Standard Closure Research Articles

A Relaxation Scheme for the Simulation of Two‐Phase Flows With Inaccessible Pore Volume in Polymer Flooding

ABSTRACTThe simulation of polymer injection in a reservoir is of paramount importance in enhanced oil recovery. Despite decades of research, the computation of polymer flows in porous media remains a challenging task. The main difficulty lies in the necessity to take into account the effect of inaccessible pore volumes (IPV), for which standard closure laws give rise to a weakly hyperbolic or even non‐hyperbolic system. In the latter case, exponential instabilities may appear at the continuous level, which must be addressed at the discrete level so as to prevent a premature stop of the numerical simulations. The notion of IPV was introduced by engineers in order to account for the following observation: when a polymer solution is injected into an initial core saturated with water, the breakthrough of the polymer at the exit occurs before that of the water in which it is injected. It seems that due to their large size, the polymer molecules cannot insinuate themselves into all pores as well as water. Having less volume to flood, the polymer molecules see their speed increased, hence the ad hoc acceleration factor associated with the polymer. In this work, we propose a relaxation method that guarantees some practical robustness for all IPV laws. This is achieved by replacing the original system by a relaxation model which is always hyperbolic. The designed relaxation model involves two parameters which enable us not only to adjust the correct amount of numerical dissipation, but also to ensure positivity for some critical quantities such as water saturation and polymer concentration. Extensive numerical tests are performed in order to compare the relaxation scheme to the more classical upwind scheme for several IPV laws.

Quantifying Removal Torque for Application in a New Child‐Resistant and Senior Friendly Package

ABSTRACTChild resistant packaging (CRP) can effectively reduce the access of children under the age of 5 years old when used correctly. Adults over the age of 65 years commonly struggle to open many kinds of CRP and choose to leave the packages open. The goals of this work were (1) to design a testing system to accurately measure an individuals' ability to apply removal toque to a closure, (2) determine the ranges of torque both older adults and children can apply to a standard closure and (3) determine the effectiveness of a novel CRP to reduce the torque generation of children. A custom hand‐held torque test system was created and used to obtain torque data. In total, 49 participants were tested, 25 children and 24 adults. All participants were tested using three variations of a new type of CRP, which varied the amount of functional surface area (FSA) available to the user and a control. The novel CRP theoretically can be ‘tuned’ by changing the FSA available, impacting the torque individuals are able to exert. All CRP treatments and the control resulted in significantly different removal torques between groups. The difference was largest when the available FSA was between 50% and 80%. Results suggest the new design has the potential to permit older adults to easily open containers while reducing access of children. This new cap system capitalized on a need to understand that a specific, limited region needs to be gripped for opening—and most children tended to just spin the outer cap without applying an isolated torque.

Arthroscopic-Controlled Reduction of Hill-Sachs Lesions: Treatment Option for Off-Track Lesions in Young Patients?

Large Hill-Sachs lesions (HSL) are currently treated via a remplissage procedure. Although the good stabilizing properties of this surgery are apparent, there are some disadvantages in terms of the functional outcome. In the following Technical Note, we present a method of arthroscopic-controlled reduction of HSL for anatomical restoration of the humeral head without functional limitations. For HSL reduction, we place a 1.6-mm K-wire in the central lesion under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic control from posterior to anterior in lateral drilling direction. Then, a 7-mm cannulated drill is used for preparing the reduction canal. Afterward, the HSL is reduced via bone tamp, also under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic control. No bone substitution material is used to fill the canal; only a standard wound closure is performed. Arthroscopic-controlled reduction of impacted humeral head fractures seems to be a possible and relatively easy way to perform an anatomical restoration of HSLs. Because the exact location of HSLs can vary slightly, the exact surgical setting might be slightly different each time. Biomechanical studies already show similar stabilizing properties of this procedure compared with established techniques but without losing external rotation. Further studies need to review the potential rate of humeral head necrosis or secondary loss of reduction.

Assessment of the effectiveness of a polypropylene onlay mesh in the prevention of laparoscopic trocar-site incisional hernia in high-risk patients. A randomized clinical trial

PurposeTrocar site incisional hernia (TSIH) is a common complication of laparoscopic surgery. In the scientific literature there are few descriptions of methods or tools for its prevention. The aim of this report was to assess the effectiveness and safety of a prophylactic measure designed to lower rates of TSIH.MethodsA multicenter randomized double-blinded clinical trial was performed in high-risk patients (diabetes mellitus and/or age ≥ 70 years and/or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and/or extended incision for specimen retrieval) who underwent either elective or emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were assigned to prophylactic onlay polypropylene mesh fixation (intervention) or to standard trocar closure (control). The main aim was to analyze the efficacy of the intervention, taking occurrence of TSIH as the primary outcome. Clinical and radiological follow up lasted at least one year after surgery. Secondary endpoints were technique-related complications (surgical site occurrences).ResultsOne hundred and forty-three patients were randomized and finally 116 were analyzed (64 in the intervention arm and 52 in the control arm). Groups were homogeneous. Mean [SD] age, 65 [18] years; 86 (60.6%) were women. The cumulative TSIH incidence was lower in the intervention group although the differences did not reach statistical significance, assessed either radiologically (16 [25.4%] vs 17 [31.5%], p = 0.538) or clinically (9 [16.1%] vs 9 [20], p = 0.613). No differences in surgical site infection, hematoma or seroma were detected. Mean follow-up was 670 days (range 223–1294).ConclusionOur results show that, when properly assessed, the overall TSIH incidence is extremely high. Although polypropylene onlay mesh placement is safe, it does not appear to be effective in reducing the TSIH incidence rate. Radiological evaluation may be more accurate.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.org NCT03495557. Date of registration: April 12, 2018

Cranial stair-step incision for minimizing postoperative complications in neuro-oncologic surgery: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Craniotomies for tumor resection can at times result in wound complications which can be devastating in the treatment of neuro-oncological patients. A cranial stair-step technique was recently introduced as an approach to mitigate these complications, especially in this patient population who often exhibit additional risk factors including steroids, chemoradiation, and VEGF inhibitor treatments. This study evaluates our cranial stair-step approach by comparing its postoperative complications using propensity score matching with those of a standard craniotomy wound closure. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with intracranial neoplasms undergoing primary craniotomy at a single institution. Patients with prior craniotomies and less than three months of follow-up were excluded. Analyses were performed using R Studio. 383 patients were included in the study, 139 of whom underwent the stair-step technique while the rest underwent traditional craniotomy closures. The stair-step cohort was older, had higher ASA classes, and had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease. The stair-step patients were administered fewer steroids before (40.29% vs. 56.56%, p < 0.01) and after surgery (87.05% vs. 94.26%, p = 0.02), fewer immunotherapy (12.95% vs. 20.90%, p = 0.05), but they received more radiation preoperatively (15.11% vs. 8.61%, p = 0.05). They also underwent fewer operations for recurrences and residuals (0.72% vs. 10.66%, p = 0.01). On propensity score matching, we found 111 matched pairs with no differences except follow-up duration (p < 0.01). The stair-step group had fewer soft tissue infections (0% vs. 3.60%, p = 0.04), fewer total wound complications (0% vs. 4.50%, p = 0.02), was operated on less for these complications (0% vs. 3.60%, p = 0.04), and had a shorter length of stay (6 vs. 9days, p < 0.01). Notably, the average time to wound complication in our cohort was 44days, well within our exclusion criteria and follow-up duration. The cranial stair-step technique is safe and effective in reducing rates of wound complications and reoperation for neuro-oncologic patients requiring craniotomy.

Wound Irrigation in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Surgical site infection in colon surgery is associated with significant cost and increased length of hospital stay. Recently, there has been interest in the use of pulsed lavage to reduce the risk of surgical site infection in contaminated wounds. Although increasingly used and gaining popularity, its effectiveness in elective colorectal surgery has been poorly documented. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of surgical site infection within 30 days of elective colorectal surgery in patients who underwent wound irrigation with pulse lavage versus standard closure. Methodology A retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital over a two-year period between January 2020 and December 2021. All adult patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery were eligible for inclusion. Results A total of 222 patients underwent elective colorectal surgery during the study period. Operative procedures included abdominoperineal resections, left and right hemicolectomies, pelvic exenterations, small bowel or large bowel resections, as well as stoma reversals, formations, and refashioning. In total, 76 patients underwent pulse lavage while 146 did not. The total number of surgical site infections was 39 during the study period. Infection rates in the pulse lavage group were 14.47% compared to 19.18% in the standard closure group. The chi-square analysis concluded the difference in infection rates was not statistically significant (p = 0.213). Conclusions The findings demonstrated a difference in infection rates of almost 5% favouring the pulse lavage group; however, it did not reach a statistical difference. Although infection rates were in keeping with those described in the literature, further studies in the form of randomized controlled trials should be performed to determine the benefits, if any, of pulse lavage in colorectal surgery.

Cyanoacrylate versus suture as flap closure methods in mandibular third molar surgery: a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical study.

Sutures have been the standard flap closure method of choice following mandibular third molar surgery but can lead to some complications. Tissue adhesives, including cyanoacrylate, have emerged as alternative flap closure method in this surgery to overcome such drawbacks. However, limited clinical trials can be found. Therefore, the aim of this clinical study was to compare two methods of flap closure in mandibular third molar surgery, cyanoacrylate and 4/0 silk sutures, by assessing post-operative outcome measures (pain, swelling, trismus, and healing) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A randomized split-mouth clinical trial was designed, in which mandibular third molar (M3M) extractions were performed, where the control side flap was closed with 4/0 silk sutures and the test side flap with cyanoacrylate. Swelling, pain, trismus, healing, and PROMs were recorded post-operatively. These variables were analyzed by means of the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, using SPSS statistical software version 28.0.0 (IBM® SPSS®, Chicago, IL, USA). For all results, a 95% confidence interval was recorded (significance level p < 0.05, two-tailed). A total of 17 patients were recruited and 34 mandibular third molar extractions were performed. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of swelling, pain, trismus, healing, and PROMs between both groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between flap closure with 4/0 silk sutures and cyanoacrylate, in terms of surgical post-operative outcomes and PROMs. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to be able to affirm it with greater certainty.

Early vs. standard closure of aprotective ileostomy after deep rectal resection: results of ameta-analysis

Early vs. standard closure of aprotective ileostomy after deep rectal resection: results of ameta-analysis

Accelerating Fleur-de-lis Panniculectomy with the Absorbable Dermal Stapler-A Study of Efficiency, Aesthetics, and Quality-of-life.

Fleur-de-lis panniculectomy (FDL), a contouring technique involving vertical and horizontal tissue resections, often involves longer operative times and potential complications. This study assessed operative time, postoperative outcomes, and patient-reported quality of life (PRO) with Insorb® Absorbable Subcuticular Skin Stapler versus traditional sutures during FDL. A retrospective review from 2015 to 2022 of FDL patients excluded those with complex concomitant procedures. Demographics, operative details, and surgical outcomes were compared between patients using the dermal stapler and those with suture-only closures. Forty subjects were identified, with 25 (62.5%) in the dermal stapler cohort. The dermal stapler significantly reduced total procedure time (66.76 vs. 125.33 min, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in surgical site occurrences, aesthetic outcomes, readmissions, or reoperations. Multivariate regression analysis further highlighted the choice of closure technique as an independent predictor of operative time, with traditional sutures indicating a significantly increased operative time compared to using the dermal stapler (AOR 76.53, CI 38.11-114.95, p < 0.001). Regarding PROs, both groups saw improvements across multiple BODY-Q domains, but the dermal stapler group reported greater enhancements (six out of nine domains vs. three for sutures). The absorbable dermal stapler significantly reduces FDL operative time without increasing wound healing or aesthetic dissatisfaction incidents and maintains comparable quality-of-life improvements to standard suture closure. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://link.springer.com/journal/00266 .

Anticancer Effects of the Novel Pyrazolyl-Urea GeGe-3.

In a screen of over 200 novel pyrazole compounds, ethyl 1-(2-hydroxypentyl)-5-(3-(3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)ureido)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (named GeGe-3) has emerged as a potential anticancer compound. GeGe-3 displays potent anti-angiogenic properties through the presumptive targeting of the protein kinase DMPK1 and the Ca2+-binding protein calreticulin. We further explored the anticancer potential of GeGe-3 on a range of established cancer cell lines, including PC3 (prostate adenocarcinoma), SKMEL-28 (cutaneous melanoma), SKOV-3 (ovarian adenocarcinoma), Hep-G2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), MDA-MB231, SKBR3, MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma), A549 (lung carcinoma), and HeLa (cervix epithelioid carcinoma). At concentrations in the range of 10 μM, GeGe-3 significantly restricted cell proliferation and metabolism. GeGe-3 also reduced PC3 cell migration in a standard wound closure and trans-well assay. Together, these results confirm the anticancer potential of GeGe-3 and underline the need for more detailed pre-clinical investigations into its molecular targets and mechanisms of action.

Small bite fascial closure technique reduces incisional hernia rates in gynecologic oncology patients

BackgroundThe potential for the technique of small bite fascial closure in mitigating incisional hernias in gynecologic oncology patients still needs to be investigated.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of closure of small...

Choice of suture technique may mitigate figure-of-8 deformity in slide tracheoplasty

ObjectivesTo demonstrate varying degrees of immediate postoperative figure of 8 deformity following three different methods of tracheal suturing. Study designComparative ex-vivo study. MethodsA fresh, unfixed rabbit trachea was harvested and bisected at its midpoint. The posterior membranous trachea was excised from both segments to mimic the anatomy of complete tracheal rings following longitudinal release. A slide tracheoplasty was performed on the same tracheal segments as an internal control, using three different methods of closure: simple running, running horizontal mattress, and a modified baseball stitch. Endoscopic and external photographs were taken immediately following repair to document the effect of closure technique on external and endoluminal anatomy. ResultsA simple running closure, in which traveling occurs between needle passes, showed the greatest degree of postoperative figure of 8 deformity. A running horizontal mattress suture closure showed less deformity and a modified running closure, in which traveling occurs within needle passes, showed the least deformity. ConclusionsOur study suggests that a minor modification of standard running closure techniques may help limit the common figure-of-8 deformity often noted following slide tracheoplasty. Lay SummaryFigure of-8 deformity is a problem that can occur when repairing a narrow trachea referred to as tracheal stenosis. This deformity may be prevented using particular suture techniques which may decrease the likelihood that the trachea becomes blocked again following repair.

Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of pancreatic stump closure using a hand-sewn or stapler technique in distal pancreatectomy.

This study aimed to compare outcomes of hand-sewn and stapler closure techniques of pancreatic stump in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP). Impact of stapler closure reinforcement using mesh on outcomes was also evaluated. Literature search was carried out using multiple data sources to identify studies that compared hand-sewn and stapler closure techniques in management of pancreatic stump following DP. Odds ratio (OR) was determined for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) via random-effects modelling. Subsequently, trial sequential analysis was performed. Thirty-two studies with a total of 4,022 patients undergoing DP with hand-sewn (n = 1,184) or stapler (n = 2,838) closure technique of pancreatic stump were analyzed. Hand-sewn closure significantly increased the risk of clinically relevant POPF compared to stapler closure (OR: 1.56, p = 0.02). When stapler closure was considered, staple line reinforcement significantly reduced formation of such POPF (OR: 0.54, p = 0.002). When only randomized controlled trials were considered, there was no significant difference in clinically relevant POPF between hand-sewn and stapler closure techniques (OR: 1.20, p = 0.64) or between reinforced and standard stapler closure techniques (OR: 0.50, p = 0.08). When observational studies were considered, hand-sewn closure was associated with a significantly higher rate of clinically relevant POPF compared to stapler closure (OR: 1.59, p = 0.03). Moreover, when stapler closure was considered, staple line reinforcement significantly reduced formation of such POPF (OR: 0.55, p = 0.02). Trial sequential analysis detected risk of type 2 error. In conclusion, reinforced stapler closure in DP may reduce risk of clinically relevant POPF compared to hand-sewn closure or stapler closure without reinforcement. Future randomized research is needed to provide stronger evidence.

Survival of Patients With Primary Cutaneous Melanoma (Stages 0-IIА and IIB-IIC), Depending on the Presence of the &lt;i&gt;BRAF&lt;/i&gt; Mutation in the Tumor and Surgical Treatment Option

Background: Cutaneous melanoma is an extremely aggressive disease with an unpredictable prognosis. Even among patients with similar tumor parameters and extent of surgical treatment, survival may vary. The extent of surgical resection of primary cutaneous melanoma is well-established, and a BRAF mutation in the tumor is an unfavorable prognostic factor for patient survival. The mutation presence is mainly used as a marker for prescribing targeted therapy. The impact of the extent of surgery and the method for restoring a tissue defect on survival of patients with similar stages remains unexplored. The impact of the BRAF mutation in the tumor on survival of patients with cutaneous melanoma depending on the surgery method has also not been studied. We analyzed the surgical treatment outcomes of 221 patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (stages 0-IIA and IIB-IIC) who were found to have the BRAF mutation and underwent different extents of tumor excision with closure of the surgical tissue defect.Objective: To analyze the impact of the BRAF mutation in the tumor on 5-year survival of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (stages 0-IIA and IIB-IIC), depending on the extent of surgery and the method of replacing the tissue defect.Materials and methods: We used data from 221 patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (stages 0-IIA and IIB-IIC) and assessed their BRAF mutation status, extent of tumor excision, and method of closing the tissue defect. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the main group (wide excision of the tumor and plastic replacement of the tissue defect) and the comparison group (standard margin and linear closure of the tissue defect). After surgery, all the patients underwent tumor analysis for the BRAF p.V600E/K mutation using real-time PCR. DNA was isolated using the cobas® DNA Sample Preparation Kit on a cobas® z 480 analyzer. We used the following statistical methods: frequency analysis, z test to check the equality, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and such software as MedCalc 12.5 (1993-2013, MedCalc Software) and SPSS 26 (IBM Corp, 2019, IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Wide excision of primary cutaneous melanoma (stages 0-IIA and IIB-IIC) was found to increase 5-year progression-free survival in patients with subsequent plastic replacement of the tissue defect compared with patients with standard margin and linear closure of the tissue defect and 5-year overall survival in patients with stage 0-IIA melanoma. In patients with 0-IIA stage melanoma and positive BRAF mutation test results, wide excision with reconstructive and plastic defect closure improved the 5-year progression-free survival. Conclusions: The 5-year progression-free survival and 5-year overall survival increased by 20.9% (P = .005) and 13.0% (P = .031), respectively, in patients who underwent wide excision of primary cutaneous melanoma followed by plastic replacement of the tissue defect compared with patients with standard excision of primary tumors and linear closure of the tissue defect. The 5-year progression-free survival increased by 23.7% (P = .017) in patients with stage IIB-IIC melanoma, regardless of the BRAF mutation. In patients with 0-IIa stage melanoma and positive BRAF mutation test results who underwent wide excision, the 5-year progression-free survival increased by 20.7% (P = .047) compared with patients who underwent tumor excision with a standard margin.

Postoperative Incisional Complications in Gynaecologic Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery: Comparing Closure Techniques

ObjectivesSingle-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and robotic SILS (rSILS) have been found to be safe, minimally invasive techniques in gynaecology. However, one major perceived drawback of these techniques is the increased risk of incisional hernia, compared to multiport laparoscopy or robotic surgery. This study’s aim was to determine the optimal technique to reduce postoperative incisional complications such as hernia. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed at an academic centre from November 2014 to June 2022 on 1036 women who underwent SILS and rSILS gynaecologic procedures with various closure techniques. Techniques included running absorbable sutures without tagging incision apices (standard closure) and tagging incision apices at the beginning of surgery with the use of permanent suture, absorbable suture, or a combination. ResultsRates of hernia (primary outcome) and incisional issues (secondary outcome) such as separation or infection were analyzed by technique. Hernia rates were lower when incision apices were tagged compared to when not tagged (P < 0.001). Cellulitis/abscess rates were not significantly different. Incision separation was higher when apices were tagged with absorbable and a combination of permanent and absorbable sutures than if apices were tagged with all permanent sutures or not at all. In multivariate analysis, hernia rate decreased in groups with tagged apices, although other incision complications did not vary. ConclusionsThe incidence of incisional hernia after SILS procedures is low, though it does vary by technique. Tagging apices for closure, regardless of suture type, can mitigate one of the biggest concerns of performing SILS by reducing postoperative incisional hernia risk.

An Isolated Midsubstance ACL Tear Repaired With the BEAR System

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repairs, once widely abandoned due to historically high failure rates, have recently regained interest with the development of the bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR) implant, a novel arthroscopic technique that uses a resorbable protein-based implant combined with autologous blood to primarily repair a midsubstance ACL tear. This technical note presents a step-by-step surgical method for performing an isolated midsubstance ACL repair using the BEAR implant. Indications: The BEAR implant is indicated for skeletally mature patients at least 14 years of age with a complete rupture of the ACL, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The complete ACL tear must have an attached stump to the tibia. Technique Description: A diagnostic arthroscopy is used to confirm complete rupture of the ACL and presence of residual tibial stump. A self-retrieving suture passage device is used to whipstitch a total of 6 passes with #2 Vicryl suture from distal to proximal through the residual stump. A notchplasty followed by femoral and tibial tunnels is created in a standard fashion. An Endobutton, soaked in a bacitracin solution, is then loaded with the sutures that were previously passed through the residual ACL stump and then through the femoral tunnel and cinched down to bone. The 4 suture ends that are coming from the Endobutton are then passed through the BEAR implant with the use of a Keith needle and shuttled through the tibial tunnel. The BEAR implant is hydrated with 15 cc of the patient's blood and is shuttled through the anteromedial portal with the knee in full extension. The 4 tibial sutures passed through the graft and tibial tunnel are passed, and tensioned to the proximal tibial with a second Endobutton. Standard closure and dressings are applied. Results: This new surgical implant and technique have shown noninferiority to ACL autograft reconstruction with respect to the International Knee Documentation Committee and anteroposterior laxity, with improved hamstring strength and decreased incidence of contralateral ACL tears at 2 years postoperative. Discussion/Conclusion: While initial data remain promising, future long-term designed studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of the BEAR technique, particularly comparing itself with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft ACL reconstruction. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

A quilting sutures technique for flap closure in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for the prevention of seroma: A single-center, randomized controlled trial.

Seroma formation is a common adverse event following modified radical mastectomy, and it leads to delayed wound healing and increased post-operative pain and increases overall morbidity of patients. The quilting sutures as a newer technique for the skin flap closure is done to reduce incidence of seroma formation. Although it has controversy in the literature for the satisfactory outcome, the study has aimed to compare the Quilting suture technique with the conventional closure method to evaluate the efficacy of the quilting technique. The primary objective of the study was to access and compare the frequency of seroma formation following the quilting suture technique with standard flap closure in MRM. The secondary objectives were to compare drain output, post-operative complications, and the requirement of additional procedures for management of related complications. The 72 female participants in this randomized control trial had modified radical mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The quilting suture technique was applied in the 36 patients and conventional technique applied in 36 patients for skin flap closure. The frequency of seroma formation and other complications were reported. Between the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of seroma production (P = 0.233). Total drainage volume (P = 0.213), drainage duration (P = 0.652), and post-operative complications (P = 0.641) did not substantially differ between the two groups. The study concludes that the quilting sutures technique does not decrease the incidence of seroma formation, total drain output, and total duration of drainage. There is no significant difference in complications and requirement of additional procedures compared to the standard technique.

A Comparison of a Small-Stitch Closure With a Standard Closure in Midline Laparotomy Incisions: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Introduction Midline incision provides a rapid and thorough approach to the abdominal cavity and, therefore, is widely employed in both emergency and elective procedures. However, midline laparotomy is associated with many post-operative complications likewound dehiscence, incisional hernia, fistula formation, and surgical site infection (SSI). The purpose of the study is to comparethe complications that occurred post-operativelyin associationwith thelong and smallbite suture techniques for midline laparotomy incisions. Methodology A prospective comparative study was carried out among 90 cases of midline laparotomies for 18 months (January 2021 to June 2022). The participants were categorizedinto two groups: (1) Group A, which included 45 patients, underwent small-suture abdominal fascia closure, and (2) Group B, which consisted of the remaining45 patients, underwent large-suture abdominal midline wound closure. Patients were followed up in the hospital till the day of discharge and in the outpatient department (visit 1, within one month of surgery) for pain, wound dehiscence, and surgical site infection. Patients were called for visit 2 (six months post-surgery) and incisional hernia rates were assessed. Results On the numerical pain rating scale, the mean score was higher in Group B, that is, 4.1 than in Group A, which was 3.5. Wound dehiscence and incisional hernia rates were higher among Group B cases. The majority of SSIs were noted in Group B with statistically significant results. Conclusion Despite the lack of randomization,the results demonstrated in this study support the use of small bite sutures in comparison to long bite sutures for laparotomy closure.

Early vs. Standard Loop Ileostomy Closure: An Unmatched Case-Control Study

Early vs. Standard Loop Ileostomy Closure: An Unmatched Case-Control Study

Plastic surgeon closure is comparable to orthopedic closure when a perioperative optimization protocol is instituted for pediatric patients with neuromuscular scoliosis

Background ContextSince 2015, plastic multilayer closure (PMC) has been gaining attraction due to improved wound healing outcomes for medically complex patients. Plastic multilayer closure has been readily used for complex spine surgery closures in patients susceptible to wound healing issues (ie, dehiscence, surgical site infection [SSI]). However, PMC requires extensive soft tissue manipulation compared with standard orthopedic spine surgeon closure (SOC) and can result in extended operative times, increased transfusion rates, and more frequent returns to the operating room. PurposeFrom 2016 to 2019, our institution implemented a perioperative protocol designed to decrease postoperative complication rates in NMS patients. A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine if PMC imparted advantages over SOC above and beyond that from the perioperative protocol. Study Design/SettingRetrospective study at a single academic institution. Patient SampleEighty-one pediatric patients with neuromuscular scoliosis undergoing spinal fixation surgery. Outcome MeasuresPostoperative wound complications such as surgical site infection, hematoma, and superficial/deep dehiscence were the main outcome measures. Respiratory and neuromuscular complications along with duration of surgery were also recorded. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of NMS patients undergoing spinal fixation at a single academic pediatric hospital over 4 years. Cases were labeled as SOC (n=41) or PMC (n=40) based on the closure technique applied. Reported 90-day complications were evaluated as the primary outcome. ResultsOf the 81 reviewed patients, 45 reported complications, roughly equal between the study groups. While we found no statistically significant differences in rates of postoperative complications or SSIs, SOC cases were 30 minutes shorter on average with fewer returns to the operating room for additional surgery. ConclusionsWith the implementation of our perioperative protocol for NMS patients, PMC did not result in fewer complications than SOC but the surgeries did take longer.