-gripping mesh versus staple fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a prospective comparison

Background

Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair is widely used to treat bilateral or recurrent inguinal hernias. Recently a self-gripping mesh has been introduced into clinical practice. This mesh does not need staple fixation and thus might reduce the incidence of chronic pain. This prospective study aimed to compare two groups of patients with bilateral (BIH) or monolateral (MIH) primary or recurrent inguinal hernia treated with TAPP using either a self-gripping polyester and polylactic acid mesh (SGM) or a polypropylene and poliglecaprone mesh fixed with four titanium staples [standard technique (ST)].

Methods

In this study, 96 patients (mean age, 58 years) with BIH (73 patients with primary and recurrent hernia) or MIH (22 patients with recurrent hernia) underwent a TAPP repair. For 49 patients, the repairs used SGM, and for 46 patients, ST was used. The patients were clinically evaluated 1 week and then 30 days postoperatively. After at least 6 months, a phone interview was conducted. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire was administered to all the patients at the 6-month follow-up visit.

Results

The mean length of the procedure was 83 min in the SGM group and 77.5 min in the ST group. The mean follow-up period was 13.8 months (range 1.3–42.0 months) for the SGM group and 18.2 months (range 1.9–27.1 months) for the ST group. The recurrence rate at the last follow-up visit was 0 % in the SGM group and 2.2 % (1 patient) in the ST group. The incidence of mild chronic pain at the 6-month follow-up visit was 4.1 % in the SGM group and 9.1 % in the ST group, and the incidence of moderate or severe pain was respectively 2.1 and 6.8 %.

Conclusions

The study population was not large enough to obtain statistically significant results. However, the use of SGM for TAPP repairs appeared to give good results in terms of chronic pain, and the incidence of recurrences was not higher than with ST. In our unit, SGM during TAPP repair of inguinal hernias has become the standard.     

Anastomotic Leakage of a Colorectal Anastomosis Treated by Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery

Objective: To report a minimal invasive technique for repairing an anastomotic leakage with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (T.E.M.) without creating a protective ostomy.

Summary: There are a large number of techniques for the management of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. Depending on the size and location of the disruption, a protective ileostomy, a permanent colostomy or even reïnterven-tion for drainage or closure of the leak may be indicated. In most cases the patient faces the morbidity associated with a new intervention, a prolonged hospital stay and a future operation for closure of the stoma. In the present case a 56-year-old man underwent a laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection after two episodes of diverticulitis in six months. An end-to-end circular stapled anastomosis was constructed. Unfortunately 8-days postoperatively an anastomotic leak occurred. Attempts to close the tear non-surgically with colonoscopy and clipping failed. A minimally invasive reintervention with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (T.E.M.) was performed without creation of an ileostomy.

One week postoperatively a gastrografin bowel study showed no leakage. To our knowledge, this technique has not yet been reported without the simultaneous construction of a stoma.

Conclusion: We describe a possible minimally invasive technique to avoid laparotomy and/or the creation of a derivative stoma in the management of anastomotic leakage. Hospital stay is not significantly prolonged, future reïntervention for closure of stoma is avoided and sphincter function is preserved.     

Absorbable Mesh Reinforcement of a Stapled Pancreatic Transection Line Reduces the Leak Rate with Distal Pancreatectomy

Pancreatic leak remains a significant cause of morbidity after distal pancreatectomy. We report the use of an absorbable mesh to reinforce a stapled pancreatic transection line for distal pancreatectomy. Forty consecutive distal pancreatectomies (33 open and 7 laparoscopic) were performed since the introduction of mesh reinforcement. We utilized an inclusive definition of pancreatic leak to critically evaluate the staple line reinforcement material. In addition, we compared the pancreatic leak rate for this case series with the antecedent 40 cases where mesh reinforcement was not available. In the prospective series there was 1 leak in 29 cases (3.5%) in which mesh reinforcement was utilized, and 4 leaks in 11 cases (36%) when mesh was not utilized (p < 0.005). The 12.5% leak rate for the 40 cases during the prospective period, compared favorably to the 27.5% leak rate for the 40 cases preceding the study period (p = 0.09). Twenty-nine cases receiving mesh compared favorably to the 23 stapled cases in the control series, reducing leak rate from 22 to 3.5% (p = 0.04). Mesh reinforcement of the stapled pancreatic transection line reduced the pancreatic leak rate after distal pancreatectomy. Mesh reinforcement was possible with open or laparoscopic resections. No complications were attributable to the use of absorbable mesh. This study was presented in part at the 2006 American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association annual meeting, March, 2006, Miami Beach, Florida.     

Stapled and Open Hemorrhoidectomy: Randomized Controlled Trial of Early Results

Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the early results in 52 patients randomly allocated to undergo either stapled or open hemorrhoidectomy. Seventy-four patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids were randomly allocated to undergo either stapled (37 patients) or open (37 patients) hemorrhoidectomy. Stapled hemorrhoidectomy was performed with the use of a circular stapling device. Open hemorrhoidectomy was accomplished according to the Milligan-Morgan technique. Postoperative pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale (V.A.S.). Recovery evaluation included return to pain-free defecation and normal activities. A 6-month clinical follow-up and a 17.5 (10 to 27)-month median telephone follow-up was obtained in all patients. Operation time for stapled hemorrhoidectomy was shorter (median 25 [range 15 to 49] minutes versus 30 [range 20 to 44] minutes, p = 0.041). Median (range) V.A.S. scores in the stapled group were significantly lower (V.A.S. score after 4 hours: 4 [2 to 6] versus 5 [2 to 8], p = 0.001; V.A.S. score after 24 hours: 3 [1 to 6] versus 5 [3 to 7], p = 0.000; V.A.S. score after first defecation: 5 [3 to 8] versus 7 [3 to 9], p = 0.000). Resumption of pain-free defecation was significantly faster in the stapled group (10 [6 to 14] days vs 12 [9 to 19] days, p = 0.001). At follow-up 4 weeks and 6 months postoperatively the median (range) symptom severity score was similar in both groups (1 [0 to 2] versus 0 [0 to 3], p = 0.150 and 0 [0 to 2] versus 0 [0 to 2], p = 0.731). At long-term follow-up occasional pain was present in 6/37 (16.2) patients in the stapled group and 7/37 (18.9%) in the Milligan-Morgan group (p = 1.000); episodes of bleeding were reported by 8/37 (21.6%) patients in the stapled group and 5/37 (13.5%) patients in the Milligan-Morgan group (p = 0.542). No problems related to continence and defecation were reported in either group. Patients were satisfied with the operation in 33/37 (89.2%) cases in the stapled group and 31/37 (83.8%) cases in the Milligan-Morgan group (p = 0.735). Hemorrhoidectomy with a circular staple device is easy to perform and achieves better results than the Milligan-Morgan technique in terms of postoperative pain and recovery. Comparable results are obtained at long-term follow-up.     

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy: bothersome staple line bleeding

BACKGROUND: The stapled haemorrhoidectomy procedure has been popularized as a painless and effective treatment for prolapsing haemorrhoidal disease. We have noted that staple line bleeding is a contributory factor to postoperative morbidity. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of consecutive stapled haemorrhoidectomy procedures performed in patients over a 1-year period. The outpatient, operative and inpatient records were reviewed. We assessed the incidence of intraoperative staple line bleeding, its management and early postoperative outcomes in our patients undergoing stapled haemorrhoidectomy. RESULTS: From March 2000 to March 2001, 39 stapled haemorrhoidectomy procedures were performed. Intraoperative staple line bleeding was recorded in 17 patients (44%) and suture reinforcement of this staple line was required in 12 (31%). Nine patients (23%) were admitted for postoperative per rectal bleeding, four of whom required surgical haemostasis of bleeding points along the staple line. Delayed secondary haemorrhage was seen in one patient. The incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients with noted staple line bleeding was 35%, compared with 14% in those without evidence of bleeding. CONCLUSION: Staple line bleeding is a technical difficulty and complication associated with stapled haemorrhoidectomy. It should be managed with meticulous haemostatic suture placement in order to avoid postoperative bleeding and the morbidity of re-operation for haemostasis.     

Integrated bioabsorbable tissue reinforcement in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Division of the stomach in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may be performed using bare stapler cartridges or cartridges fitted with tissue reinforcement strips, with or without oversewing. Many tissue reinforcement strips are after-market add-on products that must be fitted onto a stapler during surgery. A retrospective review was conducted of 85 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using a novel integrated bioabsorbable polymer buttress pre-mounted on a single-use loading unit stapler. Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 41.7 ± 5.2 kg/m². Morbidity and short-term outcomes were documented. Mean follow-up was 8.1 ± 3.6 months (range, 1.0–16.2 months). There were no mortalities or staple line leaks noted in this series with short-term follow up. The major complication rate (grade III and above) was 7.1% and included: reoperation for staple line bleeding (2.4%, n = 2), gastric sleeve stenosis requiring balloon dilation (2.4%, n = 2), choledocholithiasis 2 weeks after surgery (1.2%, n = 1), and reoperation without abnormality for suspected perioperative obstruction (1.2%, n = 1). Mean percent excess BMI loss at 3 (44.6 ± 11.3), 6 (57.9 ± 17.2), and 12 months (72.4 ± 27.5) was comparable to other published series. The use of an integrated absorbable synthetic polymer for stapled tissue reinforcement in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy appears to be feasible and safe, and yields results consistent with other published techniques.     

Staple Line Reinforcement Reduces Postoperative Pancreatic Stump Leak After Distal Pancreatectomy

Pancreatic stump leak is the major source of morbidity after stapled distal pancreatectomy. We hypothesized that reinforcement of the stapler system with a buttress mat can improve leak rates when compared to standard stapling alone. We performed 13 consecutive distal pancreatectomies using our reinforced stapler system, forming our experimental group. A historical control group was composed of 18 patients undergoing stapled pancreatic closure without reinforcement. The main outcome measure was pancreatic leak in the postoperative period. Pancreatic leaks included fistulas and fluid collections (sterile or infected). Hospital length of stay was recorded as a secondary measure. Postoperative pancreatic leak rate was zero in the experimental group, but 39% in the control group (P = 0.025). Development of a pancreatic leak resulted in prolonged hospital stays: 13.6 vs 8.3 days (P < 0.03). We conclude that staple line reinforcement is a simple and effective method of reducing pancreatic stump leakage after distal pancreatectomy. The economic impact of lower leak rates is reflected in significantly shorter hospital stays. The results of our study should be validated in a randomized controlled trial.     

Comparative surgical and colonoscopic appearance of colon anastomoses constructed with sutures,staples, and the biofragmentable anastomotic ring

Summary The following animal study was undertaken to compare and assess the endoscopic gross appearance and histology of colonic anastomoses constructed with sutures, staples, and the biofragmentable anastomotic ring (BAR).Methods: Three anastomoses—1 BAR, 1 stapled, and 1 sutured—were placed in each of 48 dogs and colonoscopy and anastomotic evaluation were done.Results: No leaks were found by air insufflation at surgery. Grossly, the BAR had serosal hematomas in 27/48 anatomoses vs 7/48 for stapled and 1/48 for sutured (BAR vs stapledP<0.0005 and sutured vs stapledP=0.07). Adhesions were significantly greater for BAR (35/36) and sutured (34/36) compared to stapled (26/36) (BAR vs stapledP=0.01 and sutured vs. stapledP=0.04). Colonoscopic exams at days 3, 7, and 28 showed no significant difference among groups with respect to bleeding, ulceration, necrosis, granulation, or contour. Sutured anastomoses were more stenotic (24/31) than stapled (4/31) or BAR (3/31) ones (BAR vs sutured and sutured vs stapledP<0.005). At 28 days, 10/10 sutured vs 2/10 stapled vs 3/10 BAR were stenotic (BAR vs suturedP=0.02, sutured vs stapledP=0.01). Inflammation on histologic exam at 28 days was not significantly different: sutured (12/12), stapled (12/12), or BAR (9/12). Fibrosis was more prominent in sutured (12/12) than in stapled (5/12) or BAR (4/12) anastomoses (BAR vs suturedP=0.001, sutured vs stapledP=0.004, and BAR vs stapledP=1.00). All anastomoses healed primarily without necrosis or obstruction.Conclusions: (1) Colonoscopy to evaluate anastomoses can be done safely even in the early postoperative period. (2) The BAR anastomoses had the most serosal hematomas; BAR and sutured had more adhesions than stapled anastomoses; and sutured anastomoses had the most stenosis and fibrosis. None of these differences was of clinical significance.     

Large-Pore PDS Mesh Compared to Small-Pore PG Mesh

ABSTRACT

Background: Currently, absorbable meshes are used as temporary closure in case of laparostoma. Unfortunately the multifilament polyglycolic acid (PG) meshes with small pores reveal little elasticity acting rather as a fluid barrier than permitting drainage of intra-abdominal fluids. Therefore, a new mesh was constructed of absorbable polydioxanon monofilaments (PDS) with increased porosity and longer degradation time. Material and Methods: For evaluation of the tissue response the new PDS mesh was implanted as abdominal wall replacement in each five rats for 7, 21, or 90 days, respectively, and compared to a PG mesh. Histological analysis included HE staining with measurement of the size of the granuloma and immunoshistochemistry for TUNEL, Ki67, TNF-R2, MMP-2, YB1, FVIII, gas6, AXL. Parameters for neovascularization and nerve ingrowth were analyzed. Results: The inflammatory and fibrotic tissue reaction is attenuated with PDS in comparison to PG, e.g., the size of the granuloma was smaller with less cell turnover, and less remodeling as represented by, e.g., reduction of apoptosis, expression of MMP-2, or TNF-R2. The number of ingrowing nerves and vessels explored via AXL, gas6, and factor VIII was increased in the PDS mesh. Conclusion: The results from the present investigation showed that a mesh can be constructed of monofilament PDS that induce significant less inflammatory and fibrotic reaction, however permits fluid drainage and preserves elasticity.     

Evaluation of a Thin-film Peripheral Nerve Cuff Electrode

Abstract

This is a study of the reaction of large nerves to implantation using a flexible, thin-film cuff electrode. Cuff electrodes were implanted on the sciatic nerve of three cats. An implantation period of six weeks allowed sufficient time for any injury responses in the nerve and connective tissue sheath around the cuff to develop. The electrode came off the nerve in one of the cats. In the remaining two cats, gross observation following explantation of the electrodes revealed encapsulation of the cuffs without swelling of nerve tissue. Histological evaluation did not demonstrate nerve injury. The nerve cuff electrodes, which are comprised of titanium and iridium coatings on a fluorocarbon polymer substrate, appeared unaffected by the implantation, and connective tissue encapsulation did not adhere to either the polymer substrate or metallization. Evaluation of the electrodes using activated iridium oxide charge injection sites in more extended studies is now being undertaken. (J Spinal Cord Med; 18:28–32)