Use Of Barbed Suture Research Articles

Overcoming the learning curve of single-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy with barbed suture: a single surgeon's initial experience.

IntroductionSingle-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) has not been widely used because of its technical difficulty and steep learning curve, especially the laparoscopic suturing of the vaginal stump. Barbed suturing is a new technology that has the potential to greatly facilitate laparoscopic suturing.AimTo compare surgical outcomes and vaginal vault healing between barbed sutures and traditional sutures in the repair of the vaginal vault during single-port TLH.Material and methodsBetween August 2013 and June 2015, we performed single-port TLH in 85 consecutive patients for benign or premalignant gynecological conditions. The first 48 patients underwent single-port TLH with traditional interrupted sutures, and the next 37 patients underwent single-port TLH with absorbable unidirectional knotless barbed sutures for repair of the vaginal vault.ResultsThe patient characteristics (age, body mass index), procedures performed, uterine weight, and uterine disease were similar between the groups. There were no differences in blood loss, hemoglobin change, length of hospital stay, or perioperative complications. Operative time and the time required for vaginal cuff suturing were significantly shorter in the barbed suture group than in the traditional suture group (57.8 ±13.5 vs. 80.1 ±18.7 min, p < 0.001; 5.5 ±1.7 vs. 12.9 ±3.5 min, p < 0.001). Moreover, the use of barbed sutures significantly reduced the incidence of vaginal granulation tissue formation (2.7% vs. 35.4%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsUse of barbed sutures in single-port TLH reduced the operative time, suturing time of the vaginal vault, and formation of vaginal granulation tissue. Barbed suturing may help overcome surgical difficulties and vaginal cuff complications.

Shorter overall operative time when barbed suture is used in primary laparoscopic gastric bypass: A cohort study of 25,006 cases

BackgroundClosing the remaining opening in a linear stapled anastomosis, for example in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), can be challenging. ObjectivesTo evaluate if the novel unidirectional barbed suture (BS) is of value in LRYGB compared with polyfilament (PS) suture. We have compared operative time, early complications, and length of stay, as well as anastomotic strictures and small bowel obstruction during the first year. SettingRetrospective study from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg). MethodsA nationwide cohort of 25,006 primary LRYGB (2211 BS and 22,795 PS) from SOReg were studied. No preoperative differences in age or gender were noted; however, BS patients had lower Body Mass Index (BMI) (41.3 versus 42.3 kg/m2, P<.001) and less diabetes (13.7% versus 15.4%, P = .03). ResultsTotal operative time was 11 minutes (16%) shorter using BS compared with PS (58 versus 69 minutes, P<.001), although the mesenteric openings were more frequently closed among BS patients (94% versus 71%, P<.001). No differences were seen in early complications; anastomotic leaks or intra-abdominal abscesses were noted in 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively, P = .17. The incidence of anastomotic strictures was similar (.13% versus .17%, P = .73) as was the incidence of surgery for small bowel obstruction (1.8% versus 1.6%, P = .69). ConclusionsThe use of barbed suture for closing the remaining opening in the gastrojejunostomy shortened the operative time without increasing the risk of complications. BS is still uncommon in LRYGB, but its implementation could have significant impact on operative time.

Barbed suture tissue closure device in urological surgery – a comprehensive review

The development and implementation of barbed sutures has transformed the technique of tissue closure with increasing application across multiple surgical disciplines. Changes in design and handling such as the introduction of absorbable and non-absorbable bidirectional barbed sutures reflect an increasing applicability in tissues of varying qualities. We undertook a comprehensive review of available literature to provide an evidence-based rationale for the clinical use of barbed suture tissue closure devices. We summarise uses along with advantages and disadvantages reported across a number of surgical specialties such as urology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and plastic surgery. Tangible benefits noted were faster closure speed, maintenance of suture integrity, improved efficiency in closure, avoidance of knots and possibly a cost-benefit effect. In terms of complications, the barbed sutures compared equally with standard sutures with no significant differences. In conclusion, barbed sutures have demonstrated versatility and safety across surgical specialties and compares favourably with standard sutures. There appears to be an increasing popularity in the use of barbed sutures with clear advantages to both surgeon and patient.

Use of Barbed Suture for Wound Closure in Electrophysiology Device Procedures.

Barbed suture use in surgical fields such as gynecology and orthopedic surgery has been associated with faster wound closure, improved cosmesis, increased cost-effectiveness and potentially decreased rates of infection. However, the use of barbed suture in electrophysiology device procedures has not been reported. This study aims to (1) investigate the safety and effectiveness of barbed suture in wound closure in patients after EP implantable cardioverter defibrillators and loop recorders (CIED) procedures, (2) to determine whether these sutures have an advantage in device implant procedures by improving incision integrity, (3) and to find out whether these sutures would potentially lead to lower rates of infections compared to non-barbed sutures. We retrospectively compared the closure success and complications in 413 patients undergoing CIED procedures without Quill sutures and with Quill sutures. The primary outcome was closure success and pocket infection/dehiscence within 3 months of CIED. Of the 413 patients who were followed up in 3 months, there was a non-significant trend toward a lower infection rate with barbed versus non-barbed suture 1.31%, vs 1.63% p= 0.78. This study confirms the safety and usefulness of barbed suture material for wound closure during CIED procedures.

The Impact of Self-Relating Barbed Suture Use for Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy on Perioperative Parameters and Postoperative Functional Outcomes

The Impact of Self-Relating Barbed Suture Use for Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy on Perioperative Parameters and Postoperative Functional Outcomes

New suturing technique for robotic-assisted vaginal cuff closure during single-site hysterectomy.

To describe a simple and efficient technique for suturing the vaginal cuff in robotic-assisted single-site hysterectomy using barbed suture and a straight needle. Consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted single-site hysterectomy from February 2014 to August 2015 at Dong San Hospital, Keimyung University were included. Surgeons used two barbed sutures in a running fashion to close the vaginal cuff. A barbed suture was exclusively used with a straightened needle in upward direction from posterior vaginal cuff to anterior vaginal cuff which played a pivotal role for closure. A total of 100 patients underwent robotic-assisted single-site hysterectomy. The total operation time was 132.5min and vaginal cuff closure time was 12.0min. There were no postoperative complications; vaginal cuff dehiscence, vaginal cuff infection, and vaginal bleeding that require surgical intervention or admission. The use of barbed suture with straightened needle to close the vaginal cuff in robotic-assisted single-site hysterectomy is easy to perform and demonstrates safety and efficacy. This technique offers secure, fast, and effective incision closure.

Retraction Note: Use of Barbed Sutures in Bariatric Surgery. Review of the Literature

Performing intracorporeal anastomoses and sutures is possibly the technique that requires the greater skill in laparoscopy. The emergence of new barbed sutures seems to facilitate the practice, with bariatric surgery (mainly in mixed and malabsorptive techniques) being one of the specialties that can most benefit from them. This review aims to evaluate barbed sutures’ use and safety in bariatric surgery. Barbed sutures might facilitate the practice by improving some aspects of surgery such as reproducibility and operative time, although further research is needed.

Use of Barbed Sutures in Bariatric Surgery. Review of the Literature.

Performing intracorporeal anastomoses and sutures is possibly the technique that requires the greater skill in laparoscopy. The emergence of new barbed sutures seems to facilitate the practice, with bariatric surgery (mainly in mixed and malabsorptive techniques) being one of the specialties that can most benefit from them. This review aims to evaluate barbed sutures' use and safety in bariatric surgery. Barbed sutures might facilitate the practice by improving some aspects of surgery such as reproducibility and operative time, although further research is needed.

Barbed Suture Rescue Procedure

Barbed sutures were first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for soft tissue approximation in 2005. Technical improvements (smaller gauge sutures with quicker absorption rates, and different barb arrays and sizes) have optimized their use, thus allowing more appropriate and safer suture placement in all of the soft tissue layers, including the deep fascia, cartilage, tendons, and joint and breast capsules.1 We started using them for the surgical treatment of snoring and sleep apnea syndrome (barbed snore surgery) in 2011.2 The use of barbed sutures has significantly increasing as surgeons have become more familiar with the advantages of the new technology. However, one drawback is that, once the barbs have engaged the tissue, it is almost impossible to remove the thread, and there is still no recognized procedure for correcting a misplaced suture other than cutting the thread and sometimes starting all over again. We here describe a technique called “the barbed rescue procedure” that allows the thread to be recovered through the tissue. In barbed snore surgery, we use size 0 …

Closure of a recurrent bladder rupture in a calf by means of a peritoneal flap: a case report

An 11-month old, Piedmontese bullock was admitted to the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, for urolithiasis and suspected uroperitoneum owing to urinary bladder rupture. A first episode of uroperitoneum had been treated surgically one week previously. On admission, the animal underwent physical and haematological examination, followed by transabdominal ultrasonography and biochemical screening. Clinical and laboratory findings confirmed the recurrence of uroperitoneum, possibly secondary to the previously failed surgical approach. During surgery, urine leakage from the previously treated tear was clearly visible, together with a large necrotic area surrounding the tear. To close the defect, we created a peritoneal flap. For tissue approximation we used a continuous barbed suture material, which obviated the need for knots to secure the leading and terminal ends of the suture. Postoperative monitoring included transabdominal ultrasonography and biochemical profile tests, performed at 10 and 30 days after surgery. Two months after discharge, a telephone follow-up confirmed the positive outcome of the procedure. The creation of a peritoneal flap allows for effective sealing of a bladder tear with necrotic edges. The use of barbed suture greatly simplifies the entire procedure.

Use of locking barbed sutures in foot and ankle surgery. A case series.

Barbed sutures represent a novel technique for wound closure. By distributing tension forces across the length of a wound, it results in better wound healing. A recent article from Chowdhry et al. cautioned against the use of barbed sutures in foot and ankle surgery. Our experience with the Quill® (Angiotech, Vancouver, BC) barbed suture, showed a more positive outcome. 123 surgical wounds were prospectively followed up after closure with a bidirectional barbed suture. The cohort represented a large range of patient ages and co-morbidities, as well as incision length and locations. Complication rates were low in this large cohort. The total complication rate was 6.5% (8 wounds). One wound (0.8%) had a major infection that needed further surgery, and 2 wounds (1.6%) showed inflammatory related complications. The remaining 5 wounds (4%) had minor wound complications, which resolved without any further surgical intervention. Patient satisfaction rates were high, with 78% of incisions scoring at maximum on the visual analogue cosmesis score. Use of the Quill® (Angiotech, Vancouver, BC) suture is a safe and effective alternative for wound closure in foot and ankle surgery.

Barbed Suture Is Associated With Increased Risk of Wound Infection After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundLiterature addressing the risks of barbed suture in arthroplasty remains limited. No study to our knowledge has compared rates of wound infection between barbed and conventional suture after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). We hypothesized that barbed suture would be associated with an increased risk of wound infection in patients undergoing UKA. MethodsElectronic records were retrieved for 1040 UKA procedures. Odds ratios with postoperative wound infection as the outcome and barbed suture as the exposure were calculated. Binary logistic regression corrected for age, gender, body mass index, operative time, and risk factors (smoking, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and immunosuppression). Barbed suture consisted of Quill #2 polydioxanone (or #0 Vicryl) for deep closure and Quill 2-0 Monoderm for subcuticular closure. Conventional suture consisted of #0 Vicryl for deep closure and subcuticular 2-0 Monocryl or staples for skin closure. ResultsA total of 839 procedures were included. Barbed suture was used in 333 surgeries, and conventional suture was used in 506. Eight cases of postoperative wound infection were identified. All infections occurred in the barbed suture cohort. Regression analysis revealed an association between subcuticular barbed suture and postoperative wound infection (odds ratio = 22.818, confidence interval = 2.69-2923.91; P = .0074). ConclusionsThe findings indicate that the use of barbed suture in subcuticular layer closure is associated with an increased risk of wound infection. This may be exacerbated by early intensive mobilization, commonly undertaken after UKA to permit rapid functional return. We recommend against the use of barbed suture for subcuticular layer closure in UKA.

Early Postoperative Small Bowel Obstruction associated with the use of V-loc™ Sutures during Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Aims: To describe three cases of early postoperative bowel obstruction after use of barbed suture material during surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Introduction: The utilization of minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of POP is increasing, with a subsequent increase in the use of barbed, self-anchoring suture material, such as the V-locTM suture, which facilitates intracorporeal suturing. Case report: We present three cases of early postoperative small bowel obstruction related to the use of barbed sutures during minimally invasive surgery for POP, as well as a review of the relevant literature. Conclusion: Surgeons should use barbed suture material judiciously and should have a high index of suspicion for barbedsuture related mechanical obstructions. These obstructions are not likely to resolve with conservative management. Clinical significance: Barbed suture materials allow for ease of laparoscopic suturing but carry a risk of contributing to early bowel obstruction. Laparoscopic surgeons should be aware of this relatively unknown potential complication.

The Single-Knot Running Vesicourethral Anastomosis after Minimally Invasive Prostatectomy: Review of the Technique and Its Modifications, Tips, and Pitfalls.

The vesicourethral anastomosis represents a step of major difficulty at the end of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. Over 10 years ago, we have devised the single-knot running vesicourethral anastomosis, which has been widely adopted in urologic departments worldwide. Aim of the current paper is to review the technique, its adaptability in complex situations, its complications, and possible modifications, including the use of barbed sutures.

Ontogeny of a surgical technique: Robotic kidney transplantation with regional hypothermia

IntroductionInnovation is a hallmark of surgical practice. It is generally accepted that a new procedure will undergo technical changes during its evolution; however, quantitative accounts of the process are limited. MethodsMultiple groups, including our own, have recently described a minimally-invasive approach to conventional kidney transplantation (KT) operation. Unique to our experience is a structured development of the technique within the confines of a safe surgical innovation framework – the IDEAL framework (idea, development, exploration, assessment, long-term monitoring; stages 0–4). We here provide a first-hand narrative of the progress of robotic KT operation from preclinical trial to clinical application. ResultsOverall, 54 patients underwent robotic KT with regional hypothermia successfully. Major technical changes including selection of optimal patient position (flank vs. lithotomy), robotic instrumentation, vascular occlusion method (bulldog vs. tourniquet) and suture material (prolene vs. GoreTex) occurred early during the procedure development (IDEAL stage 0, preclinical). Minor technical changes such as utilization of the aortic punch for arteriotomy (case 3), use of barbed suture during ureteroneocystostomy (case 6) and extraperitonealization of the graft kidney (case 6) that increased the efficiency and safety of the procedure continued throughout procedure development (IDEAL stages 1–2, clinical stages). ConclusionsWe demonstrate that a surgical technique evolves continually; although, the majority of technical alterations occur early in the life-cycle of the procedure. Development of a new technique within the confines a structured surgical innovation framework allows for evidence based progression of the technique and may minimize the risk of harm to the patient.

The Use of Barbed Suture for Vaginal Cuff Closure in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Objective: The aim of this work is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the barbed unidirectional suture in a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study was conducted, which included all of the patients that have undergone laparoscopic hysterectomy and closure of the vaginal cuff, using barbed sutures (V-loc™90 Device, CovidienTM), during the period between May 2011 and December 2014. We have analyzed the general characteristics, indications, history of previous surgery and the presence of fever or surgical re-intervention due to pelvic abscesses. The appearance of a vaginal cuff hematoma, active bleeding and vaginal cuff dehiscence were also taken into account. Results: A hundred and twenty-one laparoscopic hysterectomies with vaginal cuff closure, using barbed sutures, were performed. There was a report of one case of bladder lesion and another case of ureter lesion. Of all patients, four (3.3%) of them presented fever while one (0.8%) presented paralytic ileus. Three (2.4%) patients suffered active vaginal bleeding, and one presented a partial dehiscence of the vaginal cuff. And finally, two (1.6%) cases of vaginal cuff hematomas were observed and in one (0.8%) of the cases, a pelvic abscess was detected. Conclusion: The use of a unidirectional barbed suture is a safe technique for vaginal cuff closure in laparoscopic total hysterectomies.

Barbed sutures in total hip and knee arthroplasty: what is the evidence? A meta-analysis.

Newer methods of wound closure such as bidirectional barbed sutures hold the potential to reduce closure time and thus overall operating room costs during total joint arthroplasty (TJA), including total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it is unclear whether these sutures have similar clinical outcomes or whether they place the patient at risk of developing wound complications that may outweigh the time-saving benefits of these sutures. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify all level I trials that reported the use of barbed suture during TJA. We analyzed the efficacy, safety, major and minor complications, and overall cost related to barbed sutures. Four studies met our criteria, and included 588 patients who were randomized either to barbed suture closure (n = 290 TJAs, 268 TKAs, and 22 THAs) or to a matched conventional suture cohort (n = 298 TJAs, 279 TKAs, and 19 THA). In terms of time savings with wound closure, the barbed suture was 6.3minutes faster than the conventional cohort (p < 0.05). The odds for developing a minor complication were nearly identical (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, p = 0.95) and for major complication was not significantly different (OR 2.94, p = 0.27). The overall mean savings including both THA and TKA was USD 298 per case. In randomized controlled trials, barbed sutures are consistently associated with shorter wound closure time, which also corresponds to cost savings, even when the higher cost of these sutures is taken into account. There was no significant difference in the odds of experiencing either minor or major complications between patients in whom barbed sutures versus standard sutures were used for wound closure. Current evidence supports continued use of these sutures. Level I.

Incidence and Prevention of Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence Following Laparoscopic and Robotic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT Objective Vaginal cuff dehiscence, a severe and potentially detrimental complication, has significantly increased after the introduction of endoscopic hysterectomy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature was to identify the incidence of, and possible strategies to prevent, this complication after total laparoscopic hysterectomy and total robotic hysterectomy. Data Sources PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically queried to identify all articles reporting either laparoscopic or robot-assisted hysterectomies for benign indications in which vaginal dehiscence was reported as an outcome. Reference lists of the identified studies were manually searched. Only papers written in English were considered. Methods of Study Selection The Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome framework for the review included (1) population of interest: women who underwent conventional and robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy; (2) interventions: possible methods to prevent vaginal dehiscence; (3) comparison: experimental strategies vs standard treatment or alternative strategy for each item of intervention; and (4) outcome: rate of vaginal dehiscence. Series of subtotal hysterectomies and radical hysterectomies in addition to reports that combined both benign and malignant cases were excluded. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.4.1 (Cochrane Training, London, United Kingdom). Two independent reviewers identified all reports comparing 2 or more possible strategies to prevent vaginal dehiscence. Tabulation, Integration, and Results A total of 460 articles were identified. Of these, 20 (6 randomized, 2 prospective, and 12 retrospective) studies were included in this review for a total of 19 392 patients. The incidence of vaginal dehiscence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy ranged between 0.64% and 1.35%. Robotic hysterectomy was associated with a risk of vaginal dehiscence of approximately 1.64%. No study compared early vs delayed resumption of coital activity nor analyzed the role of training in laparoscopic suturing. No study specifically assessed the impact of electrosurgery on the risk of vaginal dehiscence in endoscopic hysterectomies for benign indications. Double-layer and reinforced sutures did not decrease the risk of dehiscence. Barbed sutures reduced the risk of separation compared with nonbarbed closure (0.4% [4/1108] vs 2% [22/1097]; odds ratio [OR] 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11–0.57). However, these data came mainly from retrospective series. Excluding studies on the use of self-anchoring sutures during robotic hysterectomy, there was no significant difference in the risk of dehiscence between barbed and nonbarbed sutures (0.5% [4/890] vs 1.4% [181/776]; OR 0.38; 95% CI, 0.13–1.10). Transvaginal suture of the vault at the end of an endoscopic hysterectomy seemed to increase the risk of dehiscence when compared with laparoscopic closure (2.3% [23/1002] vs 1.16% [11/944]; OR 1.97; 95% CI, 1.00–3.88). Conclusion There is a paucity of high-quality papers evaluating vaginal dehiscence and possible prevention strategies in the current literature. Only 2 effective strategies have been identified in reducing the risk for this complication: the use of barbed sutures and the adoption of a laparoscopic approach to close the vaginal cuff. When restricting the analysis only to laparoscopic cases, the use of barbed sutures does not protect against vaginal cuff separation.

Comparison of bidirectional barbed suture Stratafix and conventional suture with intracorporeal knots in laparoscopic myomectomy by office transvaginal hydrolaparoscopic follow-up: a preliminary report

ObjectivesTo compare surgical outcomes of different types of intracorporeal sutures for laparoscopic posterior myomectomy, by a prospective randomized study. Study designProspective randomized study on 47 patients with single posterior intramural myoma (4–7cm in diameter) undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. The patients enrolled were divided into two groups, one operated using conventional suture in double strand, and the other with bidirectional barbed suture Stratafix. The main outcome measures were suturing time, peri-operative variables, and post-operative adhesions in both groups. ResultsThe mean operative time was shorter with the Stratafix™ than with the conventional suture (66.3±8.2 vs. 73±8min; p=0.005). Suturing time was significantly shorter in the Stratafix™ than in the control group (8.8±2.4 vs. 15.5±2.8min; p=0.001). Intraoperative bleeding was significantly less in the Stratafix group (p=0.0012). Conversely, there was no statistically significant difference for postoperative adhesions between the two groups (26.7% vs. 21.4% p=0.5). ConclusionsThe use of barbed suture may reduce operative time, suturing time, and blood loss. No difference in post operative adhesions was found.

V10-05 ROBOT ASSISTED BLADDER AUGMENTATION AND BILATERAL URETERAL REIMPLANTATION

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Despite use of barbed suture during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy or partial nephrectomy, concerns have been raised about a high early failure rate when used during minimally-invasive pyeloplasty (MIP). In this video, we present our technique of robotic pyeloplasty using barbed suture, review the literature on barbed suture for MIP and discuss the controversies, tips, and tricks. METHODS: We present a case of a 55 year old man with rightsided uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). The patient was placed in the modified flank position. Port placement was a 12 mm camera port, two 8 mm robotic ports, and a 5 mm assistant port. The robot was docked at a 30-degree angle to the flank. A robotic cautery hook was used to aid with fine hemostatic dissection. The renal pelvis and upper ureter were mobilized to reveal a crossing vessel. Round tip scissors were used to perform dismemberment and spatulation (Anderson-Hynes technique). The ureter was transposed over the crossing vessel and anastomosis was performed using a unidirectional barbed suture (3-0 Stratafix ; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in a running fashion. Following completion of the posterior layer, an antegrade ureteral stent was placed followed by closing the anterior layer in a similar fashion. RESULTS: Strategies for successful robotic pyeloplasty using barbed suture include: (1) selection of appropriate barbed suture e suture composition, absorbability, distribution of barbs and needle type vary between manufacturers (2) minimizing tension during suture placement to avoid tissue necrosis (3) use of round tip scissors to avoid spiral spatulation of the ureter (4) use of the obstructing UPJ tissue as a handle-hold for manipulation (5) avoid use of 12 mm assistant port for needle entry by utilizing needle placement via a robotic port. Advantages of barbed suture include no loss of tension as seen in non-barbed monofilament suture with possibility of suture loosening, and use of a “continuous interrupted” method; the barbs allow the anastomotic tension to be evenly spread to avoid gaps and mimic interrupted suture. Of 18 patients who have undergone laparoscopic or robotic pyeloplasty using barbed suture at our institution, the success rate was 17/ 18 (94%). CONCLUSIONS: Barbed suture for MIP provides a watertight anastomosis that is technically easier to perform. A key principle is to know your barbed suture as incorrect suture selection may compromise success. Our results demonstrate excellent success rates when using the barbed suture for MIP.