Knot-tying Technique Research Articles

Simple and safe thoracoscopic repair of neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia by a new modified knot-tying technique.

Clinical outcomes in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) may be improved by thoracoscopic repair. However, the limited domain and large diaphragmatic defects in neonates are obstacles. Here, we present a special knot-tying technique that facilitates a safe and efficient thoracoscopic CDH repair in neonates. An extracorporeal slip knot is assembled after a stitch through the diaphragmatic edge, one end of the string is pulled, and the knot slides to reach the diaphragm easily without a knot-pusher. Then two more uncomplicated single-loop knots are performed to secure its tightness intrathoracically. Twenty-six consecutive neonates with CDH were treated by this technique. The technical advantages and clinical outcomes were evaluated. All 26 patients were treated successfully, including 6 patch-repairs and 1 case with associated extra-lobar pulmonary sequestration. The mean operative times with and without patch-repair were 149 ± 26min and 95 ± 25min, respectively. All cases were completed without conversion. No recurrence was observed at a median follow-up of 13.7months (range 5.8-29.8months). This special knot-tying technique is easy to learn and does not require any additional devices. It is a simple and accessible technique that can facilitate thoracoscopic repair of neonatal CDH within the limited space and with patch-repair.

Application of an Extracorporeal-Assisted Intracorporeal Sliding Knot-Tying Technique in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children.

Background: A retrospective study was carried out to determine the feasibility and safety of an extracorporeal-assisted intracorporeal sliding knot-tying technique in minimally invasive surgery in children. Materials and Methods: From June 2009 to December 2017, a total of 333 cases of pediatric minimally invasive surgery were performed using the extracorporeal-assisted intracorporeal sliding knot-tying technique. Polyester, polyglactin, and polydioxanone sutures were used for suturing and knotting. The average time used for knotting was recorded during the surgery. The patients were followed up for unraveled knots and recurrence of the diseases. Results: All 333 surgical procedures were performed successfully, including 152 cases of thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair, 151 cases of thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication, 7 cases of thoracoscopic esophageal anastomosis, and 23 cases of laparoscopic esophageal hiatal hernia fundoplication. No serious complications or mortalities were observed. Twelve-month to 9-year follow-up showed that all pediatric patients recovered well and no recurrence or unraveled knots were found. Conclusions: This new knot-tying technique is safe and feasible for various minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries, especially for suturing tissues under tension, such as thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair, laparoscopic esophageal hiatal hernia repair, and fundoplication. All types of sutures can be used for this knot-tying technique. It is easy to learn and can be quickly mastered by doctors with endoscopic surgery experience.

Simulation platforms to assess laparoscopic suturing skills: a scoping review.

Laparoscopic suturing (LS) has become a common technique used in a variety of advanced laparoscopic procedures. However, LS is a challenging skill to master, and many trainees may not be competent in performing LS at the end of their training. The purpose of this review is to identify simulation platforms available for assessment of LS skills, and determine the characteristics of the platforms and the LS skills that are targeted. A scoping review was conducted between January 1997 and October 2018 for full-text articles. The search was done in various databases. Only articles written in English or French were included. Additional studies were identified through reference lists. The search terms included "laparoscopic suturing" and "clinical competence." Sixty-two studies were selected. The majority of the simulation platforms were box trainers with inanimate tissue, and targeted basic suturing and intracorporeal knot-tying techniques. Most of the validation came from internal structure (rater reliability) and relationship to other variables (compare training levels/case experience,and various metrics). Consequences were not addressed in any of the studies. We identified many types of simulation platforms that were used for assessing LS skills, with most being for assessment of basic skills. Platforms assessing the competence of trainees for advanced LS skills were limited. Therefore, future research should focus on development of LS tasks that better reflect the needs of the trainees.

Does Medial-Row Fixation Technique Affect the Retear Rate and Functional Outcomes After Double-Row Transosseous-Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair?

Background:Double-row transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair techniques have been widely accepted because of their superior biomechanical properties when compared with arthroscopic single-row repair. Concerns regarding repair overtensioning with medial-row knot tying have led to increased interest in knotless repair techniques; however, there is a paucity of clinical data to guide the choice of technique.Hypothesis:Arthroscopic TOE repair techniques using knotless medial-row fixation will demonstrate lower retear rates and greater improvements in the Constant score relative to conventional knot-tying TOE techniques.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A systematic review of 3 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase) was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies that examined repair integrity or Constant scores after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with TOE techniques. Two investigators independently screened results for relevant articles. Data regarding the study design, surgical technique, retear rate, and Constant shoulder score were extracted from eligible studies. A quality assessment of all articles was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.Results:The systematic review identified a total of 32 studies (level of evidence, 1-4) that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 32 studies, 5 reported on knotless TOE techniques, 25 reported on knot-tying TOE techniques, and 2 reported on both. In the knotless group, retear rates ranged from 6% to 36%, and Constant scores ranged from 38-65 (preoperative) to 73-83 (postoperative). In the knot-tying group, retear rates ranged from 0% to 48%, and Constant scores ranged from 42-64 (preoperative) to 55-96 (postoperative).Conclusion:Despite several theoretical advantages of knotless TOE repair, both knotless and knot-tying techniques reported considerable improvement in functional outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Although tendon failure rates showed a downward trend in knotless studies, additional prospective studies are warranted to better understand the role of medial-row fixation on tendon repair integrity and postoperative clinical outcomes.

Usefulness of the knot-tightener device following dural suturing in endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: technical report.

Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) has become a well-established standard surgical technique, but the cerebrospinal fluid leakage remains controversial. Direct suturing of the dura, which is a routine procedure within transcranial surgery, can be applied for closure of the sella turcica within TSS. However, as the dura is not accessible by the index finger, knot tying in the narrow and deep surgical corridor following dural suturing is extremely difficult, cumbersome, and time-consuming in TSS. Here, we present a new, simple, and effective technique for knot tying using our newly developed instrument the "knot tightener" (UC-6603: Medical U & A, Inc., Osaka, Japan) to solve this challenge. The knot tightener has a total length of 235mm and is bayonet shaped. The tip is 5 × 10mm in diameter and has one long arm and two short curved arms. The long arm has a dimple which can hook and hold a thread, fulfilling the role of an index finger. Together the two short curved arms make a half circle and are able to hook a thread easily. From the 28th of March 2011 to August 2018, we used the knot-tightener device for 566 patients who underwent endonasal TSS, to deliver and tie knots following stitching of the dura using 6-0 nylon. The device was able to easily deliver a knot from outside of the nostril to the sella turcica through the nasal cavity and successfully tighten it firmly. No complications were observed, confirming the safety of the newly designed instrument. The knot tightener can be considered to be an optimal tool for the challenging surgical procedure of knot tying following dural suturing in TSS. Its potential future applications may extend to include other neurosurgical procedures in anatomically restricted areas.

Anatomical Outcomes Based on Suturing Technique During Vaginal Mesh Attachment in Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

In this study, we assessed the difference in anatomical outcomes using the barbed, self-anchoring, delayed absorbable suture when compared with the traditional knot-tying interrupted suture technique during vaginal mesh attachment in robotic sacrocolpopexy. In addition, we compared the rates of mesh erosion with the 2 techniques. This is a retrospective cohort study of 131 women who underwent minimally invasive robotic sacrocolpopexy at 2 sites. There were 65 subjects at site 1 (barbed, self-anchoring, delayed absorbable suture) and 66 from site 2 (traditional knot-tying technique). The primary outcome was anatomical success (measured by all Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System points <0 postsurgery) in the barbed suture technique at site 1 compared with the traditional knot-tying technique at site 2. The secondary outcome was mesh erosion rates at these sites. In the barbed suture group, performed at site 1, 98% (n = 59/60) had postoperative success at the 3-month follow-up period compared with 62% (n = 40/65) in the traditional knot-tying group at site 2 during the 12-month postoperative follow-up (P < 0.0001). During this time period, 2% (n = 1) in the barbed suture group and 8% (n = 5) in the traditional knot-tying group experienced sacrocolpopexy mesh erosion (P = 0.208). Our results indicate that the barbed, self-anchoring, delayed absorbable suture is associated with less anatomical failures compared with traditional knot tying. The use of barbed suture is a safe technique and can be adopted in place of the traditional knot-tying technique. We also found less mesh erosion in the barbed suture group.

A comparison of novel laparoscopic suturing techniques in single-port surgery

Objective: To compare the vaginal cuff closure times of a newly developed Turkish-made laparoscopic needle holder (TMLNH) and a Yoon Soon (YS) extracorporeal knot tying technique in the closure of the vaginal cuff during single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy.Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 60 consecutive patients who underwent single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy using a TMLNH (n = 30) or a YS extracorporeal knot tying technique (n = 30).Results: The patients’ demographic data, operative results, and complications were analyzed. Operative time and the time required for vaginal cuff suturing were significantly shorter in the TMLNH group than in the YS extracorporeal knot tying group (60.1 ± 3.2 vs. 77.3 ± 6.0 min, p = .001 and 24.5 ± 3.7 vs. 36.3 ± 3.8 min, p = .001, respectively). The intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable in both groups.Conclusion: The use of TMLNH for vaginal cuff closure in single-port hysterectomy reduced the operative time and the time required for vaginal cuff suturing. However, both TMLNH and YS extracorporeal knot-tying technique may enable the surgeons to overcome the surgical challenges of SPA surgery.

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THE BIPOLAR RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION DEVICE FOR HEMOSTASIS IN THYROIDECTOMY IN COMPARISON WITH THE CONVENTIONAL KNOT-TYING TECHNIQUE

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THE BIPOLAR RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION DEVICE FOR HEMOSTASIS IN THYROIDECTOMY IN COMPARISON WITH THE CONVENTIONAL KNOT-TYING TECHNIQUE Sadq Ghaleb Kadem*, Sarmad Manea Habash# & Mohammed Khalaf Raheem@ *#@MB,ChB, FICMS, Department of Surgery, Al-Shiffa General Hospital, Basrah, IRAQ Abstract The conventional method of hemostasis by using knot-tying technique is safe and effective in thyroid surgery but it is time consuming. A new energy devices like ultrasonic scalpel and advanced bipolar electrosurgical cautery have been proven to be safe and effective in shortening the length of thyroid surgery but the high cost of these advanced generators that designed to work only with an expensive disposable hand pieces, make its use difficult to justify in some hospitals. Radiofrequency ablation device is a refined type of electrosurgical cautery that utilizes a wave of electrons at a frequency between 2 and 4MHz to seal and divide the targeted tissue and the ablation property of this device act as an extra vessel sealing effect, it can be used with conventional reusable bipolar electrosurgical cautery hand pieces. The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a simple bipolar radiofrequency ablation device for hemostasis in thyroidectomy in comparison with the conventional knot-tying technique. This study was conducted in Alshiffa General Hospital following the approval of the local ethical committee. Fifty patients with different thyroid gland pathologies underwent total thyroidectomy in which hemostasis was achieved mainly with bipolar radiofrequency ablation device. The results of this group were compared with results of conventional knot-tying technique by the same surgical team at an earlier period. This study showed that bipolar radiofrequency ablation device significantly reduced; mean operative time, amount of foreign suture material, significant reduction in the mean volume of postoperative drainage, early patient discharge from hospital, and less complications. In conclusion, the use of the bipolar radiofrequency ablation device with conventional reusable bipolar cautery forceps for hemostasis in thyroidectomy is a safe, simple technique and effective in reducing the operative time in comparison with the conventional knot-tying technique.

Long-term Outcome of Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Sutured Scleral-Fixated Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation or Repositioning

To assess the long-term stability of sutured scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOLs) performed in combination with pars plana vitrectomy. Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series. Retrospective single-surgeon study of 118 eyes of 111 patients seen at Retina Consultants of Hawaii, who underwent sutured scleral fixation of at least 1 haptic of a posterior chamber intraocular lens with 10-0 polypropylene combined with a pars plana vitrectomy. The fixation knot-tying technique required 2 separate 10-0 polypropylene sutures tied into 1 combined knot-1 suture closed the fixation sclerotomy and created the scleral fixation, and 1 suture looped together around the haptic of the PCIOL, securing the haptic to the scleral fixation site. The primary outcomes were position of the PCIOL at last follow-up, dislocation of either 1 or both haptics of the PCIOL, and breakage of the 10-0 polypropylene fixation suture. PCIOLs remained well stabilized and positioned at last follow-up in 116 of 118 eyes (98.3%), with a mean follow-up of 6.0 years. The maximum stable follow-up with 2 intact fixation sutures was 24.75 years. There were 4 cases of redislocation (3.4%), but 2 cases were owing to unstable residual capsular support. There was 1 case of suture breakage in 214 fixation sutures (0.47%) and 1 case of haptic breakage. Scleral fixation sutures with 10-0 polypropylene provide excellent long-term fixation of PCIOLs, with a less than 0.5% incidence of suture breakage and documented suture stability for up to 24+ years.

Sutureless focus harmonic thyroidectomy versus conventional clamping and knot-tying technique

Background: Thyroidectomy is the most frequent procedure in endocrine surgery. Since thyroid is the highly vascular organ, therefore, prompt and meticulous hemostasis is extremely important. Although conventional thyroidectomy is used frequently with acceptable outcomes, it is time-consuming and resulted in significant intraoperative blood loss with possible risk of injury to parathyroid glands and laryngeal nerves. The advent of ultrasonically activated focus harmonic device in thyroid surgery was encouraging for improving safety, effectiveness, and reduction of operative time. Aim of this Study: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and surgical outcomes of using ultrasonic harmonic scalpel for thyroid surgery compared to conventional techniques (clamping and suture ligation (knots tying) and electrocautery. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective, randomized study in which 64 patients with various types of goiters presented for thyroidectomy. The patients were divided into two comparable groups. Group A (32 patients) included patients who had focus harmonic thyroidectomy and Group B (32 patients) included patients who received conventional thyroidectomy. Results: Focus harmonic thyroidectomy showed significant reduction in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, volume of postoperative fluid drainage, and postoperative pain scores compared with conventional thyroidectomy. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia and laryngeal nerve injury between both the groups. The total cost of focus harmonic thyroidectomy and hospital stay were also less compared with conventional techniques. Conclusions: Focus harmonic thyroidectomy was a safe, effective, faster, and beneficial alternative to conventional technique since it reduces the time of surgery, blood loss, postoperative drainage, and pain with comparable postoperative complications.

Different Blocking Sequences Performed by Laparoscopy

Study ObjectiveTo demonstrate the application of different knot blocking sequences in laparoscopic surgery. DesignA step-by-step demonstration of different blocking sequences performed by laparoscopic surgery (Canadian Task Force classification III). SettingPrivate hospital in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. InterventionThe correct placement of one knot over the other is rarely taught in the surgical literature. Laparoscopic knot-tying techniques may be performed using one hand (monomanual technique) or alternating both hands (bimanual technique). Rotation of the needle holders around the thread (clockwise or counterclockwise rotation) is very important to have a symmetric or an asymmetric configuration of the knot, which affects the stability of the entire knot sequence. The monomanual knot-tying technique needs to alternate the rotation of the needle holder, and the bimanual technique does not when performing half knots (square or flat knots). The half hitch is an asymmetric knot that is obtained when the surgeon makes asymmetric traction on one thread (passive thread) and place the knot using the other thread (active thread). To block 2 half hitches, the surgeon needs to change the active and the passive threads. Beginners in laparoscopy commonly make mistakes tying knots, leading to an insecure knot sequence that may slip and/or open under minimal forces. In this video, we demonstrate different types of blocking sequences performed by laparoscopy applied in different surgical procedures. Ethics Committee approval was obtained for this video. ConclusionKnot-tying is a basic surgical skill that must be mastered by all laparoscopists.

Vaginal Cuff Closure in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: A Review of Training, Techniques, and Materials.

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed each year and can be indicated for many gynecologic conditions. The development of minimally invasive surgery has transformed this procedure, resulting in improved outcomes, superior cosmesis, and quicker return to normal function. Vaginal cuff closure is a critical component of hysterectomy, with many variations in surgical technique and materials. This review provides an overview of intracorporeal suturing and knot-tying techniques at the level of a junior resident in obstetrics and gynecology and describes several validated models that have been developed to test resident skill level in vaginal cuff closure. We also provide a review of the literature regarding vaginal cuff closure techniques and suture materials, including knotless barbed sutures. Finally, a brief discussion of single-site surgery, the latest development in minimally invasive hysterectomy, will be provided. We hope to provide a better understanding of vaginal cuff closure for residents in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Securing extraocular muscles in strabismus surgery: biomechanical analysis of knot-tying technique

The safe and precise reattachment of extraocular muscles requires a technical approach that minimizes any opportunity for the muscle to slip intraoperatively or postoperatively while minimizing surgical risk. Biomechanical testing can provide important quantitative information about the tensile properties of different knot configurations that may inform surgical technique. A precision digital force gauge was used to assess the tensile strength created by different knot tying techniques and configurations in human sclera using 6-0 polyglactin 910 suture. The mean tensile strengths of the first knot throw formed with either one, two, or three loops, with widely separated scleral tunnels, were 5 g, 10 g, or 27 g, respectively. When the scleral tunnels are closely spaced in a "cross-swords" fashion, the mean strength of a first throw made with two loops increased to 385 g. If a first throw with two conventional loops was cinched against one of the scleral tunnels or a reversed first loop is used, the mean tensile strength increased to 112 g or 381 g, respectively, even with widely spaced scleral tunnels. Proper cinching or minor modification of the first knot throw provides excellent tensile strength, even with short, widely spaced scleral tunnels, comparable to that achieved with the technically more demanding crossed swords technique. Conventional, noncinched first throws are prone to slip at low force when scleral tunnels are widely separated, though the resistance increases as the number of loops increases.

Knot integrity using different suture types and different knot-tying techniques for reconstructive pelvic floor procedures.

Surgeons use a variety of sutures and knot-tying methods during pelvic reconstructive procedures. We hypothesized that knot-strength integrity will be similar with regards to type of knot, type of suture, and the knot-tying process. Using six different suture materials, flat square knots and slip knots were tied robotically and by hand by two surgeons. Knot integrity was evaluated using an Instron 5544 machine. We measured force and elongation at suture failure or knot slippage (whichever came first) as well as force at 3-mm displacement. Four hundred and thirty-two knots were tie; one unraveled before the analysis, and 431 were tested. Three hundred and ninety-two knots reached or surpassed tensile strength of 30N, the force at which tissue itself will fail. Knots tied with polyglyconate suture achieved the greatest tensile strength and those with OO-polydioxanone had the lowest. Hand-tied knots, regardless of technique and suture material, had greater tensile strength but greater elongation than robotically tied knots. Slip knots and flat square knots have similar integrity regardless of the tying technique. Hand-tied knots had greater tensile strength than robotic knots, but the strength to break all knots required supraphysiological conditions. The decision to use a specific type of suture based on strength is not supported by our results, suggesting that surgeons may choose sutures based on other characteristics and personal comfort.

Extracorporeal instrument knotting technique for minimal access thoracic surgery.

Knot-tying technique is essential for surgery. We described here a novel instrument knotting technique that is simple, safe and useful in minithoracotomy. This technique was used on 14 consecutive patients that underwent selective minithoracotomy during the past half year. Both knot security and loop security could be easily achieved with this technique. No unraveling or dislodgement of the knot was noted. This method is simple, convenient and reliable to achieve secure flat square knots in limited, deep operating spaces. Its clinical advantages render it as a promising knot-tying technique that can be routinely used in a variety of thoracic surgery.

Microneurosurgical Skills Training.

Microneurosurgical operations differ from other surgery. Longer operative time, narrow and deep-seated operative corridors, hand-eye coordination, fine manipulation, and physiologic tremor present special problems. Proper understanding of visual feedback, control of physiologic tremor, better instrument design, and development of surgical skills with better precision is important for optimal surgical results. Using the pen-type precision grip with well-supported arm, wrist, hand, and fingers avoids fatigue and improves precision. Proper instrument design, patient positioning, hemostasis techniques, tilting operative table, good operative microscope, an adjustable chair, careful use of suction tube, bipolar forceps, and brain retraction play important roles in microneurosurgery. Sufficient clinical case volume or opportunity during routine operative hours may not be available in the beginning for young neurosurgeons; microsurgical training using various models can enable them to gain experience. Training models using deep-seated and narrow operative corridors, drilling, knot-tying technique, and anastomosis using fine sutures under high magnification can be practiced for skill improvement. Training laboratory and simulation modules can be useful for resident training and skill acquisition. Indigenously made inexpensive models and comparatively less expensive microscopes can be used in resource-constrained situations. The maintenance of microsurgical ability should be preserved by staying active in operative practice. The knowledge of ergonomics, proper training, observing hand movements of skillful surgeons, and the use of operative videos can improve skill. Endoscopic assistance, computer-assisted robot hand technique, and microtechnology can provide access to the smallest areas of the body.

Current Practice and Outcomes of Thoracoscopic Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair: A Multi-institutional Analysis in Japan.

In order to better understand the current practice and outcomes of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia (EA)/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), a multi-institutional analysis was conducted among seven Japanese institutes. A survey was sent to the seven institutes regarding the surgical technique, postoperative management, and outcomes of thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF. The operation was uniformly performed via an intrapleural approach in the 0-45° prone position. The TEF was occluded with suture ligature in four (57.1%) institutes and clips in the remaining three (42.9%) institutes. Anastomosis was performed using the extracorporeal knot-tying technique in four institutes and the intracorporeal technique in three institutes. Patients were routinely left intubated and paralyzed for 3-7 days postoperatively in four institutes. In total, 58 patients underwent thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF. Fifty-two (89.7%) of the patients underwent successful thoracoscopic repair. Six (10.3%) operations were converted to open thoracotomy because of a long gap (n=4), right aortic arch (n=1), and intraoperative instability (n=1). The body weight at operation ranged from 1.2 to 4.6 kg, and the operative time ranged from 115 to 428 minutes. There were no major intraoperative complications. Eleven patients (19.0%) suffered from anastomotic leakage. Twenty-eight patients (48.3%) developed anastomotic stricture. One patient died during the postoperative period because of an unrelated disease. Recurrent TEF developed in three patients (5.2%). Thirteen patients (22.4%) later required fundoplication. The outcome of thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF was comparable to that of the open procedure. As considerable variability was observed among the seven institutes with respect to the surgical technique and management, standardizing the surgical management may improve the outcome.

Towards a better knot: Using mechanics methods to evaluate three knot-tying techniques in laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery.

INTRODUCTION:Knot tying is difficult but important for laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). There are several techniques for LESS knot-tying. However, objective assessment of these skills has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to assess three different knot-tying techniques in LESS using mechanical methods.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The subject tied 24 knots, eight knots with each of the three techniques in an inanimate box laparoscopic trainer while the movements of their instruments were evaluated using a LESS mechanical evaluation platform. The operations were assessed on the basis of the time, average load of the dominant hand. Then, forces caused the knots to rupture were measured using a material testing system and used to compare the knots's strength.RESULTS:The intracorporeal one-hand knot-tying technique presented significantly better time and average load scores than the extracorporeal knot-tying technique (P < 0.01), and the intracorporeal side winding technique was more time and average load consuming in comparison to other techniques during the performance of knot-tying (P < 0.01). The intracorporeal one-handed knot-tying knots can tolerate better distraction forces compared with the intracorporeal side winding knot-tying knots and the extracorporeal knot-tying knots (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:The intracorporeal one-hand knot-tying technique and knots showed better results than the intracorporeal “side winding” technique and the extracorporeal knot-tying technique in terms of the time, average load taken and the force caused the knot to rupture.

Laparoscopic Repair of Duodenal Atresia in a Low Birth Weight Neonate

The small volume of the infant abdomen limits the application of laparoscopic procedures. We successfully repaired a duodenal atresia in a 2-kg female infant using a standard diamond-shaped anastomosis and intracorporeal suturing and knot-tying techniques. Anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation assured adequate gas exchange during pneumoperitoneum during the procedure.

Single-operator knot-tying by knot-pusher for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

We describe a single-operator knot-tying technique using a knot-pusher for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. With this technique, the surgeon is able to control the tension on both suture ends in tightening knots without the aid of an assistant.