Suture Handling Research Articles

The Surgical Outcomes of Modified Intraocular Lens Suturing with Forceps-Assisted Haptics Extraction: A Clinical and Basic Evaluation.

Background/Objectives: Postoperative intraocular lens (IOL) tilt is a risk associated with IOL scleral fixation. However, the cause of IOL tilt during IOL suturing remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of a modified IOL suturing technique and investigate the factors contributing to postoperative IOL tilt and decentration. Methods: We included 25 eyes of 22 patients who underwent IOL suturing between April 2018 and February 2020. A modified IOL suturing technique that decreased the need for intraocular suture manipulation was used. Factors contributing to IOL tilt and decentration were investigated using an intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) system. Results: The mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.15 ± 0.45 to -0.02 ± 0.19 (p = 0.02). The mean IOL tilt angle at the last visit after surgery was 1.84 ± 1.28 degrees. The present study reveals that the distance of the scleral puncture site from the corneal limbus had a stronger effect on IOL tilt; meanwhile, the suture position of the haptics had a greater effect on IOL decentration. Conclusions: The modified IOL suturing technique, which avoids intraocular suture handling, had favorable surgical outcomes with improved postoperative visual acuity and controlled IOL tilt and decentration. Accurate surgical techniques and careful measurement of distances during surgery are crucial for preventing postoperative IOL tilt and decentration.

A Randomized Study Evaluating Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Trusteel® and Ethisteel® Surgical Steel Sutures for Sternal Closure in Subjects Undergoing Surgical Procedures by Sternotomy.

Sternal dehiscence and other post-sternotomy complications, viz. superficial and deep sternal wound infection, mediastinitis, and sternal instability increase the risk of mortality. Sternotomy closure with steel sutures results in a low complication rate. Therefore, this study compared the clinical equivalence of Trusteel® (Healthium Medtech Limited, Bengaluru, India) and Ethisteel® (Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson,Cincinnati, USA) surgical steel sutures for sternal closure following median sternotomy. The primary endpoint of this prospective, single-blind, multicentric, two-arm, randomized (1:1) study (April 2021-April 2023) was a comparison of the proportion of subjects having sternal dehiscence within 26 weeks of the median sternotomy closure between Trusteel® (n=33) and Ethisteel® (n=34) groups. Secondary endpoints comprisedan assessment of intraoperative suture handling, the incidence of mortality and other complications of sternal closure, operative time, intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital stay, return to normal day-to-day activities and work, subject satisfaction and general well-being, and adverse events in both groups. A statistically significant result between the groups was considered at p<0.05. No incidence of sternal dehiscence or other post-operative complications were recorded. A significant difference (p<0.05) in the stretch capacity of Trusteel® and Ethisteel® sutures was noted; otherwise, ease of passage, knot holding, knot security, knot tie-down smoothness, and memory of both sutures had comparable ratings. Operative time, ICU/hospital stay, and return to normal day-to-day activities and work were comparable between the groups. Improvement in post-operative functional abilities, quality of life, and health status was evident in both groups and was comparable. Trusteel® surgical steel suture is clinically equivalent to Ethisteel® surgical steel suture and is safe and effective for sternal closure following median sternotomy.

Prospective, multi-centric, international, single-arm, cohort study to assess a synthetic polyamide suture material in oral surgery to close the mucosa - MUCODA study.

ObjectivesThe aim was to collect different clinical parameters systematically and proactively regarding safety, effectiveness, and performance of a nylon monofilament suture under routine clinical practice for oral surgery. MethodsThe study design was prospective, bicentric, international, single-armed, and observational. A non-absorbable suture was applied to close the mucosa after different dental surgical interventions. Main objective was the incidence of combined postoperative complications until suture removal. The 95 % Confidence Interval (Agresti-Coull method) was used to prove the non-inferiority with a pre-specified upper margin of 21.9 %. Secondary variables were intraoperative suture handling, patient pain and satisfaction, wound healing, aesthetic appearance, and bacterial contamination. Results105 patients were enrolled. Complication rate was low (1.9 %), 2 swellings occurred. Pain was present for 1.61 days ± 1.42 after various dental interventions with an average pain level of 20.98 ± 22.60 (VAS). Patients with impacted third molar extraction showed the longest pain duration (6 days) combined with the highest mean pain level of 35.33 ± 30.45 (VAS). Intraoperative suture handling was very good to excellent. Suture removal was done after an average duration of 7.56 ± 2.09 days. Patient's satisfaction was high, and an excellent wound healing was reported by the dentists. Aesthetic appearance only performed in implant patients was rated by oral surgeons with an average of 96.19 ± 3.79 points [min. 80 – max. 100] at 5 months postoperatively. Thread bacterial analysis showed that F. nucleatum was the most present species. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the non-absorbable, nylon-based monofilament suture used is safe and quite suitable for oral mucosal closure after various dental surgical interventions such as tooth extraction, implant placement and impacted third molar extraction. Clinical significanceThis study showed the safe use of a non-absorbable, nylon-based monofilament suture for different oral surgical interventions under daily routine clinical practice.

Results of a Pilot Virtual Microsurgery Course for Plastic Surgeons in LMICs.

The Plastic Surgery Foundation's Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education (SHARE) program seeks to expand surgical capacity worldwide through mentorship and training for local plastic surgeons. This study aims to define the need for microsurgery training among SHARE global fellows and describe results of a pilot course. Ten participants of the SHARE Virtual Microsurgical Skills Course were asked to complete an anonymous survey. Pre- and post-course response rates were 100% and 50.0%, respectively. There was a high incidence of microsurgical problems encountered in the clinical setting. Resource availability was varied, with high access to loupes (100%), yet limited access to microsurgery instruments (50%), medications (40%), operating microscope (20%), skilled nursing (0%) and appropriate peri-operative care settings (0%). Participants identified vessel preparation, instrument selection, and suture handling as priority learning objectives for a microsurgery skills course. Post-course satisfaction with learning objectives was high (60% "very good," 40% "excellent"). Participants reported high levels of improvement in suture handling (Likert 4.60±0.55), end-to-end anastomosis (4.40±0.55), instrument selection (4.20±0.45), vessel preparation (4.20±0.45), and economy of motion (4.20±0.45). This study demonstrates a high frequency of reconstructive problems encountered by global fellows yet low access to appropriate resources to perform microsurgical procedures. Initial results from a pilot virtual microsurgery course demonstrate very high satisfaction and high self-rated improvement in key microsurgical skills. The virtual course is an effective and accessible format for training surgeons in basic microsurgery skills and can be augmented by providing longitudinal opportunities for remote feedback.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Clinical Equivalence of PD Synth and PDS Polydioxanone Sutures.

Introduction Incisional hernia is a common complication of midline laparotomy that may develop even after several years of surgery. Abdominal fascia closure with ideal suture material reduces the incidence of incisional hernia. This study compared the clinical equivalence of PD Synth (Healthium Medtech Limited) and PDS(Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson) slowly absorbed polydioxanone suture with respect to the occurrence of incisional hernia, following elective/emergency midline laparotomy. Methods Eighty-eight subjects undergoing elective/emergency midline laparotomy were randomized to PD Synth (n=45) and PDS(n=43) groups of this prospective, multicenter, randomized (1:1), single-blind, two-arm, parallel-group study (December 2020-May 2023). Primary endpoint was incidence of incisional hernia, occurring within six and 12 months of surgery. Secondary endpoints included incidence of fascial dehiscence, surgical site infection (SSI), suture sinus, seroma, hematoma, scar tenderness, and re-suturing, and evaluation of operative data, hospital stay, intra-operative suture handling, pain, time to return to normal day-to-day activities and work, overall patient satisfaction score, and adverse events. Results One subject in both PD Synthand PDSgroups (p>0.05) developed incisional hernia at umbilicus 12 months post-laparotomy. In PDSgroup, one subject each had incidences of SSI on day 2, day 7, and one month, two subjects developed seroma on day seven, and one subject had readmission on one month; two subjects in PD Synthgroup developed superficial SSI (one month). Findings of other secondary endpoints were comparable between the groups. Conclusion Primary and secondary outcomes manifested that PD Synthand PDSslowly absorbed polydioxanone sutures are clinically equivalent, and can be used for abdominal fascial closure following midline laparotomy.

A Randomized, Single-Blind Study Comparing the Clinical Equivalence of Truglyde Fast® and Safil Quick® Polyglycolic Acid Fast-Absorbing Sutures for Episiotomy Repair Following Vaginal Delivery.

Episiotomy, the deliberate surgical incision on the vaginal orifice during vaginal delivery, requires prompt repairing of the incised tissue. It may be associated with bleeding, infection, dehiscence, dyspareunia, short-term pain, and prolonged hospital stay. The outcome of surgery depends on the suture material and technique to repair the episiotomy. We aim to subjectively assess perineal pain and maternal morbidity following episiotomy repair with Truglyde Fast®(Healthium Medtech Limited, Bengaluru, India) and Safil Quick® (B. Braun Medical Private Limited, Mumbai, India)polyglycolic acid fast-absorbing suture. This multicentric, prospective, randomized (1:1), two-arm, parallel-group, single-blind study was started in August 2020 and completed in March 2021. Ninety-nine primiparous or multiparous eligible women requiring episiotomy were recruited to Truglyde Fast® (n=51) and Safil Quick® (n=48) groups. The primary outcome measure was post-episiotomy perineal pain to be assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary endpoints included evaluation of local anesthesia (quantity), intraoperative suture handling, number of sutures utilized, time spent for episiotomy repair and complete healing, analgesic number and dosage, early and late wound complications, presence of residual suture and frequency of re-suturing, resumption of sexual activity and dyspareunia, and adverse events. The threshold to discriminate significant from non-significant outcomes was p<0.05. At all visits, a non-significant change in perineal pain was noted between Truglyde Fast® and Safil Quick® groups. A significant difference (p<0.05) in the number of sutures used and intraoperative handling characteristics was observed between thegroups. Results of other secondary endpoints showed non-significant differences. Truglyde Fast® and Safil Quick® polyglycolic acid fast-absorbing sutures are clinically equivalent. Both sutures are safe and effective for episiotomy repair following vaginal delivery with minimal perineal pain and risk of maternal morbidity.

Clinical Equivalence of Monoglyde® and Monocryl® Absorbable Poliglecaprone-25 Sutures: A Single-Blind, Randomized Study.

Poliglecaprone-25 is a synthetic monofilament suture commonly used for post-cesarean subcuticular skin closure. The present study was designed to assess the effect of subcuticular skin closure using Monoglyde® vs. Monocryl® poliglecaprone-25 absorbable sutures on the risk of wound composite outcomes in the first 30 days post-partum [surgical site infection (SSI), wound dehiscence, hematoma or seroma]. This is a prospective, single-blind, randomized (1:1), multicentric, two-arm study performed between September 2020 and December 2021 at two different centers across India. Women (18-40 years) with a singleton pregnancy requiring cesarean delivery were randomized to Monoglyde® (n=62) or Monocryl® (n=62) suture groups. The primary endpoint is the incidence of wound composite outcomes in the first 30 days post-partum (SSI, wound dehiscence, seroma, or hematoma). In addition, the secondary outcomes, incidence of wound composite outcome at all visits (till four months), suture extrusion and loosening, suture removal and evaluation of microbial deposits on sutures (in case not absorbed or infection), operative time, intraoperative suture handling, postoperative pain, return to normal day-to-day activities, modified Hollander cosmesis score, subject satisfaction score, and adverse events were noted. Non-significant difference between the groups regarding demographic characteristics and primary endpoint; the incidence of wound composite outcome was observed. Moreover, no significant difference in suture extrusion and loosening, suture removal and evaluation of microbial deposits on sutures, operative time, intraoperative suture handling, pain, return to normal day-to-day activities, modified Hollander cosmesis, and subject satisfaction score were registered between the groups. This study establishes the clinical equivalence of Monoglyde® and Monocryl® poliglecaprone-25 sutures, and both sutures can be used for subcuticular skin closure following cesarean delivery with minimal risk for wound complications.

Clinical Equivalence of Monoglyde® and Monocryl® Absorbable Poliglecaprone-25 Sutures: A Single-Blind, Randomized Study

Objectives: Poliglecaprone-25 is a synthetic monofilament suture, commonly used for post-cesarean subcuticular skin closure. The present study was designed to assess the effect of subcuticular skin closure using Monoglyde® vs. Monocryl® poliglecaprone-25 absorbable sutures, on the risk of wound composite outcomes in the first 30 days postpartum [surgical site infection (SSI), wound dehiscence, hematoma or seroma]. Study Design: This is a prospective, single-blind, randomized (1:1), multicentric, two-arm, study performed between September 2020 and December 2021 at two different centres across India. Women (18-40 years) with a singleton pregnancy, requiring cesarean delivery were randomized to Monoglyde® (n=62) or Monocryl® (n=62) suture groups. The primary endpoint is incidence of wound composite outcomes in the first 30 days postpartum (SSI, wound dehiscence, seroma, or hematoma). In addition, the secondary outcomes, incidence of wound composite outcome at all visits (till 4 months), suture extrusion and loosening, suture removal and evaluation of microbial deposits on sutures (in case not absorbed or infection), operative time, intraoperative suture handling, postoperative pain, return to normal day-to-day activities, modified Hollander cosmesis score, subject satisfaction score, and adverse events were noted. Results: Non-significant difference between the groups regarding demographic characteristics and primary endpoint, incidence of wound composite outcome was observed. Moreover, no significant difference in suture extrusion and loosening, suture removal and evaluation of microbial deposits on sutures, operative time, intraoperative suture handling, pain, return to normal day-to-day activities, modified Hollander cosmesis, and subject satisfaction score were registered between the groups. Conclusions: This study establishes the clinical equivalence of Monoglyde® and Monocryl® poliglecaprone-25 sutures and both sutures can be used for subcuticular skin closure following cesarean delivery with minimal risk for wound complications.

Clinical equivalence of Trusynth fast® and Vicryl rapide® polyglactin 910 fast absorbing sutures on maternal morbidity experienced by women following episiotomy repair: a single-blind, randomized study

Background: Episiotomy procedure enlarges the vaginal outlet to facilitate childbirth. Polyglactin 910 fast-absorbing sutures are widely used for the repair of episiotomy because of their rapid absorption and less inflammatory response. This study was designed for subjective assessment of perineal pain post-episiotomy repair, with Trusynth Fast® and Vicryl Rapide® polyglactin 910 fast-absorbing sutures. Method: This was a single-blind, randomized, prospective study conducted between January 7, 2021 and July 14, 2021 across two centers in India. Primiparous or multiparous women (18—40 years), who required episiotomy during vaginal delivery were included, and either Trusynth Fast® (n=47) or Vicryl Rapide® (n=49) suture was used for their episiotomy repair. The primary endpoint, perineal pain was assessed with visual analogue scale at all follow-up visits. The secondary endpoints, quantity of local anesthesia, number of sutures used, time to repair episiotomy, intraoperative suture handling, analgesics used, early and late wound complications, wound re-suturing, time to complete healing, presence of residual sutures, return to sexual activity, dyspareunia, and adverse events were also recorded. Results: The study showed no significant difference in perineal pain between the two groups at any visit. A statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in total score of episiotomy healing scale on day 2 (0.13±0.34 versus 0.35±0.56) and swelling on day 2 (8.51 versusversus 28.57%) was noted between Trusynth Fast® and Vicryl Rapide® group. Non-significant difference was observed between the groups regarding anesthesia, number of sutures, time to repair episiotomy, intraoperative suture handling, analgesics, puerperal fever, wound infection, dehiscence, hematoma, urinary incontinence, re-suturing, time to complete healing, return to sexual activity and dyspareunia. Conclusion: Trusynth Fast® suture is clinically equivalent to Vicryl Rapide® suture and can be used for episiotomy repair with minimal risk of perineal pain and wound complications. Clinical Trials Registry of India Registration: CTRI/2020/12/029925; Registered on December 18, 2020

Single blind, randomized study comparing clinical equivalence of Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® silk sutures for mucosal closure following surgical removal of mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar

Background: Mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar is a common dental anomaly, for which surgical extraction is required. Post-surgery closure of mucosa reduces the prevalence of pain and other surgery-associated complications. We compared tissue reaction/inflammation after 3 and 7 days of mucosal closure with Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® silk sutures, following impacted mandibular third molar removal. Methods: This multicenter, prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized (1:1), single-blind study (July 2020-November 2021) included subjects (Trusilk ®, n=65 and Mersilk ®, n=64), requiring mucosal suturing following impacted mandibular third molar removal. The primary endpoint, incidence of pain, swelling and trismus at the extraction area on post-surgery day 3 and 7 was evaluated. The secondary endpoints, incidence of tissue reaction, wound infection, suture loosening, other complications, operative time, amount of anesthesia, intraoperative suture handling, time needed for complete wound healing and suture removal, and adverse events were also recorded. Results: Socio-demographic and intra-oral characteristics were comparable between the groups. In Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® groups, a gradually decreasing pain score, starting from day 0 post-surgery (42.17±22.38 vs. 45.97±22.20) to day 7 (8.40±11.93 vs. 8.28±12.13) to day 30 (1.98±0.89 vs. 1.75±0.76) was witnessed. After the surgery, 21.54% and 17.19% subjects in Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® groups, respectively, had no post-operative swelling, while at the last two visits none of the subjects had swelling. Non-significant difference in wound infection, suture loosening, wound healing, bleeding, taste changes, operative time, amount of anesthesia, intraoperative suture handling, and time needed for complete wound healing and suture removal was noted among the groups. No suture-related adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: The results indicated that the Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® silk sutures are clinically equivalent and can be used for mucosal closure after removal of an impacted mandibular third molar with a minimal rate of pain, swelling and trismus. Clinical Trial Registry of India Registration: CTRI/2020/03/024100 (20/03/2020)

Single blind, randomized study comparing clinical equivalence of Trusilk® and Mersilk® silk sutures for mucosal closure following surgical removal of mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar

Background: Mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar is a common dental anomaly, for which surgical extraction is required. Post-surgery closure of mucosa reduces the prevalence of pain and other surgery-associated complications. We compared tissue reaction/inflammation after 3 and 7 days of mucosal closure with Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® silk sutures, following impacted mandibular third molar removal. Methods: This multicenter, prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized (1:1), single-blind study (July 2020-November 2021) included subjects (Trusilk ®, n=65 and Mersilk ®, n=64), requiring mucosal suturing following impacted mandibular third molar removal. The primary endpoint, incidence of pain, swelling and trismus at the extraction area on post-surgery day 3 and 7 was evaluated. The secondary endpoints, incidence of tissue reaction, wound infection, suture loosening, other complications, operative time, amount of anesthesia, intraoperative suture handling, time needed for complete wound healing and suture removal, and adverse events were also recorded. Results: Socio-demographic and intra-oral characteristics were comparable between the groups. In Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® groups, a gradually decreasing pain score, starting from day 0 post-surgery (42.17±22.38 vs. 45.97±22.20) to day 7 (8.40±11.93 vs. 8.28±12.13) to day 30 (1.98±0.89 vs. 1.75±0.76) was witnessed. After the surgery, 21.54% and 17.19% subjects in Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® groups, respectively, had no post-operative swelling, while at the last two visits none of the subjects had swelling. Non-significant difference in wound infection, suture loosening, wound healing, bleeding, taste changes, operative time, amount of anesthesia, intraoperative suture handling, and time needed for complete wound healing and suture removal was noted among the groups. No suture-related adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: The results indicated that the Trusilk ® and Mersilk ® silk sutures are clinically equivalent and can be used for mucosal closure after removal of an impacted mandibular third molar with a minimal rate of pain, swelling and trismus. Clinical Trial Registry of India Registration: CTRI/2020/03/024100 (20/03/2020).

Episiotomy Closure After Vaginal Delivery – A Prospective, Single Centre Study Assessing a Novel Fast-Absorbable, Monofilament Suture in Daily Practice

This is the first assessment on the performance of a new fast-absorbable monofilament suture for episiotomy closure under daily clinical routine. The study was designed as a prospective, single centre, observational study including 50 women. Satisfaction and pain using the visual analogue scale was rated at discharge and eight weeks post-partum. Handling characteristics of the suture were assessed intrasurgically by the obstretricians using a 5-point Likert scale. Adverse events and wound healing outcome was monitored for eight weeks after delivery. Perineal pain rate as well as the pain level in different categories strongly decreased from discharge to eight weeks post-partum. Patient satisfaction was high, 84.4±18.97 and 91.2±16.86 at discharge and eight weeks after delivery, respectively. In total, 50% of the women had sexual intercourse 10 weeks post-partum. Suture handling was rated good to excellent by the obstretricians. Wound healing assessment indicated an excellent outcome. No wound dehiscence, wound infection, tissue reaction, allergic or inflammatory reaction occurred. Neither need for resuturing of the wound nor intrasurgical suture rupture were reported. Findings indicate that the clinical performance of novel, fast-absorbable, monofilament suture is equivalent to current sutures used for episiotomy closure and can be regarded as a viable alternative to rapid, absorbable multifilaments.

Prospective, Observational Study to Assess a New Quick Absorbable Monofilament Suture for Skin Closure in Adults

This is the first prospective, single centre study assessing the clinical outcome of a new quick, absorbable, monofilament suture for skin closure in adults after general surgical interventions. In total 50 patients were included in the study to apply Monosyn Quick suture to skin closure. Suture handling was evaluated by the surgeons using a 5-point Likert scale. The Visual-Analogue-Scale (VAS) was used to rate wound healing, pain and satisfaction. Adverse events were reported up to the day of discharge. The new suture material was judged good to excellent regarding its handling properties. Patients stayed in hospital for an average of 5.46 days. Wound healing assessment by the physician was excellent [mean (range) 94.94 (50.00 – 100.00)]. Low pain level was reported by the patients (mean (SD) 23.21±18.96; [range 0.00 – 95.00]) and persisted in mean for 2.56 days [range 0.00 - 7.00 days]. High satisfaction with the skin closure was reported by patients at discharge (mean (SD) 94.25±7.89 [range 70.00 – 100.00]). No wound healing-related adverse events were observed. Our results showed, that the new quick, absorbable, monofilament suture is appropriate for dermal wound approximation in general surgery and represents a good alternative option to other suture materials which are in common use to close the skin.

Aquarium Portal Technique for PASTA Lesion Repair

The simultaneous arthroscopic exposure of the subacromial and intra-articular space of the shoulder is challenging in the presence of only partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. We present our experience and method of entering the joint through the opened rotator cuff interval from an anterosuperior portal between the coracoid process and anterior acromion. With moderate (approximately 30°) abduction and external rotation, the rotator interval opens readily, offering a view with the camera toward the anterior edge of the supraspinatus tendon. An anterior view on the anterior leading edge of the supraspinatus tendon is obtained, showing the subacromial space above and the glenohumeral space below the tendon, similar to the view in an aquarium. The rotator cuff can be elevated using a rod inserted intra-articularly from posterior, whereas anchors and other instruments may be inserted from lateral. This approach offers the advantages of full exposure of the posterior undersurface of the rotator cuff insertion; a convenient approximately 90° angle between the camera and instruments; and no need to change portals for anchor placement, tendon stitching, or suture handling. The objective of this Technical Note is to describe our arthroscopic repair approach (aquarium technique) to PASTA (partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion) lesions.

Tissue reactivity and suture handling characteristics of "jimat" against silk and chromic gut in cat thigh muscle: A comparative study.

Aim:This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the tissue reactivity and suture handling characteristics of chromic gut, silk, and ‘jimat’ suture materials in cat thigh muscle.Materials and Methods:This experimental study was conducted from November, 2013 to April, 2014 in Kombolcha Animal Diseases Survey, Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Kombolcha, Ethiopia. A total of 36 local breed male cats were randomly assigned into chromic gut, silk, and “jimat” groups of 12 cats each as A, B, and C, respectively. The hind leg muscle biceps femoris was incised and sutured with suture materials according to their groups. The muscle samples with its suture were collected at six different days interval i.e. 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and processed histopathologically to assess the degree of leukocytic infiltration and fibrous and granulation tissue formation (GTF). In addition, all suture materials were evaluated intraoperatively about their handling characteristics, by rating the precision of knot tying, square knot positioning, and resistance to knot slippage. The statistical analysis was done with two-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi-square tests.Results:The histopathology showed that “jimat” thread (2.4±1.2) had produced least leukocytic infiltration than chromic gut (4.5±1.9) and silk (4.3±1.5) sutures during the study period. Higher GTF was seen at day 3 (6 [100%]), 7 (6 [100%]) and day 14 (4 [66.7%]) in all sutures, whereas “jimat” showed significantly (p<0.05) higher fibrous tissue formation (10 [83.3%]) than others. Moreover, “jimat” suture had equal suture handling characteristics (p>0.05) with both chromic gut and silk.Conclusion:The result indicated that a single strand “jimat” thread appears to be the most satisfactory suture material as regards to both tissue reaction and suture handling characteristics for skeletal muscle approximation in cats and provided that studies on its carcinogenic effects should be done.

Box, cable and smartphone: a simple laparoscopic trainer.

Laparoscopic surgery requires different abilities to open surgery, and is challenging to learn within the confines of the operating theatre. With the development of laparoscopic surgery in modern surgery, the importance in improving these skills is becoming an increasing focus of surgical training programmes. The assembly of the laparoscopic trainer and exercises was performed at the University of Sydney Clinical School located at Hornsby Hospital in Sydney, Australia. The objective was to design and construct a new concept smartphone box laparoscopic trainer that is affordable and replicable, and to demonstrate its usefulness in practising laparoscopic techniques to improve skills outside of the operating theatre. The trainer was constructed using a personal smartphone, cardboard box, video graphics array (VGA) adaptor, VGA cable and a computer screen. Laparoscopic instruments and materials used for simulated task exercises were obtained from the operating theatre. Simulated demonstrations of simple laparoscopic tasks included suture handling, instrument knot-tying and anastomotic suture techniques. The smartphone box trainer is inexpensive (approximately $60) and took less than 20minutes to build. The cost was almost entirely for the VGA adaptor. The box trainer was light, portable and easily transported to any setting that provided a computer screen. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-assemble, replicable model that benefits from the advanced technology of personal smartphones, and can be easily accessed as a useful tool in learning and improving laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic surgery requires different abilities to open surgery.

Efeito da remoção seletiva da sutura no astigmatismo nos transplantes de córnea pós-ceratocone

PURPOSE: To analyse the corneal astigmatism after transplantation as well as to demonstrate how post-surgical handling of sutures affects the refractive and visual outcome in patients submitted to cornea transplantation by keratoconus with three to six years of follow-up. METHODS: Non-controlled longitudinal observational secondary clinical study. Fifty records of patients submitted to penetrating keratoplasty between 2000 and 2002 have been reviewed, including 50 eyes of 50 patients operated under the same surgical technique by the same surgeon. Follow-up time ranging [...]

Convergence insufficiency: A treatable cause of problems in microsurgery

Microsurgical training concentrates on the practical mechanisms of performing vessel anastomoses, with little attention given to medical problems that may adversely affect the trainee's performance. Undiagnosed vision problems are rarely considered in microsurgical training, and may not be manifested until other limiting factors, such as basic instrument and suture handling, are mastered. While vision problems tend to be diagnosed and treated immediately among ophthalmology trainees, visual and ocular pathology is poorly understood outside of that specialty. We present a case of a surgeon who had been performing microsurgery for 10 years with an undiagnosed binocular vision problem that consistently affected microsurgical proficiency. Once diagnosed, the problem responded to therapeutic exercises within weeks. We suggest ophthalmologic referral of any surgeon who has unexplained problems with microsurgical technique (especially problems involving stereoscopic vision) to exclude a treatable visual cause.

Arthroscopic Knot Tying Techniques

Summary: The development of arthroscopic shoulder reconstructive procedures has required the passage of sutures and tying of knots down a cannula. Successful accomplishment of this goal requires an understanding of both suture handling and knot tying techniques, in order to avoid tangles in the cannula, premature locking of knots, and inadequate knot seating. This article presents an overview of arthroscopic knot tying techniques. It explains a variety of knots by diagram, and will provide an understanding of the application and use of slip and nonsliding knots in arthroscopic surgery.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 15, No 5 (July-August), 1999: pp 515–521

Initial evaluation of absorbable polydioxanone suture for peripheral vascular surgery

The long-term integrity of an autogenous vascular anastomosis is primarily dependent on the strength of tissue healing; therefore permanent mechanical support of an autogenous anastomosis with sutures is unnecessary. In this study we evaluated monofilament absorbable polydioxanone as an alternative to polypropylene for suturing autogenous vascular tissue during adult peripheral vascular operations. We used polydioxanone suture for 21 vascular procedures in 20 patients. We evaluated suture handling characteristics during operation and then followed patients with clinical assessments and serial duplex scans to monitor for pseudoaneurysms, anastomotic narrowing, and vessel patency. Indications for surgery included limb salvage (67%), dialysis access (23%), traumatic arteriovenous fistula and claudication (5% each). The operative procedures included infrainguinal bypass (57%), arteriovenous fistula formation (24%), thromboembolectomy (14%), and arteriovenous fistula repair (5%). Polydioxanone sutures were placed in 39 separate test sites (35 arterial, 4 venous). No deaths occurred during operation. Polydioxanone suture was found to have handling characteristics similar to polypropylene. During mean patient follow-up of 7.2 +/- 0.6 months, we found no cases of anastomotic narrowing or pseudoaneurysms. Actuarial test site patency at 1, 3, and 6 months was 97%, 97%, and 86%, respectively. Polydioxanone suture has handling properties that are acceptable for use in vascular applications, and it provides adequate mechanical support for sutured vessels to heal. A randomized trial comparing polydioxanone with polypropylene suture will be necessary to determine whether the lack of permanent foreign material in vascular anastomoses can improve long-term patency.