Standard Suture Research Articles

The Use of Barbed Suture for Cystotomy Repair — a Novel Approach

Study Objective In this study, we aim to compare outcomes after cystotomy repair between standard sutures (910 poliglactin, poliglecaprone) versus barbed (V-Loc TM 90) suture. As a secondary outcome, we analyzed risk factors for suture preference between the two groups. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting N/A Patients or Participants Surgeries complicated by cystotomy, identified by ICD-9/10 codes from 2016 to 2019 at West Virginia University (WVU) Hospital. Interventions Comparisons were made between cystotomy repair using barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Injuries were categorized by procedure, surgeon specialty, surgical route, type of suture used in repair, and subsequent complications related to repair. Primary endpoints were examined by Pearson's Chi-square test and interval data by t-test. A p value < 0.05 was significant. Measurements and Main Results Sixty-eight patients were identified with iatrogenic cystotomy at WVU. Barbed suture was used for cystotomy repair in 11/68 (16.2%) patients. No significant difference was seen in postoperative outcomes between patients repaired with barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Barbed suture was significantly more likely to be used for cystotomy repair in minimally invasive surgery (p= 0.001). It was most often utilized in a robotic approach 7/11 (63.6%) followed by laparoscopic 3/11 (27.3%). Body mass index was significantly higher in patients receiving a barbed suture repair (p=0.005). Conclusion Barbed suture is not inferior to standard braided suture for cystotomy repair and does not cause an increase in complication rate. Barbed suture offers a practical alternative to facilitate cystotomy repair in minimally invasive surgery, especially in patients with a high BMI. In this study, we aim to compare outcomes after cystotomy repair between standard sutures (910 poliglactin, poliglecaprone) versus barbed (V-Loc TM 90) suture. As a secondary outcome, we analyzed risk factors for suture preference between the two groups. Retrospective cohort study. N/A Surgeries complicated by cystotomy, identified by ICD-9/10 codes from 2016 to 2019 at West Virginia University (WVU) Hospital. Comparisons were made between cystotomy repair using barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Injuries were categorized by procedure, surgeon specialty, surgical route, type of suture used in repair, and subsequent complications related to repair. Primary endpoints were examined by Pearson's Chi-square test and interval data by t-test. A p value < 0.05 was significant. Sixty-eight patients were identified with iatrogenic cystotomy at WVU. Barbed suture was used for cystotomy repair in 11/68 (16.2%) patients. No significant difference was seen in postoperative outcomes between patients repaired with barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Barbed suture was significantly more likely to be used for cystotomy repair in minimally invasive surgery (p= 0.001). It was most often utilized in a robotic approach 7/11 (63.6%) followed by laparoscopic 3/11 (27.3%). Body mass index was significantly higher in patients receiving a barbed suture repair (p=0.005). Barbed suture is not inferior to standard braided suture for cystotomy repair and does not cause an increase in complication rate. Barbed suture offers a practical alternative to facilitate cystotomy repair in minimally invasive surgery, especially in patients with a high BMI.

Tuberosity union in patients with proximal humerus fractures treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a technical note and exploratory analysis.

The use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to treat complex humerus fractures is increasing, especially in older, osteoporotic patients. Refixation and tuberosity healing are needed to achieve an optimal range of motion (ROM), external rotation, active forward elevation, and patient satisfaction. Proper healing has been reported, however, in only 40-84% of cases. Our study's aim was to describe a simple, reproducible fixation technique designed to improve tuberosity healing. We included 30 patients with acute proximal humerus fractures undergoing RSA (Global Unite Reverse Fracture, DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA) with tuberosity reattachment. The humerus stem was cemented in 24 cases. A standardized suture technique with two fiber tapes was used to reattach tuberosities. Clinical and radiological parameters, which were collected one year post-operatively, included ROM, pain level, Constant scores, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and tuberosity healing. The mean age of the patients was 79.3years (± 7; range 65-92), and the tuberosity healing rate was 90.0% (27 of 30). Two patients showed migration (one nonunion, one malunion), and another had complete resorption after an initial period of proper healing. Radiolucent lines around the humerus stem occurred in one case, and three patients had scapular notching. The mean SSV was 86% (± 11; range 60-100), the Constant score was 72 (± 10.3; range 48-92), the active forward flexion was 140° (± 14.3; range 115-165), and external rotation was 23° (± 16.5; range 0-50). This reattachment technique, which is simple and reproducible, achieved a higher tuberosity healing rate than previously published rates.

The "Crater" Arteriotomy: A Technique Aiding Precise Intimal Apposition in End-to-side Microvascular Anastomosis.

Summary:End-to-side arterial anastomoses require a high level of technical competency. The main challenge to a successfully patent anastomosis is intimal interposition during the standardized microvascular suturing. Technical errors during arteriotomy pose a significant challenge for the microsurgical technique, making the end-to-side anastomosis prone to failure. We describe a basic yet fundamental method of performing an arteriotomy, the “crater” technique, which facilitates good visualization of all vessel layers before placement of microsurgical sutures. Using curved microsurgical scissors, the adventitia layer is dissected off the outer surface of the side vessel, a V-shaped cut is then made obliquely at a 30–45 degrees angle to the longitudinal axis of the vessel, and a full thickness oblique cut is made along an elliptical circumference, as the curved scissors enable the creation of a slope-like crater. This concept ensures the intimal layer is adequately exposed through the complete circumference of the arteriotomy rim, while enabling a variable increase in the arterial wall hypotenuse-width circumference. When performed in a standardized manner, the crater arteriotomy can minimize the risk of endothelial misalignment and further technical errors during suturing, thus minimizing the risk of anastomotic failure.

Comparison of Topical Skin Adhesive and Simple Interrupted Nylon Sutures for Wound Closure in Forefoot Surgery: A Prospective Randomised Trial

Category:BunionIntroduction/Purpose:There are many options for wound closure in forefoot surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare topical skin adhesive (2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate) to standard simple interrupted nylon sutures with attention to the quality of wound healing and the acceptability to the patient.Methods:Patients undergoing elective 1st ray forefoot surgery utilising a medial incision, either Hallux Valgus correction or 1st Metotarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis, were recruited to this study. Patients were randomly allocated during surgery to final layer wound closure with either the intervention topical skin adhesive (TSA) or the control interrupted nylon sutures (INS). Practicality was assessed by time taken for wound closure and subsequent time to perform wound care at 2 weeks postoperatively, wound care pain (VAS) and quality of wound healing was assessed at this point with a dedicated scoring tool, patient satisfaction and acceptability was assessed at 6 weeks postoperative.Results:70 patients (18 bilateral) were recruited, resulting 42 feet in each study group (after 4 exclusions for incomplete data set). Mean age 61 (29-83). There were no statistical differences in the demographics or surgery performed between groups. Wound closure time was significantly slower for TSA (272 secs (SD 72.2) vs 229 secs (SD 58.8), p=0.0038). At 2 weeks postoperative wound care time was significantly faster for TSA (71 secs (SD 50.8) vs 120 Secs (SD 47.8), p<0.0001), and patient reported pain was significantly less with TSA (VAS 0 vs 2, p=0.025). Significantly more inflammation and wound edge separation was recorded with TSA (17 vs 5 cases, p=0.006) and (12 vs 3 cases, p=0.02) respectively. High satisfaction was reported in both groups with no signifcant difference.Conclusion:Topical skin adhesive and interrupted nylon sutures are both acceptable closure methods for forefoot surgery with high satisfaction rates, low pain scores and low complications. However, the observation of significantly more inflammation and areas of wound separation at the early post-operative period with topical skin adhesive is sufficient to recommend routine use of sutures.

Protocol for Randomised Controlled Feasibility Study Comparing Cruroplasty with Circumferential DynaMesh-HIATUS® Versus Suture-Only Repair for Large Hiatus Hernias

Laparoscopic fundoplication has become a standard surgical treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Many of these patients also have a hiatus hernia that is repaired at the same time. However, suture-only repair of larger hiatus hernias has recurrence rates as high as 50%. Evidence on the effectiveness and safety of surgical mesh to reinforce hiatal repair compared with suture-only repair is currently lacking. This study aims to assess the feasibility of running a randomised controlled trial comparing the results of large hiatus hernia repair with DynaMesh-HIATUS® crural reinforcement versus standard suture repair alone. This is a single-centre, double-blind, parallel group randomised feasibility study. Forty patients with large hiatus hernia will be randomised to standard laparoscopic suture repair or suture repair with cruroplasty using the DynaMesh-HIATUS® circumferential mesh, with a 3-year follow-up period. Participants and assessors will be blinded to treatment allocation. Outcomes include trial process indicators (eligible participants, recruitment, and retention rates), surgical indicators (placement of mesh, operative complications, length of stay), adverse events, patient quality of life and symptom scores and mesh position after 1 year, and patient quality of life measures to 3 years. Feasibility will be assessed by rates of recruitment, retention, and successful surgical procedures. Clinical and patient-related outcomes for the two surgical methods will be described, and those most appropriate to include in a definitive trial identified. Correlation will be made between the position of the mesh on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical outcomes. The DYNAMIC study will provide information to design and deliver a definitive randomised controlled trial of DynaMesh-HIATUS® cruroplasty compared with suture repair alone. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN76437720

Tissue Adhesives for Hernia Mesh Fixation: A Literature Review.

In an effort to optimize the results during inguinal hernia repair, surgeons need to consider the role of different mesh fixation techniques. The use of tissue adhesives is proposed for mesh fixation, which demonstrate similar or improved outcomes in the realm of postoperative pain, hernia recurrence, cost, and formation of a hematoma or seroma. In this review, mesh fixation using fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate glue is compared to standard suture or tack techniques. The results of this investigation warrant consideration by surgeons seeking to improve patient outcomes.

Development and validation of the objective assessment of robotic suturing and knot tying skills for chicken anastomotic model.

To improve patient safety, there is an imperative to develop objective performance metrics for basic surgical skills training in robotic surgery. To develop and validate (face, content, and construct) the performance metrics for robotic suturing and knot tying, using a chicken anastomotic model. Study 1: In a procedure characterization, we developed the performance metrics (i.e., procedure steps, errors, and critical errors) for robotic suturing and knot tying, using a chicken anastomotic model. In a modified Delphi panel of 13 experts from four EU countries, we achieved 100% consensus on the five steps, 18 errors and four critical errors (CE) of the task. Study 2: Ten experienced surgeons and nine novice urology surgeons performed the robotic suturing and knot tying chicken anastomotic task. The mean inter-rater reliability for the assessments by two experienced robotic surgeons was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.9-0.95). Novices took 18.5min to complete the task and experts took 8.2min. (p = 0.00001) and made 74% more objectively assessed performance errors than the experts (p = 0.000343). We demonstrated face, content, and construct validity for a standard and replicable basic anastomotic robotic suturing and knot tying task on a chicken model. Validated, objective, and transparent performance metrics of a robotic surgical suturing and knot tying tasks are imperative for effective and quality assured surgical training.

Combined Gaze Metrics as Stress-Sensitive Indicators of Microsurgical Proficiency.

Background. Evaluation of microsurgical proficiency is conventionally subjective, time consuming, and unreliable. Eye movement–based metrics have been promising not only in detection of surgical expertise but also in identifying actual cognitive stress and workload. We investigated if pupil dilations and blinks could be utilized in parallel to accurately classify microsurgical proficiency and its moderating features, especially task-related stress. Methods. Participants (n = 11) were divided into groups based on prior experience in microsurgery: novices (n = 6) with no experience and trained microsurgeons (n = 5). All participants conducted standardized suturing tasks with authentic instruments and a surgical microscope. A support vector machine classifier was used to classify features of microsurgical expertise based on percentage changes in pupil size. Results. A total of 109 successful sutures with 1090 segments were recorded. Classification of expertise from sutures achieved accuracies between 74.3% and 76.0%. Classification from individual segments based on these same features was not feasible. Conclusions. Combined gaze metrics are applicable for classifying surgical proficiency during a defined task. Pupil dilation is also sensitive to external stress factors; however, the usefulness of blinks is impaired by low blink rates. The results can be translated to surgical education to improve feedback and should be investigated individually in the context of actual performance and in real patient operations. Combined gaze metrics may be ultimately utilized to help microsurgeons monitor their performance and workload in real time—which may lead to prevention of errors.

Mechanical and surgical interventions for treating primary postpartum haemorrhage.

Mechanical and surgical interventions for treating primary postpartum haemorrhage.

A Biomechanical Study of Tuberosity-Based Locked Plate Fixation Compared with Standard Proximal Humeral Locking Plate Fixation for 3-Part Proximal Humeral Fractures.

One of the main shortcomings of current proximal humeral plate designs is their inability to reliably secure the greater tuberosity (GT) or lesser tuberosity, leading to fixation failure, nonunion, and rotator cuff dysfunction. Traditional proximal humeral locking plates (PHLPs) rely on isolated screw fixation or suture repair to maintain reduction of the greater and/or lesser tuberosities. This study evaluates a tuberosity-based plate (TBP) specifically designed to improve tuberosity fixation, which may decrease tuberosity displacement and related clinical sequelae. Five cadaveric specimens (10 shoulders) were randomized to receive either standard PHLP or TBP fixation. The specimens were skeletonized except for the rotator cuff insertion on the GT. A reproducible 3-part osteotomy was performed for each cadaver, creating head, shaft, and GT segments. Anatomic reduction and plate fixation were performed according to the surgical technique guide for each plate system, with an equal number of screws placed in each plate both proximally and distally. GT fixation was enhanced with standardized suture augmentation through the rotator cuff in every specimen in both groups. In each trial, fracture displacement, load to failure, number of cycles endured, and mechanism of failure were noted. The mean load to tuberosity fixation failure for the PHLP and TBP groups was 220 and 502 N (P = 0.005), respectively. The TBP had a significantly higher load to failure and significantly lower mean fracture displacement compared with the PHLP.

Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma-Impregnated Suture Material with Low and High Platelet Concentration to Improve Colonic Anastomotic Wound Healing in Rats.

Objective This study was designed to investigate the impact of using suture material impregnated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in different platelet concentrations on colonic anastomotic wound healing in rats. Methods A total of 24 Sprague Dawley female rats were separated into 3 groups (n = 8 for each) including the control group (CON; standard vicryl suture repair), the low platelet concentrate PRP group (L-PRP; suture material impregnated with PRP containing average 2.7-fold (range, 2.0 to 3.1) higher amount of platelets vs. control), and the high platelet concentrate PRP group (H-PRP; suture material impregnated with PRP containing average 5.1-fold (range, 4.8 to 5.4) higher amount of platelets vs. control). Rats were sacrificed on the postoperative 7th day for analysis of colonic anastomosis region including macroscopic observation, measurement of anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP), and the hydroxyproline levels and histopathological findings in colon tissue samples. Results Total injury scores were significantly lower in the L-PRP and H-PRP groups than those in the control group (median (range) 13.00 (7.00) and 11.50 (6.00) vs. 15.50 (4.00), p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). ABP values (180.00 (49.00) vs. 124.00 (62.00) and 121.00 (57.00) mmHg, p < 0.001 for each) and tissue hydroxyproline levels (0.56 (0.37) vs. 0.25 (0.17) and 0.39 (0.10) μg/mg tissue, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) were significantly higher in the L-PRP group as compared with those in the control and H-PRP groups. Conclusion In conclusion, our findings revealed PRP application to colonic anastomosis sutures to promote the anastomotic healing process. The platelet concentration of PRP seems to have a significant impact on the outcome with superior efficacy of L-PRP over H-PRP in terms of bursting pressures and collagen concentration at the anastomotic site.

Vein conduits used to enhance arterial microsurgical end-to-end suture repair: A randomized comparative study

Wrapping microsurgical sutures with a vein conduit is a well-described procedure for microsurgical nerve repair. While this has rarely been described in the context of vascular repair, this technique could increase the permeability of the sutured vessels. As part of a University Diploma in Microsurgery, 9 junior surgeons performed a comparative study of 18 microsurgical repairs on rats with and without vein sleeve. The vessels used were an external jugular vein sleeve on the end-to-end anastomosis of the common carotid artery and comparing it to this same anastomosis without a sleeve. The data analyzed were rat weight, suture time with carotid clamping time, number of stitches used, complications as well as vascular leakage and permeability of the repair at 0 and 5minutes evaluated with a patency test. The average rat body weight was 255g. Mean suture time was 52minutes in group A (sleeved repairs) and 41minutes in group B (standard repairs). The number of stitches placed was 5.1 points on average in group A and 5.6 points in group B. The time to perform the repair and the number of stitches was not statistically different between groups. The patency test was positive in 100% of cases in group A and in 78% of cases in group B. There was a significant difference between the permeability rate of the repairs, with better results in group A (p=0.03). There were two anastomotic leaks after declamping in the sleeve group and five in the standard suture group, thus 2.5 times more leaks in the group without a sleeve (p<0.01). The addition of a vein sleeve around an end-to-end arterial suture repair seems to improve its permeability and therefore its reliability.

122P A comparison of margin involvement and re-excision rates with the use of ‘Klinitray' versus standard suture specimen orientation in wide local excision surgery for breast cancer

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend breast conservation surgery (BCS) as the mainstay of treatment for breast cancer. The Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) advises a 1mm clear radial margin after BCS for early invasive breast cancer and in situ carcinoma of the breast. Margin involvement varies across the UK, with national rates around 14.8% following ABS guidelines. We report on the use of clinical equipment ‘KliniTray’ to orientate tissue specimen intra-operatively in wide local excision (WLE) surgery, allowing more accurate anatomical positioning by the surgeon, compared to standard orientation with sutures only.

Comparative study of time taken for skin closure, infection rate and postoperative pain in skin closure with sutures and staplers in open inguinal hernioplasty

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process and is influenced by surgical technique. Optimal wound healing, with a minimal scar that compromises neither appearance nor function, is the desired result. This process is affected by both local and systemic factors. Many local conditions are readily controlled at the time of wound closure, and several fundamental principles of surgical wound closure exist that should be adhered to in the management. Skin is usually closed with sutures then later with skin staplers.Skin staplers are quick and easy to use, but an assistant is usually required to hold the skin edges accurately with forceps or skin hooks.Stapler's closure also causes considerably less damage to wound defenses than closure with least reactive non-absorbable suture. Standard suturing causes significantly more necrosis than stapling in myocutaneous flaps. We did this study to compare the time required for the closure of skin, infection rate, pain at the operated site with sutures and staplers in open inguinal hernia repair. 80 patients who were posted for elective open inguinal hernia surgery at Sri Ramachandra Medical College &amp; Research Institute, porur, Chennai was included in this study. Time taken for closure of skin, infection rate and the pain was less in patients with stapler closure than with skin sutures

Biomechanical comparison of knotless wide suture double-row SutureBridge rotator cuff repair to double-row standard suture repair

A comparison of self-reinforcement and footprint compression between standard- and wide-diameter suture material in double-row SutureBridge repair techniques has not been performed. The aim of this study was to compare the self-reinforcement and footprint contact pressure generated under progressive tensile loads between 2 double-row SutureBridge rotator cuff repair techniques: 1 performed with FiberWire and 1 performed with FiberTape in a knotless technique. Rotator cuff repairs were performed in 10 pairs of ovine shoulders. One group underwent a double-row SutureBridge repair using FiberWire. The other group underwent an identical repair with FiberTape. Footprint contact pressure was measured from 0° to 60° of abduction under loads of 0-60 N. Pull-to-failure tests were then performed. In both repair constructs at 0° of abduction, each 10-N increase in rotator cuff tensile load led to a significant increase in footprint contact pressure (P < .05). The rate of increase in footprint contact pressure was greater in the FiberTape construct (ratio, 1.68; P = .00035). In both repair constructs, the highest values for footprint contact pressure were seen at 0° of abduction. No difference in pull to failure, peak load, or total energy was found between the groups. Self-reinforcement was seen in both double-row SutureBridge repairs with standard- and wide-diameter suture material but was greater in the repair with the wide-diameter suture material construct. Footprint compression is greater in a knotless double-row SutureBridge repair with wide-diameter suture material than in a knotted double-row SutureBridge repair with standard-diameter suture material at 20° of abduction.

Soft coagulation in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy without renorrhaphy: Comparison with standard suture.

Soft coagulation in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy without renorrhaphy: Comparison with standard suture.

Integrity of dural closure after autologous platelet rich fibrin augmentation: an in vitro study

BackgroundWatertight closure of the dura mater is fundamental in neurosurgery. Besides the classical suturing techniques, a variety of biomaterials have been proposed as sealants. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous biomaterial which can readily be obtained through low-speed centrifugation of patient’s own blood. It is rich in fibrin, growth factors, leucocytes and cytokines and has shown adhesive properties while promoting the physiological wound healing process. In this study, we investigated the effect of applying PRF in reinforcing the watertight dura mater closure.MethodsWe created an in vitro testing device, where the watertight dura mater closure could be hydrostatically assessed. On 26 fresh harvested bovine dura maters, a standardised 20-mm incision was closed with a running suture, and the leak pressure was measured first without (primary leak pressure) and then with PRF augmentation (secondary leak pressure). The two groups of measurements have been statistically analysed with the Student’s paired t test.ResultsThe “running suture only group” had a leak pressure of 10.5 ± 1.2 cmH2O (mean ± SD) while the “PRF-augmented group” had a leak pressure of 47.2 ± 2.6 cm H2O. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001; paired t test).ConclusionsAutologous platelet rich fibrin augmentation reliably reinforced watertight closure of the dura mater to a > 4-fold increased leak pressure after failure of the initial standard running suture technique.

Comparison of hand-sewn versus modified coupled arterial anastomoses in head and neck reconstruction: a single operator’s experience

Microvascular coupler devices have gained wide acceptance as an alternative to the traditional hand-sewn technique in reconstructive surgery. However, no study has directly compared the efficacy of the coupler and hand-sewn techniques in arterial anastomosis during head and neck reconstruction surgery. A total of 123 patients who underwent surgery performed by a single surgeon between 2016 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into the coupler group and the hand-sewn group according to the technique of arterial anastomosis used. Patients in the coupler group underwent a special procedure including arterial bifurcation to enlarge the recipient artery diameter. Of the 123 free flap surgeries performed, 56 were done using a coupler and 67 with the standard suture technique. One flap in the coupler group failed due to simultaneous arterial and venous thromboses. One flap in the hand-sewn group was lost due to venous compromise. The overall flap survival rate was 98.4% (n=121). There was a significant decrease in anastomotic time when a coupler was used (P<0.001). The complication and flap loss rates were similar in the coupler and hand-sewn groups. The application of the coupler helped to decrease the anastomotic time and achieved satisfactory vessel patency.

A standardized protocol of laser suture lysis in postoperative management in trabeculectomy with mitomycin C: One-year study.

To analyse the efficacy and safety of a standardized laser suture lysis protocol following trabeculectomy. Prospective interventional study conducted at a tertiary centre, between June 2016 and July 2017. Consecutive patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (0.4 mg/mL) for open angle glaucoma were enrolled. According to study protocol, a first laser suture lysis was performed routinely when intraocular pressure was greater than 10 mmHg, starting at postoperative day 8, and a second laser suture lysis was done whenever the intraocular pressure was newly greater than 10 mmHg, with a minimum interval of 1 week after the first laser suture lysis. Primary outcome was intraocular pressure (mean value, and mean difference from baseline in percentage). Safety parameters were also analysed. Thirty-three eyes of 28 patients (13 males) were enrolled with a mean age of 69.6 ± 15.1 years. Pre-operative intraocular pressure was 24.9 ± 8.6 mmHg. All eyes underwent a laser suture lysis before the 12th postoperative week, with a mean intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy of 42.4% (p < 0.01). A second laser suture lysis procedure, when performed (n = 14), had an additional intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy of 26.7% (p = 0.02). Mean intraocular pressure at 1-month follow-up was 12.9 ± 8.2 mmHg, and during this period, two cases of self-limited choroidal detachments were noticed. Ten patients needed additional bleb needling. Mean intraocular pressure at 1-year follow-up was 13.8 ± 8.0 mmHg under an average of 0.4 topical intraocular pressure-lowering drugs (p < 0.01). In our study, laser suture lysis was an effective tool to lower intraocular pressure during the early postoperative period, with an acceptable safety profile.

Abdominal wall closure with prophylactic mesh in colorectal operations.

Prospective studies demonstrate that over one-third of patients undergoing standard suture closure of laparotomy wounds will develop incisional hernias (IHs). Whilst prophylactic mesh has been demonstrated to decrease IH rates in clean laparotomy wounds, mesh has been associated with high rates of seroma formation (>30%), infection (>10%) and pain, discouraging many surgeons from using mesh, especially combined with intestinal surgery. The aim of this study is to review the experience of a single colorectal surgeon who, after noting high IH rates in his own patients, started placing prophylactic mesh routinely in patients judged to be at high risk of IH. The records of all patients undergoing bowel resections and ileostomy closure by one surgeon from 2008 to 2018 were independently retrospectively analysed. Of the 935 procedures identified, 662 patients underwent midline laparotomy with bowel resection and 273 patients underwent closure of loop ileostomy. Mesh was placed prophylactically in 221 (23.6%) of 935 procedures. Comparing the mesh and non-mesh groups, wound infections occurred in nine (4.1%) versus 23 (3.2%) (P = 0.53), seromas occurred in nine (4.1%) versus six (0.8%) (P = 0.003) and chronic pain was noted in 12 (5.4%) versus 17 (2.4%) (P = 0.04). The mean follow-up was 33 months in both the mesh and non-mesh groups. IHs have occurred in three (1.3%) of the mesh group compared to 95 (13.3%) of the non-mesh group procedures (P = 0.0001). In colorectal operations, prophylactic mesh decreases the risk of IH without prohibitive complications.