Standard Suture Technique Research Articles

Tuberosity healing in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures with a diaphyseal press-fit humeral stem

BackgroundReverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a viable option for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in the elderly, and cemented humeral fixation is the standard of care. This study evaluates the influence of a diaphyseal press-fit stem with a 142° humeral inclination on tuberosity healing (TH) and functional outcome in RSA for PHF. MethodsTwenty-three patients received an RSA for PHF by a single surgeon at one center over a 2-year period. The humeral stem design was intended for diaphyseal press fit with a 142° humeral inclination. The tuberosities were repaired for each patient with bone graft and a standard suture technique. Patients’ clinical and radiographic outcomes were collected with a minimum 12-month follow-up. ResultsNineteen of 23 patients (83%), with a mean age of 75 + years, were available for follow-up at an average of 14 months. Radiographic analysis showed 68% of patients had evidence of TH. Grade 1 scapular notching was found in 32% of patients. There was no implant loosening or subsidence noted. Average range of motion was 163° ± 15° degrees of forward flexion, 113° ± 24° of abduction, internal rotation to the waist, and an average external rotation of 7 ± 1.5 as measured by the Constant-Murley score. The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 81.8, and the average Constant-Murley score was 67.9. While not significant, those with TH trended toward better clinical outcomes. There was a 0% revision rate. ConclusionA press-fit stem designed for diaphyseal fixation provides consistent reliable results in RSA for PHF. A high percentage of TH was appreciated with a 142° humeral inclination, neutral glenosphere construct, and a standardized bone grafting, suture technique. TH is associated with improved patient outcomes.

Comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with polyester mesh with standard suture and staples in total knee and hip arthroplasty.

The use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with polyester mesh (OCA-M) has become common in total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). We aimed to compare the safety and cosmetic outcomes between OCA-M and standard suture techniques and staples, and determine whether OCA-M can safely be used for TKA. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent THA or TKA from January 2010 to October 2011 (Suture group), November 2011 to August 2013 (Staple group), March 2017 to September 2018 (OCA-M group). Exclusion criteria was loss of imaging data. Complications during hospitalisation (early complication) and after discharge (late complication) were compared in groups. Plastic and orthopaedic surgeons performed cosmetic evaluations with the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Likert scale at three and six months postoperatively and compared in groups. A total of 249 arthroplasties (suture group=88 patients; staple group=94 patients; OCA-M group=67 patients) were included in the study. The OCA-M group had a significantly lower early complication rate than the suture group (p=0.015). For THA, the OCA-M group had a significantly lower total complication rate than the suture group (p=0.048). For TKA, there was no significant difference among the three groups. The complication rate in the OCA-M group showed no significant difference between THA/TKA. With regards to the VSS, the OCA-M group was significantly better for cosmetic qualities than the suture group (p=<0.001, p=0.021 at three and six months, respectively). For the Likert scale, the OCA-M group was also significantly better for cosmetic qualities than the suture group and staple group (suture-OCA-M, p=0.003 (three months), p=<0.001 (six months); staple-OCA-M, p=0.027 (three months)). In this study, the OCA-M complication rate was low compared to suturing and similar to stapling. Moreover, better cosmetic outcomes were achieved compared to suturing and stapling.

Biomechanical Evaluation of 4 Suture Techniques for Hip Capsular Closure.

Background:The most reliable suture technique for capsular closure after a capsulotomy remains unknown.Purpose:To determine which suture technique best restores native stability after a 5-cm interportal capsulotomy.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Ten human cadaveric hip specimens were tested using a 6-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm in 7 states: intact, capsular laxity, 5-cm capsulotomy, standard suture, shoelace, double shoelace, and Quebec City slider (QCS). Rotational range of motion (ROM) was measured across 9 tests: flexion, extension, abduction, abduction at 45° of flexion, adduction, external rotation, internal rotation, anterior impingement, and log roll. Distraction (ie, femoral head translation [FHT]) was measured across a range of flexion and abduction angles.Results:When compared with the native state, the 5-cm capsulotomy state showed the largest laxity increases on all tests, specifically in external rotation ROM (+13.4°), extension ROM (+11.5°), and distraction FHT (+4.5 mm) (P < .001 for all). The standard suture technique was not significantly different from the 5-cm capsulotomy on any test and demonstrated significantly more flexion ROM than the double shoelace suture (+1.41°; P = .049) and more extension ROM (+5.51°; P = .014) and external rotation ROM (+6.03°; P = .021) than the QCS. The standard suture also resulted in significantly higher distraction FHT as compared with the shoelace suture (+1.0 mm; P = .005), double shoelace suture (+1.4 mm; P < .001), and QCS (+1.1 mm; P = .003). The shoelace, double shoelace, and QCS techniques significantly reduced hip laxity when compared with the 5-cm capsulotomy state, specifically in external rotation ROM (respectively, –8.1°, –7.8°, and –10.2°), extension ROM (–6.3°, –7.3°, and –8.1°), and distraction FHT (–1.8, –2.2, and –1.9 mm) (P ≤ .003 for all). These 3 techniques restored native stability (no significant difference from intact) on some but not all tests, and no significant differences were observed among them on any test.Conclusion:Hip capsule closure with the standard suture technique did not prevent postoperative hip instability after a 5-cm capsulotomy, and 3 suture techniques were found to be preferable; however, none perfectly restored native stability at time zero.Clinical Relevance:The shoelace, double shoelace, and QCS suture techniques are recommended when closing the hip capsule.

Robotic Hepaticojejunostomy

We present a variety of techniques for robotic hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction, either during a Whipple procedure, or for biliary injury or stricture. Choice of technique varies by duct size and consistency, including the use of standard vs. barbed suture, running vs. interrupted technique, and parachute technique.

An ex vivo evaluation of two different suture techniques for the Ozaki aortic neocuspidization procedure.

We investigated the Ozaki procedure using a single interrupted suture technique (SST) and compared this with the standard continuous suture technique (CST) with regard to hydrodynamic valve performance. In addition, both techniques were compared with the native aortic valve (NAV). Effective orifice area, mean pressure gradient and leakage volume were evaluated in the NAV as well as after an Ozaki procedure using SST or CST in fresh swine aortic roots using a mock circulation loop. The NAV, SST and CST were evaluated under 4 defined hydrodynamic conditions. Both suture techniques resulted in a similar effective orifice area under all conditions [for stroke volume of 70 ml: SST: 1.50 (1.35-1.87) vs CST: 1.57 (1.41-1.72) cm2, P = 0.8] and there were no significant differences between both suture techniques and the NAV (P > 0.05). Regarding mean pressure gradient, the Ozaki procedure with SST and CST showed no significant differences [7.23 (5.53-8.91) vs 7.04 (6.65-7.60) mmHg, P = 0.72] and there was no significant difference between both suture techniques and the NAV (P > 0.1). In leakage volume, there was no significant difference between SST and CST [4.49 (3.91-4.99) vs CST: 4.23 (3.58-4.87) ml/stroke, P = 0.34]. The Ozaki procedure with SST performed similarly to that with CST with regard to hydrodynamic performance. Our results suggest that the Ozaki procedure can be performed with SST instead of CST, which may be useful in patients with limited surgical exposure, such as a small annulus.

Eleven-year outcomes of U-clips in totally robotic coronary artery bypass grafting versus standard hand-sewn running suture in robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump robotic coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with either interrupted nitinol U-Clips in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) or standard running suture anastomosis in robotically assisted direct coronary artery bypass (RADCAB) over a decade. From January 2007 to December 2017, 280 patients underwent robotic off-pump CABG using the da Vinci S/Si Surgical System in our centre. TECAB with interrupted nitinol U-Clips anastomosis was performed in the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to LAD grafting in 126 patients and RADCAB (n = 154) of the LIMA to LAD was completed with standard running suture. After discharge, patients were contacted through telephone interview and were invited to attend the outpatient clinic every 6 months or 1 year. The graft patency was assessed by coronary angiography or computed tomography angiography. All cases were completed without conversion to median sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. A total of 275 single internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts (271 LIMAs, 4 right internal mammary arteries) and 5 bilateral IMA grafts were used as single graft or composite grafts. All the patients were discharged without in-hospital mortality or adverse outcomes. The average follow-up was 89.7 ± 30.4 months (range, 14-143 months). The cumulative survival rates (P = 0.53), the cumulative IMA patency rates (P = 0.83), and the rates of freedom from major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events (P = 0.41) between TECAB and RADCAB all showed no significant difference in the follow-up. Robotic off-pump CABG using IMA grafts is safe and can provide reliable long-term outcomes. Compared with the standard hand-sewn running suture technique in RADCAB, interrupted suture with the nitinol U-Clips in TECAB showed similar long-term clinical results and graft patency in LIMA to LAD bypass grafting.

Early Continence and Extravasation After Open Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy - Interrupted vs Continuous Suturing for Vesicourethral Anastomosis.

PurposeTo compare running suture (RS) and interrupted suture (IS) of vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) during open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) on early urinary continence and extravasation.Patients and MethodsSingle center analysis of 211 patients who underwent RRP performed by a single surgeon during 2008 to 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. For VUA, we used the standard interrupted suture technique (n=100) with a 3–0 PDS suture. The RS (n=111) was performed with 12-bite suture using 3–0 PDS. The primary endpoints were extravasation and early continence. Demographic and peri-operative data were collected and analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square, t-Test and Mann–Whitney U-test. A binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore predictors that affected early continence after catheter removal.ResultsThe rates of early urinary incontinence (UI) were 7.7% vs 42.2% (p<0.001). The duration of catheterization and hospitalization was significantly shorter in the interrupted group (4 days vs 5 days, p<0.001 and 5 days vs 6 days, p<0.001). The groups did not differ significantly in body mass index or prostate volume. There were older patients and higher PSA levels in the group with RS technique. No significant difference was found in the postoperative extravasation rates between both groups (13.5% vs 12%, p=0.742).ConclusionRunning vesicourethral anastomosis increased the rate of early urinary incontinence. Both anastomosis techniques provided a similar rate of postoperative urine extravasation. VUA should only be one of the many criteria that must be considered for the preservation of urinary continence of patients after RRP.

Economic evaluation of suture versus clip anastomosis in arteriovenous fistula creation

ObjectiveTechniques such as the use of nonpenetrating vascular clips for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) anastomotic creation have been developed in an effort to reduce fistula-related complications. However, the outcomes data for the use of clips have remained equivocal, and the cost evaluations to support their use have been largely theoretical. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine both the clinical and the cost outcomes of AVFs created with nonpenetrating vascular clips compared with the continuous suture technique during a 10-year period at a single institution. MethodsAll patients undergoing AVF creation in the upper extremity from 2009 through 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patient demographics and AVF outcomes were collected and compared stratified by the surgical technique used. A cost analysis was performed of a subgroup of patients from 2013 to 2018. ResultsDuring the 10-year study period, 916 AVFs were created (79% using the continuous suture technique and 21% using nonpenetrating vascular clips). Patient demographics and comorbid conditions did not differ between the two groups, and no differences were present in maturation, primary patency, assisted primary patency, or complication rates between the two groups at 1 year. The suture group had a shorter time to maturation (4.3 months vs 5.5 months; P < .01) and improved secondary patency compared with the clip group (77.13% vs 69.59%; P = .03) The cost analysis of the procedures revealed a significant difference in direct costs (suture, $1389.26 vs clip, $1716.51; P < .01) and contribution margin (suture, $1770.19 vs clip, $1128.36; P < .01) for the two groups. ConclusionsBoth suture and clip techniques in AVF creation demonstrated equivalent rates of maturation, primary patency, assisted primary patency, and complications at 1 year with higher expense associated with the use of clips. Thus, in an effort to reduce the economic burden of healthcare in the United States, the findings from the present study support the preferential use of the standard polypropylene suture technique when creating upper extremity AVFs.

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.

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.

Microvenous anastomosis: The rat tail model alternative

Background: The rat femoral vein and dorsal penile vein have been have been well described as microvenous models. We report the use of the rat tail lateral vein as model for microvenous anastomosis training. Methods: Careful anatomic dissections were made of the rat tail noting the basic gross anatomy in 3 rats. 20 albino rats were anaesthesized via intraperitoneal ketamine injection, lateral vein of the tail is then transected about 5 cm distal to the tail base. Immediate repair was carried out by standard interrupted microanastomosis suture technique with 10/0 nylon suture. Patency was assessed at 30 minutes and 1 week. Results: 40 consecutive anastomosis of the lateral tail vein was done in 20 rats . The mean diameter of the rat tail lateral vein in the study rats was 0.8mm SD± 0.02mm.The mean anastomosis time was 22.6 minutes SD±4.3 minutes from clamp application to removal. There was a 90% patency rate at 30 minutes and 81 % at 1 week. Conclusion: The rat lateral tail vein appears to be a viable alternate model for microvenous anastomosis. The study identifies the ease of access, duality, potentially long length and the absence of accompanying artery as some of the unique features of this microvenous anastomosis practice model.

A novel radiopaque tissue marker for soft tissue localization and in vivo length and area measurements.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to describe the characteristics and demonstrate proof-of-concept and clinical use of a barium sulfate infused polypropylene radiopaque tissue marker for soft tissue localization and in vivo measurement of lengths and areas.MethodsMarker mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests. Biocompatibility was evaluated following 8–12 weeks’ implantation in a pig model. Proof-of-concept of marker application was performed in a human cadaveric shoulder model, and methods for CT imaging and measurement of dimensions were established. Lastly, the method of clinical use of the markers was described in one patient undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR).ResultsThe radiopaque markers had a tensile strength of 28 ±4.7 N and were associated with minimal to mild inflammatory tissue reaction similar to polypropylene control. CT-based measurements showed relatively high precisions for lengths (0.66 mm), areas (6.97 mm2), and humeral orientation angles (2.1°) in the cadaveric model, and demonstrated 19 ±3 mm medio-lateral tendon retraction and 227 ±3 mm2 increase in tendon area in the patient during 26 weeks following RCR. No radiographic leaching, calcification or local adverse events were observed.ConclusionsThe radiopaque tissue marker was biocompatible and had adequate strength for handling and affixation to soft tissues using standard suturing techniques. The marker could be used with low-dose, sequential CT imaging to quantitatively measure rotator cuff tendon retractions with clinically acceptable accuracy. We envision the radiopaque tissue marker to be useful for soft tissue localization and in vivo measurement of tissue and organ dimensions following surgery.

The Use of Tissue Adhesive for Tumor Bed Closure during Partial Nephrectomy is Associated with Reduced Devascularized Functional Volume Loss

To quantitatively compare the functional renal volume loss, following nephron sparing surgery (NSS) between patients in whom tumor bed closure was done by biological tissue adhesive and those who were managed by standard suture technique. Methods: From our institutional NSS database we retrospectively collected patients who had two sequential quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography of ^99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid uptake studies, the first study immediately before surgery and the second one 3-6 months following surgery. The study group included 69 patients: 26 (37.7%) patients in the sealant group (BioGlue®) and 43 (62.3%) patients in the standard suture group. Results: No statistically significant differences were noted in the baseline clinical and pathological characteristics of the studied groups. However, there were several statistically significant differences in operative variables: patients in the suture group had larger amount of blood loss (3-fold), longer ischemia time (26.6 vs. 21 minutes,) and slightly longer operation time. Patients in whom tumor bed was closed by sutures had nearly 3-fold higher parenchymal loss compared to patients managed by sealant (26.28 vs. 8.92 ml, p = 0.048). Conclusions: The use of tissue sealant during tumor bed reconstruction is associated with reduced devascularized parenchymal mass loss and should be considered among modifiable surgical factors during NSS.

Observational study of intraocular lens tilt in sutureless intrascleral fixation versus standard transscleral suture fixation determined by ultrasound biomicroscopy

BackgroundThe position of the intraocular lens (IOL) is a major factor that affects the final visual acuity after cataract surgery. However, no prospective study has compared the IOL positions associated with the sutureless intrascleral technique and the standard transscleral suturing technique. The current study compared the IOL positions in the two techniques using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in vivo.MethodsTwenty-one eyes of 21 patients were included in this observational study conducted between February and May 2015. Eleven patients underwent the sutureless intrascleral technique, and 10 patients underwent transscleral fixation with suturing. Ophthalmologic examination and UBM were performed in all patients. Optic tilt was measured in relation to the iris plane. The haptic location was defined. Mann–Whitney test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the vertical and horizontal gradients. Significant differences were considered when p ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe most common indication for scleral fixation was a complication during phacoemulsification (81.81% in the sutureless group and 60% in the suture group). The mean vertical and horizontal tilts were, respectively, 0.24 ± 0.21 and 0.25 ± 0.19 mm in the sutureless group and 0.14 ± 0.17 and 0.23 ± 0.16 mm in the suture group. No significant differences were seen in the vertical tilt and horizontal tilt (p = 0.888 and p = 0.148, respectively) between the groups. Gender (p = 0.835), age (p = 0.888), follow-up time (p = 0.915), and surgical duration (p = 0.094) were not associated with optic tilt. Of the 22 haptics in the sutureless group, 21 (95.45%) were in the intrascleral tunnel; of the 20 haptics in the suture group, 13 (65%) were posterior to the ciliary body, four (20%) anterior to the ciliary body, and three (15%) in the ciliary sulcus.ConclusionThis study showed that there are no significant differences in the IOL positions between the two techniques.

The Sutureless Mullerectomy.

Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) is a well-known approach for ptosis repair. In its standard fashion, it involves resection of Müller's muscle and conjunctiva, followed by suturing of the conjunctiva and Müller's muscle to the tarsus with absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures. The authors herein present their experience in performing MMCR without sutures. The study was conducted as a retrospective review of 19 patients (34 eyelids) undergoing sutureless MMCR. Thirty-three eyelids had acquired ptosis and 1 eyelid had congenital ptosis. Surgery consisted of a standard approach and placement of a Putterman clamp. Following excision of the clamped tissues, no internal sutures were placed. Preoperative and postoperative upper margin-to-reflex distances were measured and patients were evaluated for symmetry within 1 mm and the incidence of any complications. Nineteen patients underwent 34 sutureless MMCR procedures. Of these, 13 patients had bilateral ptosis repair. Thirty-three of 34 eyelids (97%) showed improvement in margin-to-reflex distances, with an average improvement of 1.4 mm (range, 0-3.5 mm, SD = 0.64) among all patients. Eighteen of the 19 patients (94.7%) showed postoperative symmetry of margin-to-reflex distances within 1 mm (p < 0.001, χ test). One patient who underwent unilateral surgery demonstrated a Herring's response postoperatively, leading to the single case of asymmetry. There was 1 case of corneal abrasion seen postoperatively. The sutureless technique is a rapid and effective method for performing MMCR. This technique is especially useful as an adjunct to blepharoplasty where mild ptosis exists for an added rejuvenating effect. It is low-risk and potentially corneoprotective when compared to the standard suture technique. Further studies could determine if a modified algorithm needs to be applied.

Efficacy and reliability of the use of a needle grasper to prevent trocar site hernia.

IntroductionPort site herniation is one of the serious complications of laparoscopic surgery, which decreases its benefits. Closure of a fascia defect at the port site is an important problem of laparoscopic surgery, especially in obese patients.AimTo evaluate needle grasper fascia closure.Material and methodsWe closed the port site fascia using a percutaneous organ-holding device (needle grasper) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. This study included 334 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2015 and January 2017 in our hospital. Patients were divided into 2 fascia closure groups: group 1 with a standard simple suturing technique and group 2 with a needle grasper to close the port site. Patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected and evaluated.ResultsThere were 243 female and 91 male (total 334) patients with the mean age of 49.18 ±13.15 years. Only 1 patient in the BMI > 30 kg/m2 group of patients had port site hernia development with the needle grasper technique at the end of the 8-month follow-up period. The port site hernia incidence was higher in group 1 than group 2 (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in terms of operation duration between the two groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.709, respectively). In patients with a BMI > 30 kg/m2, both operation duration and port site hernia incidence were higher in simple suture closure than in the needle grasper technique (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p = 0.005).ConclusionsThe needle grasper technique is easy, simple, safe, fast, and effective for fascia closure of port sites. This method can also be applied in obese patients easily, safely and in a short time.

Evaluation of the effect of the accordion suturing technique on wound lengths in breast cancer surgery: a randomised clinical trial.

Cosmetic outcomes and scar lengths remain important considerations in breast cancer surgery. Suturing techniques should decrease scar tissue formation and provide good cosmetic results. The use of an accordion suturing technique may result in decreased surgical wound lengths and better cosmetic outcomes. We compared the outcomes of the accordion suturing technique with the standard suturing technique in breast cancer surgeries. Female patients undergoing wide local excision of breast cancers were randomised to undergo closure of their surgical wound by either the accordion or the non-accordion (standard) suturing techniques between the months of May and October 2015. Pre-closure and post-closure wound lengths were measured intra-operatively. The primary outcome was a reduction of the surgical wound length at 6weeks. The secondary outcome was a composite of the absence of hypertrophic scar tissue formation and optimal cosmesis. Thirty eligible women for wide local excision of breast tumours were randomly assigned to the accordion and non-accordion groups (15 accordion and 15 non-accordion). Seven women were excluded from the study because they underwent re-excision of margins for their breast tumours before the end of 6weeks, and one woman was lost to follow-up. We therefore compared the outcomes of 12 women who underwent closure of their surgical wound by way of the accordion suturing technique to the outcomes of 10 women who underwent closure with the non-accordion (standard) suturing technique. The percentage reduction of wound length at 6weeks was significantly greater in the accordion group than in the non-accordion group (M = 24.4, SD = 10.2 vs. M = 8.6, SD = 11.5, p = 0.0026). There was no significant difference in the cosmetic outcome between both groups using the James Quinn's wound evaluation score. The accordion suturing technique was associated with a significant reduction in surgical wound lengths in breast conserving surgery at 6weeks without compromising the cosmetic result.

Experimental evaluation of 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate on dura mater healing

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of this synthetic glue tissue on the healing of dura mater closure in rabbits. The study was undertaken to investigate the histological and toxicological behavior of dural repair using standard suture techniques and suture supplemented with tissue adhesive. Methods: A total of 54 rabbits was divided into 9 groups of 6 animals, and then were divided equivalently into 3 groups (A, B and C), each one containing 3 sub-groups of 6 rabbits, sacrificed on days 7, 30 and 60 respectively. After 1cm parasagital craniectomy and 0.5cm dural opening, three different procedures were carried out: in group A dura mater was reinforced by using 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate, in group B biological glue (fibrin glue) was applied and in group C only the dura mater suturing was performed. The rabbits were sacrificed on specific days following the operation. Integrity of the sutures, existence of abscess, wound infection and adhesion formation were recorded. The heads were sent for histological examination. Results: The synthetic glue didn’t interfere with the metabolism of the animals. The mean weight of rabbits in groups A and B increased. Temperature did not increase and was not statistically different between the three groups (p=0.210). Dura mater healing process, as assessed by fibroblast activity and inflammatory cell infiltration, did not differ statistically between the three groups (p&gt;0.05). Only neovascularization increased in the control group. Conclusion: Histological sections obtained from the dura mater treated with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate polymer demonstrated minimal inflammatory response, similar to that treated with fibrin adhesive sealant. Results indicate that this new substance seems to have applications as an adjunctive means of effecting dural closure.

Use of the iTClamp versus standard suturing techniques for securing chest tubes: A randomized controlled cadaver study

ObjectivesTube thoracostomy (TT) is a common yet potentially life-saving trauma procedure. After successful placement however, securing a TT through suturing is a skillset that requires practice, risking that the TT may become dislodged during prehospital transport. The purpose of this study was to examine if the iTClamp was a simpler technique with equivalent effectiveness for securing TTs. Materials and methodsIn a cadaver model, a 1.5 inch incision was utilized along the upper border of the rib below the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line. TTs (sizes 28Fr, 32Fr, 36Fr and 40Fr) were inserted and secured with both suturing and iTClamp techniques according to the preset randomization. TT were then functionally tested for positive and negative pressure as well as the force required to remove the TT (pull test-up to 5 lbs). Time to secure the TT was also recorded. ResultsWhen sutured is placed by a trained surgeon, the sutures and iTClamp were functionally equivalent for holding a positive and negative pressure. Mean pull force for both sutures and iTClamp exceeded the 5 lb threshold; there was no significant difference between the groups. Securing the TT with the iTClamp was significantly faster (p < 0.0001) with the iTClamp having a mean application time of 37.0 ± 22.8 s and using a suture had a man application time of 96.3 ± 29.0 s. ConclusionThe iTClamp was effective in securing TTs. The main benefit to the iTClamp is that minimal skill is required to adequately secure a TT to ensure that it does not become dislodged during transport to a trauma center.