Two-stage Repair Research Articles

Hypospadias surgery: when, what and by whom?

Hypospadias is repaired by paediatric surgeons, paediatric urologists, adult reconstructive urologists and plastic surgeons. This review is unique in representing all four specialities, to provide a unified policy on the management of hypospadias. The surgeon of whichever speciality should have a dedicated interest in this challenging work, ideally having an annual volume of at least 40-50 cases. The ideal time for primary repair is at 6-12 months old, although when this is not practicable there is another opportunity at 3-4 years old. A surgical protocol is presented which emphasises both functional and cosmetic refinement. Using a logical progression of a very few related procedures allows the reliable correction of almost any hypospadias deformity. A one-stage repair is used when the urethral plate does not require transection and its axial integrity can be maintained. Occasionally, when the plate is of adequate width and depth, it can be tubularized directly using the second stage of the two-stage repair. When (usually) the urethral plate is not adequately developed and requires augmentation before it can be tubularized, then that second-stage procedure is modified by adding a dorsal releasing incision +/- a graft (alias Snodgrass and 'Snodgraft' procedures). The two-stage repair offers the most reliable and refined solution for those patients who require transection of the urethral plate and a full circumferential substitution urethroplasty. From available evidence this protocol combines excellent function and cosmesis with optimum reliability. Nevertheless, it would be complacent to assume that these gratifying results will be maintained into adult life. We therefore recommend that there is still a need for active follow-up through to genital maturity.

Left-sided lesions after anatomic repair of transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and coarctation: Surgical factors

ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to identify potential anatomic and surgical factors creating left-sided lesions, namely recoarctation of the aorta and neoaortic regurgitation, after anatomic repair of transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation. MethodsFrom 1983 to September 2002, 109 survivors out of 120 patients were studied. Two-stage repair was performed in 42 patients (group A), and single-stage repair was performed in 67 (groups B and C). Before repair, the diameters of the ascending aorta and main pulmonary artery were measured. In the patients with single-stage repair, coarctation was repaired by extended end-to-end anastomosis in 35 patients (group B) and by pulmonary homograft patch augmentation in 32 patients (group C). The ventricular septal defect was closed through the pulmonary artery in 70 patients and through the right ventricle or atrium in 39 patients. The neoaorto-aortic discrepancy was treated by V-shaped resection of the posterior sinus of Valsalva in 7 cases, pulmonary homograft patch in 32 cases, and anterior splitting of the ascending aorta in all cases. Before discharge from the hospital, neoaortic root and ascending aorta diameters and aortic regurgitation grade were recorded. Neoaortic regurgitation progression and reintervention were the end points of follow-up (97.2 ± 61.2 months). ResultsEarly and late survivals were significantly better in group C (P < .001). Risk factors for neoaortic regurgitation at discharge by univariate analysis were single-stage repair (P < .05) and ventricular septal defect closure through the pulmonary artery (P = .0076). On multivariate analysis, the latter was the only risk factor for neoaortic regurgitation at discharge and at last follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that higher neoaortic root/ascending aorta ratio and ventricular septal defect closure through the pulmonary artery were risk factors for neoaortic regurgitation evolution at last follow-up. There were 29 reinterventions, 19 for recoarctation of the aorta and 10 for neoaortic regurgitation with or without aortic root dilatation. Group B (P < .05), high neoaortic root/ascending aorta ratio (P < .01), and progressive neoaortic regurgitation (P < .05) were risk factors for recoarctation of the aorta. Group A was a risk factor for aortic valve replacement at 10 years (P < .05). ConclusionNeonatal single-stage repair with pulmonary homograft aortic augmentation remains the optimal approach to transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation. It provides better early and late survivals and freedoms from left-sided lesions. Avoidance of late recoarctation of the aorta and progressive neoaortic regurgitation requires meticulous closure of the ventricular septal defect and evenly sized reconstruction of the aorta from root to distal arch.

Two-stage primary repair of bilateral cleft lip incorporating ?prolabial sulcoplasty?

Primary prolabial sulcus reconstruction is an essential step of bilateral cleft lip repair. Prolabial sulcoplasty was routinely done by the author on 52 patients, as a part of two staged “primary” repair of bilateral cleft lip using the Tennison Randal technique, from January 1986 to December 1996 at the Plastic Surgery Department of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India. The author’s technique deepens the prolabial sulcus utilising the whole of existing prolabial-mucosa to form the “gingival” surface and lateral-lip-mucosa for the “labial” surface of the reconstructed gingivobuccal sulcus of the central upper lip. The advantage of this technique is that it provides mucosal lining to the entire deepened prolabial sulcus without disturbing the pre-maxillary periosteum. It also overcomes the various disadvantages of other techniques described earlier mainly for “secondary” sulcoplasty: leaving the premaxilla exposed for re-epithelialisation; leaving redundant mucosa at the prolabial sulcus region; the requirement of an appliance for maintaining the reconstructed sulcus post-operatively. The only disadvantage of this technique is the fact that it could be technically demanding to carry out prolabial mucosal dissection and to apply tacking sutures over the premaxilla.

64: A Two-Staged Repair with Post Auricular Skin Produces the Best Results in Revisional Hypospadias Surgery

64: A Two-Staged Repair with Post Auricular Skin Produces the Best Results in Revisional Hypospadias Surgery

Surgical management of coarctation of the aorta and associated intracardiac defect

To study the efficiency of surgical treatment on coarctation of the aorta and associated with heart defect. From 1994 to 2001, 45 patients with aortic coarctation and associated with heart defect underwent surgical repair. They were divided into two groups: single-stage repair group (26 cases) and two-stage repair group (19 cases). There was mild or severe pulmonary hypertension in 23 cases (with mean pulmonary artery pressure being 56 mm Hg). There were two incisions used in first-stage group (single midline incision in 21 cases and left-side combined midline incision in 5 cases). The mean course for the second operation was 105 days in second-stage group. Two patients died in each group. Twenty-four patients had not blood pressure difference between arm and leg after operation. The mean systolic blood pressure difference was less than 10 mmHg in 10 patients. Mean period of follow-up was 28.6 months. No patients died and had re-coarctation. The operative results showed no difference between single-stage and two-stage repair in surgical correction of aortic coarctation associated intracardiac defect. The left-side combined midline incision in single-stage operation was an effective and safe technique.

Long term follow-up of left ventricular performance and size of the great arteries before and after one- and two-stage arterial switch operation of simple transposition

Long-term angiographic evaluation of left ventricular performance and size of the great arteries after one-stage neonatal versus two-stage arterial switch operation (ASO) of simple transposition. Analysis of cineangiographic studies obtained during the process of two-stage ASO for 34 patients and after neonatal repair for 52 patients. At early follow-up after two-stage ASO the left ventricular enddiastolic volume (LVEDV) was +1.8 standard deviations (S.D.) larger than LVEDV of control patients, but normalized completely (0.0 S.D.) at late follow-up. In contrast, after neonatal repair the LVEDV was always normal, and the median EF was significantly higher than after two-stage ASO (73 vs. 68%). The diameters of the native pulmonary annulus and sinus increased significantly after pulmonary artery banding to +4.5 and +4.8 S.D., respectively. After ASO, a significant decrease of the respective sizes occurred from early to late follow-up (annulus: +6.0 to +2.1 S.D.; sinus: +7.1 to +4.1 S.D.). After neonatal ASO the neoaortic annulus and sinus were only +1.5 and +2.7 S.D. larger than the comparable normal structures. The differences to the two-stage group were significant. In both groups, the neoaortic anastomosis had no diameters significantly different from normal. After one- and two-stage repair, the size of the neopulmonary annulus and sinus decreased similarly in both groups from early to late follow-up (annulus +0.9 to -2.4 S.D.; +0.3 to -2.8 S.D.; sinus: -0.7 to -1.6 S.D.; -0.7 to -1.8 S.D.). Neonatal ASO has definite advantages over two-stage repair concerning LV-performance and the degree of dilation of the neoaortic root. The significantly reduced size of the neopulmonary root after both procedures is remarkable, but fortunately mostly without clinical significance.

Two-stage hypospadias repair: audit in a district general hospital

The number of techniques for hypospadias repair is testament to the challenges associated with this condition. In 1994, the senior author undertook an audit of his repairs using the van der Meulen [Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 59 (1977) 20615] technique and determined that the revision rate of 11% was unsatisfactory and the cosmetic result sub-optimal. He, therefore, retrained and began in 1995, using the two-stage technique popularised by Bracka [Br. J. Plast. Surg. 48 (1995) 345]. We undertook an audit of all corrections performed in the period from September 1995 to March 2002. The computer database in the main theatre suite was used to identify all patients on whom such a repair had been undertaken and those notes retrieved. Data was collected on a number of variables including age at operations, complications such as urinary tract infection and fistulae, and total number of corrective operations. One hundred and nineteen patients were identified, of which seven had no records available. Of the remaining 112, 81 were primary repairs, in whom the complication rate was 2.5% for stage I (graft loss) and 9.8% for stage II (fistula rate 7.4%, stenosis 1.2%, baggy urethra requiring reconstruction 1.2%). The remaining 31 patients were those with unsatisfactory single-stage repairs and in this group, graft loss was seen in three cases (10%). The fistula rate was 4/31 (12.9%) and the stenosis rate 2/31 (6.5%). These results compare favourably with a number of published series from surgeons who have super-specialised in this field. We conclude that the two-stage repair is a useful and reliable technique in the hands of a Plastic Surgeon who has a broader interest.

Hirschsprung's Disease.

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is the most common congenital malformation of the enteric nervous system and requires early diagnosis and surgical repair for the best comprehensive outcome. The early diagnosis of this disorder permits the use of primary endorectal pull-through (PERPT), which is now the definitive surgical therapy for HSCR. PERPT has become the preferred method of treatment for HSCR, and large numbers of successfully treated patients have been described in the recent medical literature. The rate of postoperative complications is generally similar to that following a two-stage surgical repair, but PERPT patients may be at a slightly higher risk for Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis. Despite recent surgical advances in the treatment of HSCR, a two-stage surgical repair involving a temporary diverting colostomy may still be necessary in up to one third of patients. Candidates for a staged repair include those HSCR patients with long-segment or total colonic disease or when there has been a delay in diagnosis that results in a markedly dilated proximal colon or patient clinical instability. Internal anal sphincter hypertonicity, occurring either as isolated primary anal achalasia or as a postoperative complication, can be successfully managed by either botulinum toxin injections or anal myectomy. The measurement of colonic motility in surgically repaired patients with a long-standing postoperative abnormality of bowel function can identify several distinct motility disorders that are amenable to separate and individualized therapies. The single most important element in the management of HSCR remains the clinical judgement of the surgeon of record, who utilizes all discernible clinical data to elect the manner of surgical repair in a given patient.

Two-stage hypospadias repair: a method applicable to all types of hypospadias.

To assess the results of two-stage repair in proximal hypospadias and cases of distal hypospadias with chordee, revision surgery and in circumcised cases. Prospective study. Combined Military Hospital, Kharian and Pano Aqil, from July 1998 to June 2002. Nineteen patients, with distal as well as proximal hypospadias, underwent two-stage hypospadias repair during the last 04 years. Splitting of glans and full thickness grafting was carried out in the first stage. Tubularization was carried out 3-6 months later and the repair was covered with waterproofing layer. The results were evaluated. Distal hypospadias was seen in 13 patients, 06 cases had proximal hypospadias, 08 patients had undergone repair previously by different techniques and 05 cases were circumcised. Chordee was seen in 12 cases. Common age of presentation was below 5 years. Adequate cosmetic and functional results were achieved in all these cases. Fistula occurred in 02 cases and meatal stenosis was seen in 01 case, which responded to regular dilatation. Two-stage hypospadias repair gives excellent cosmetic and functional results in all cases of proximal hypospadias and cases of distal hypospadias with chordee, revision surgery and circumcised cases.

Two-stage repair for proximal hypospadias: a reappraisal.

Great advances have been made in surgery for the correction of hypospadias. Proximal hypospadias remains the greatest challenge, but, despite many innovations and much progress, surgery can fail. Many authorities have introduced single-stage techniques, which have the purported advantage of correcting the defect with minimal hospitalization and family inconvenience. However, the wider published experience with these approaches would suggest that the ideal single-stage procedure has yet to be devised. A substantial number of children undergoing a single-stage procedure will have to undergo further surgery. A small, but irreducible number of patients will be rendered hypospadias "cripples." A number of these children will be dissatisfied as adults because of cosmetic or functional deficiencies. A two-stage approach for correction of proximal hypospadias and severe chordee remains the most credible and reliable solution for many of these patients. Pediatric urologists should maintain familiarity with these techniques and continue to advocate them for a select group of patients.

Parental preference for one-stage versus two-stage surgical repair for children with congenital heart disease.

Little is known regarding parental preference for a one-stage complete repair versus a two-staged approach with initial palliation, followed by repair, of the congenital cardiac malformation. We interviewed 103 parents of healthy children referred to a clinic for pediatric cardiology. Participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario in which their children had a cardiac lesion requiring surgery. The surgery could be performed either by means of one-stage complete repair, or using a two-stage approach, with palliation first followed by complete repair a year later. The mortality rate for the one-stage repair was set at 5%. Participants were asked to choose between the one- and two-stage approaches, with differing mortality rates for the two-stage approach. The scenarios included options when the two-stage combined mortality rate was lower than the one-stage mortality, and the first stage mortality rate was at 1% and 3%, and when the two-stage combined mortality rate was the same as that for one-stage mortality, these being set at 1% and 3%. When the two-stage combined mortality rate was lower than that of the one-stage repair, participants were more likely to choose the two-stage approach if the first stage mortality rate was 1% as compared to 3% (57% and 44%, respectively, p = 0.04). When the two-stage combined mortality rate was the same as the one-stage approach, participants choosing the two-stage approach when the mortality rate was set at 1%, and when it was raised to 3%, were not significantly different (42% and 34%, respectively, p = 0.24). When the combined two-stage mortality was the same as that set for one-stage repair, participants with no insurance were less likely to choose the two-stage approach than those covered by insurance (p = 0.03). In the chosen scenarios, when the mortality for a two-stage combined approach is the same as that for one-staged repair, more parents choose the one-staged repair. If the two-stage combined mortality is lower than that for one-staged repair, parents are more likely to choose the two-stage repair if the mortality for the first stage is lower. When the mortality rates for the one-stage and two-stage approaches are the same, people without insurance are more likely to choose one-staged repair.

Differences in cephalometric and occlusal outcome of cleft palate patients regarding different surgical techniques

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess differences of the long-term results following surgical treatment in patients with cleft palate treated by two different surgical concepts. Patients: Fifty-nine adult patients operated on for cleft palate were examined. Thirty palates were closed by a two stage (Widmaier and Veau) and 29 by a single-stage procedure (Veau's pedicled flap). Methods: Lateral cephalometric and model analysis was performed. In the cephalometric analysis, the vertical and horizontal parameters of the position of maxilla and midface and transverse and sagittal dimensions of the models were compared between the two groups. Results: Model analysis: According to the Bolton analysis the maxillary dental arch was too large in 22 patients in each group. The other patients had mandibular arches that were too large. In 18 patients with two-stage closure and in 9 patients with one-stage closure, a space deficit in the lateral part of the maxilla was observed. Persisting transverse deficits were seen in all patients with two-stage repairs and in 11 patients with one-stage repairs. The deficit was more severe in the molar area in the first group and almost equally severe in the premolar and the molar regions of the second group. A sagittal deficiency was found more often in patients with two-stage repairs while Angle's class I occlusion was seen more often in patients with one-stage surgery. Lateral cephalometry: Similar SNA-angles were seen in both groups whereas the ANB-angle was greater following two-stage repair. In both patient groups a low inclination of the midface was seen. The vertical dimension of the midface in comparison with the lower face was normal in the one-stage group; in the other group a deficiency of the anterior midface height was registered. Conclusion: There was a more severe growth impairment of the midface in patients with this type of two-stage palatal repair. The horizontal deficiency was similar in both groups. The long-term occlusal result revealed smaller sagittal and transverse deficiencies in patients with this type of single-stage closure.

Single-stage reoperative repair of chronic type A aortic dissection using the arch-first technique

Background Management of the enlarged, chronically dissected aorta after previous repair of acute ascending aortic dissection or after a previous cardiac operation may present a formidable technical challenge and the optimal method of management is not clearly established. Methods Twenty-one patients with chronic type A aortic dissection (mean age 57 years) underwent resection of the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and varying segments of the descending thoracic aorta. Single-stage replacement with perfusion of the aortic arch first to minimize the duration of brain ischemia and a bilateral anterior thoracotomy (clamshell) incision were used. Fourteen patients had undergone previous repair of acute type A dissection. Seven patients had type A dissection after aortic valve replacement (3 patients) or coronary artery bypass (4 patients). Marked enlargement of the aorta distal to the left subclavian artery precluded a two-stage repair. The mean interval between the initial and reoperative procedures was 69 months (range, 5 to 249). Results There was 1 (4.8%) hospital death. Four patients required reoperation for bleeding. One patient required a right ventricular assist device that was successfully removed. Ten patients required assisted ventilation for more than 48 hours. All were successfully weaned from ventilatory support. No patient had a stroke or other adverse neurologic outcome. There has been 1 late death (mean follow-up 2 years). Conclusions The single-stage, arch-first replacement technique is a safe and effective procedure for patients who require extensive reoperations for chronic expanding type A dissection.

Tetralogy of Fallot.

The optimal surgical approach and timing for patients with tetralogy of Fallot remain controversial. There are two options in current practice: a two-stage repair (an initial palliative aortopulmonary shunt at an early age followed by complete repair at an older age) or primary complete repair. There has been a trend towards primary repair at a young age, which can be attributed to advances in anesthetic and cardiac surgical techniques. Primary repair has several advantages. The correction can be done in one operation and shunt complications are avoided. Progressive right ventricular fibrosis, ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia are avoided, which may reduce the incidence of late ventricular arrhythmias. However, surgical correction at a young age is associated with an increased incidence of transannular patching and consequent pulmonary regurgitation. Progressive pulmonary regurgitation is associated with late ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. These consequences may be prevented by timely pulmonary valve replacement. Palliative procedures include an aortopulmonary shunt, balloon dilation of the right ventricular tract, and stent placement. Of these measures, the aortopulmonary shunt is preferred, as it results in a more predictable outcome. Complications associated with shunt placement include shunt occlusion, pulmonary artery distortion, and occasionally, volume overloading of the left ventricle and pulmonary circulation. Institutional and surgeon preferences exist for either surgical strategy, and ultimately are justifiable when they produce the best outcomes for the individual patient. The optimal surgical strategy has to be determined by large prospective randomized studies that compare the functional status of the pulmonary valve and the need for reoperation at long-term follow-up.

How cost-effective is it to leave perineal skin unsutured?

This paper describes a cost-effectiveness evaluation based on a randomized controlled trial comparing two policies for surgical repair of perineal trauma. Data were collected for 1780 women who were randomly allocated to either a two-stage postpartum perineal repair policy leaving the skin unsutured (n=890) or a three-stage postpartum perineal repair policy that required suturing of the skin (n=890). The two-stage postpartum perineal repair policy was found to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes at 10days and at 3months, without leading to a significant increase in health-care costs. A widespread adoption of a two-stage postpartum perineal repair policy leaving the skin unsutured following perineal trauma is likely to represent a cost-effective use of health-care resources.

A multi-institutional analysis of laparoscopic orchidopexy.

To combine and analyse the results from centres with a large experience of laparoscopy for the impalpable testis with small series, to determine the expected success rate for laparoscopic orchidopexy. A questionnaire was distributed to participating paediatric urologists; each contributor retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts for their cases of therapeutic laparoscopy for an impalpable testis, detailing 36 variables for each patient. The data were collated centrally into a computerized database. For inclusion, the testis was intra-abdominal (including 'peeping' at the internal ring) at laparoscopic examination, was not managed through an open approach and did not undergo orchidectomy. Three surgical groups were assessed, with success defined as lack of atrophy and intrascrotal position: group 1, primary laparoscopic orchidopexy; group 2, a one-stage Fowler-Stephens (F-S) orchidopexy; and group 3, a two-stage F-S orchidopexy. Data were gathered from 10 centres in the USA, covering the period 1990-1999; 252 patients representing 310 testes were included and overall, 15.2% were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between success rates in the larger and smaller series. Atrophy occurred in 2.2% of 178 testes, 22.2% of 27 testes and 10.3% of 58 testes in groups 1-3, respectively. Testes were not in a satisfactory scrotal position in 0.6%, 7.4% and 1.7% of groups 1-3, respectively. The mean follow-up for each group was 7.7, 8.6 and 20.0 months, respectively. The overall success for all groups was 92.8% (97.2% group 1; 74.1% group 2; 87.9% group 3), with an atrophy rate of 6.1%. Laparoscopic orchidopexy for the intra-abdominal testis, in both large and small series, can be expected to have a success rate higher than that historically ascribed to open orchidopexy. Within this series, single-stage F-S laparoscopic orchidopexy resulted in a significantly higher atrophy rate than the two-stage repair. However, when considering both F-S approaches, the laparoscopic approach gave greater success than previously reported for the same open approaches. Despite the weaknesses inherent in a retrospective unrandomized study, we conclude that laparoscopic orchidopexy is, if not the procedure of choice, an acceptable and successful approach to the impalpable undescended testicle.

Hypospadias: a critical analysis of cosmetic outcomes using photography

To analyse the cosmetic outcome of hypospadias surgery using photography, rather than the classical assessment by reoperation rate secondary to fistula, diverticulum, stenosis and residual penile curvature. The study included 181 consecutive patients with hypospadias who underwent surgery between 1997 and 1999. Distal hypospadias (47) was repaired using either the 'meatal advancement and glanuloplasty' or the glans approximation procedure. Proximal hypospadias (68) was repaired using the onlay island-flap technique with preservation of the urethral plate. Penile curvature when present was corrected by dorsal plication ( approximately 20%). Two patients with perineal hypospadias required a two-stage repair. Complex repeat repairs (36) were defined as those patients who had undergone previous surgery 1-7 times and required a new urethroplasty by a secondary onlay island-flap technique. The follow-up ranged from 6 months to 3 years. Photographs of the penis were taken before, immediately and 3-12 months after surgery; these were assessed to document objectively the cosmetic outcome. The final photographs were evaluated for overall appearance, a mucosal collar, the location and configuration of the meatus. The standard was to create a penis that would pass cosmetically as a normal circumcised penis. The patients who had chordee without hypospadias (15) and fistula repair (13) did not undergo glanuloplasty and therefore were not included in the final photographic analysis; this left 153 patients with follow-up photographs. There were five cases of urethral fistula (7%) and one of meatal stenosis (1%) in the proximal group, and three of fistula (8%) and two meatal stenosis (6%) in the complex group. The distal group had one complication (haematoma) and the two-stage group had no complications. Analysis of the photographs showed that most patients had the appearance of a normal circumcised penis. Not unexpectedly, the patients who had undergone previous surgery had the least satisfactory results (60% appearing normal) compared with the proximal and distal groups (76% and 82% appearing normal, respectively). Hypospadias can be repaired safely with few complications in a single stage in most patients. Classical complications such as fistula and stenosis occur in < 10% of patients, including those undergoing complex revisions. Cosmetic outcomes are generally good and photography is an objective means to document the appearance.

The Ipswich childbirth study: one year follow up of alternative methods used in perineal repair

Objective To assess the long term implications of four alternative approaches to postpartum perineal repair. Design A stratified randomised controlled trial using a 2x2 factorial design. Setting Original recruitment at the Maternity Unit at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, a district general hospital, between 1992 and 1994. Sample Seven hundred and ninety three women who had participated in the Ipswich Childbirth Study – a trial among women who had required repair of episiotomy or first or second degree tears – at least one year previously. Methods Self-completed postal follow up at least one year after recruitment to trial comparing 1. two-stage repair leaving the skin unsutured with standard three-stage repair, and 2. polyglactin 910 with chromic catgut as suture material for the repair. Main outcome measures Failure to resume pain-free intercourse; persistent perineal pain; perineum feeling different; resuturing; time to resume pain-free intercourse; and dyspareunia. Results Fewer women allocated two-stage repair reported that the perineum felt different (30% versus 40%; RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.91; 2 P<0.01); otherwise there were no clear differences between the two methods. Women allocated polyglactin 910 were less likely to have dyspareunia (8% versus 13%; RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.91; 2 P= 0.02) and less likely to fail to resume pain-free intercourse (8% versus 14%; RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.87; 2 P<0.01). Conclusion Two-stage repair of perineal trauma leaving the skin unsutured appears to reduce the likelihood of the perineum feeling different from before delivery, in addition to less pain and dyspareunia initially; there were no apparent disadvantages. Polyglactin 910 reduces dyspareunia long term, indicating that the short term benefits of this material over chromic catgut persist.

Interrupted aortic arch: One-stage or two-stage repair?

Interrupted aortic arch: One-stage or two-stage repair?

Repair of isolated multiple muscular ventricular septal defects: the septal obliteration technique

Background. Isolated multiple ventricular septal defects (mVSDs) remain a surgical challenge. The dilemma of whether to perform a complete repair ultimately rests with the surgeon, who must decide if all significant septal defects can be located. Avoidance of a pulmonary arterial band (as part of a two-stage repair) will negate the need for future pulmonary arterial reconstruction and will reduce the incidence of late right ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of hospital and echocardiographic data of eight children who underwent a septal obliteration technique (SOT) as part of their correction of mVSDs (with and without coarctation of the aorta). Results. Eight children with a mean age of 10.5 months (range 1.5 to 36 months), and weight of 6.2 kg (range 2.1 to 13.5 kg), respectively, underwent correction of mVSDs. All had a single, large, perimembranous defect, additional VSDs within the muscular trebecular septum (juxtaposed to the moderator band), and apical mVSDs. All VSDs were repaired via the right atrium, with avoidance of either a right or left ventriculotomy. The posterior and apical defects were excluded from the right ventricular cavity with a pericardial patch (SOT). The follow-up period remains limited to a mean of 20.9 months (8 to 39 months). Two children repaired with SOT had previous pulmonary artery bands (neonatal coarctation repair). All children were successfully discharged home with a mean postoperative Qp:Qs of 1.09:1. One pacemaker was required, but this child has since reverted back to normal sinus rythm. Conclusions. Our initial experience using the SOT in the treatment of apical VSDs as a component of isolated mVSDs has been rewarding. All children are currently alive, in normal sinus rhythm, and have no residual significant left-to-right shunts.