Widespread non-joint pain in early rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the development of widespread non-joint pain (WNP) in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the associated health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and clinical and demographic risk factors for WNP.Method: Incident cases with RA, from the Swedish population-based study Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA), with a follow-up of at least 3 years, constituted the study population. WNP was defined as pain outside the joints in all four body quadrants and was assessed at the 3 year follow-up. Patients who reported WNP were compared to patients without WNP regarding HRQoL, measured by the Short Form-36, at 3 years, and clinical and demographic characteristics at the time of RA diagnosis.Results: A total of 749 patients constituted the study sample, of whom 25 were excluded after reporting already having severe pain before RA diagnosis. At the 3 year follow-up, 8% of the patients reported having WNP as well as statistically significant worse HRQoL. At the time of RA diagnosis, the patients with WNP had worse pain and pain-related features, while no difference was seen in the inflammatory parameters.Conclusion: WNP occurs in a substantial subset of patients with RA, also early in the course of the disease, and the HRQoL for these patients is significantly reduced. Patients who develop WNP at 3 years are already distinguishable at the time of diagnosis by displaying more pronounced pain ratings together with an average level of inflammatory disease activity.

European Hernia Society guidelines on the closure of abdominal wall incisions.

BACKGROUND: The material and the surgical technique used to close an abdominal wall incision are important determinants of the risk of developing an incisional hernia. Optimising closure of abdominal wall incisions holds a potential to prevent patients suffering from incisional hernias and for important costs savings in health care. METHODS: The European Hernia Society formed a Guidelines Development Group to provide guidelines for all surgical specialists who perform abdominal incisions in adult patients on the materials and methods used to close the abdominal wall. The guidelines were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and methodological guidance was taken from Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). The literature search included publications up to April 2014. The guidelines were written using the AGREE II instrument. An update of these guidelines is planned for 2017. RESULTS: For many of the Key Questions that were studied no high quality data was detected. Therefore, some strong recommendations could be made but, for many Key Questions only weak recommendations or no recommendation could be made due to lack of sufficient evidence. RECOMMENDATIONS: To decrease the incidence of incisional hernias it is strongly recommended to utilise a non-midline approach to a laparotomy whenever possible. For elective midline incisions, it is strongly recommended to perform a continuous suturing technique and to avoid the use of rapidly absorbable sutures. It is suggested using a slowly absorbable monofilament suture in a single layer aponeurotic closure technique without separate closure of the peritoneum. A small bites technique with a suture to wound length (SL/WL) ratio at least 4/1 is the current recommended method of fascial closure. Currently, no recommendations can be given on the optimal technique to close emergency laparotomy incisions. Prophylactic mesh augmentation appears effective and safe and can be suggested in high-risk patients, like aortic aneurysm surgery and obese patients. For laparoscopic surgery, it is suggested using the smallest trocar size adequate for the procedure and closure of the fascial defect if trocars larger or equal to 10 mm are used. For single incision laparoscopic surgery, we suggest meticulous closure of the fascial incision to avoid an increased risk of incisional hernias.

Cost analysis of the use of small stitches when closing midline abdominal incisions.

PURPOSE: Suturing with small stitches instead of with large reduces the risk for surgical site infection and incisional hernia in continuously closed midline abdominal incisions. The purpose was to analyse if using small stitches generated cost savings. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2006 closure of midline incisions using small stitches was, in a randomised trial, compared with the use of large stitches. In 2011 all patients included in the randomised trial, who until then, had had an incisional hernia repair, were recorded. The cost for an open incisional hernia repair with mesh reinforcement during 2010 was calculated. The analysis included both direct and indirect costs. RESULTS: Of 321 patients closed with small stitches incisional hernia occurred in 11 and 3 needed repair. Of 370 patients closed with large stitches herniation occurred in 45 and 14 needed repair. The direct cost per hernia repair was 59,909 Swedish krona (SEK) and the indirect cost was 26,348 SEK. Suturing time with small stitches was 4.6 min longer, increasing the cost for the index operation by 1,076 SEK. From the societal perspective (direct and indirect costs), using small stitches generated a cost reduction of 1,339 SEK for each patient. From the perspective of the public payer (direct costs) the cost reduction was 601 SEK. Using small stitches generated cost savings from a societal perspective if the suturing time was not prolonged over 10.3 min. CONCLUSIONS: Using small stitches when closing midline abdominal incisions with a continuous single-layer technique generates cost savings.

Risk factors for wound complications in midline abdominal incisions related to the size of stitches.

BACKGROUND: Midline abdominal incisions should be closed continuously with a suture length (SL) to wound length (WL) ratio above 4 using small stitches. The effect on the rate of wound complications of a very high ratio and other potential risk factors when closure is performed with small stitches is unknown. METHODS: Patients operated on through a midline incision were randomised to closure with small stitches, placed 5-8 mm from the wound edge and less than 5 mm apart, or with large stitches, placed more than 1 cm from the wound edge. Patient and operative variables were registered. Surgical site infection and incisional hernia were recorded. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-one patients were randomised to closure with small stitches and 370 with large stitches. Infection and herniation were less common with small stitches. With small stitches, no risk factors for infection or herniation were identified. With large stitches, wound contamination and the patient being diabetic were independent risk factors for infection, and long operation time and surgical site infection were risk factors for herniation. A very high SL to WL ratio did not affect the complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: In midline abdominal incisions closed with small stitches, no risk factors for surgical site infection or incisional hernia were identified. Increasing the ratio very much above 4 had no adverse effects on the rate of wound complications. The higher rates of infection and herniation with an SL to WL ratio over 5 and in overweight patients in previous reports were probably related to wounds being closed with large stitches.

Parastomal hernia: clinical and radiological definitions.

INTRODUCTION: Parastomal hernia is a frequent complication after stoma formation. No consistent definition of parastomal hernia has been used in previous studies using clinical examination or computed tomography (CT) scan. The correlation between herniation rates found with clinical examination and CT scan has been poor. A definition of parastomal hernia with clinical examination that correlates with findings from CT scan should be sought. METHODS: Parastomal hernia, was with surgeons' clinical examination, defined as any protrusion in the vicinity of the stoma with the patient straining in a supine and an erect position. A new CT scan method was developed with the patient examined in the prone position. Radiologists defined herniation as any intra-abdominal content protruding beyond the peritoneum or the presence of a hernia sac. The correlation between investigators and methods were estimated by calculating Fleiss' Kappa values. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were assessed by three surgeons and three radiologists. For the surgeons, the Kappa value was 0.85. For the radiologists, it was 0.85 with CT scan in the prone position and 0.82 in the supine position. For the surgeons and radiologists collectively, the Kappa value was 0.80 for CT scan in the prone position and 0.63 in the supine position. CONCLUSION: With the new CT scan method examining patients in the prone position, the clinical and radiological definitions were highly reproducible and correlated strongly between methods and raters. With the strong correlation between clinical and radiological assessments, clinical examination alone is sufficient as follow-up. Conventional CT scan with the patient supine is not a reliable tool for diagnosing parastomal hernia.

Laparoscopic stoma formation with a prophylactic prosthetic mesh.

BACKGROUND: One year after stoma formation with an open technique, the rate of parastomal hernia is almost 50%. The herniation rate can be reduced to 10% with the use of a prophylactic mesh in a sublay position. For stomas formed with a laparoscopic technique, a surgical method with the use of prophylactic mesh should be sought. METHODS: Patients with a sigmoidostomy created with a laparoscopic technique were provided with a prophylactic large-pore, low-weight mesh in a sublay position. Follow-up examination was carried out after at least 12 months. RESULTS: Between March 2003 and May 2007, a sigmoidostomy was created in 25 patients. The patients' mean age was 65 years (range 31-89), the mean body mass index was 26 (range 21-32) and 15 were female. One stoma necrosis and two minor wound infections occurred. Parastomal hernia was present in 3 of 20 patients (15%) available for follow-up examination after 11-31 months (mean 19). No fistulas or strictures had developed. No mesh infection was noted and no mesh was removed. CONCLUSION: In laparoscopic stoma formation, a prophylactic large-pore, low-weight mesh in a sublay position is an easy and safe procedure associated with a low rate of parastomal hernia.

[Parastomal hernia treatment with prosthetic mesh repair]. / Parastomale Hernienversorgung mit prothetischer Netzplastik.

After stoma formation, parastomal hernia develops in 30-50% of patients, with one-third of these require operative correction. Recurrence rates are very high after suture repair of parastomal hernias or relocation of the stoma. Open or laparoscopic mesh repairs have resulted in much lower recurrence rates. Long-term follow-up of the various techniques for parastomal hernia repair is lacking, as are randomized trials. A prophylactic prosthetic mesh placed in a sublay position at the index operation has reduced the rate of parastomal hernia in randomized trials. A prophylactic mesh in an onlay position, a sublay position, and an intraperitoneal onlay position has also been associated with low herniation rates in non-randomized studies. Although several questions within this field still have to be answered, it seems obvious that use of a mesh represents a suitable measure for the prevention of parastomal hernia as well as parastomal hernia repair.

Incisional hernia repair in Sweden 2002.

Incisional hernia is a common problem after abdominal surgery. The complication and recurrence rates following the different repair techniques are a matter of great concern. Our aim was to study the results of incisional hernia repair in Sweden. A questionnaire was sent to all surgical departments in Sweden requesting data concerning incisional hernia repair performed during the year 2002. Eight hundred and sixty-nine incisional hernia repairs were reported from 40 hospitals. Specialist surgeons performed the repair in 782 (83.8%) patients. The incisional hernia was a recurrence in 148 (17.0%) patients. Thirty-three per cent of the hernias were subsequent to transverse, subcostal or muscle-splitting incisions or laparoscopic procedures. Suture repair was performed in 349 (40.2%) hernias. Onlay mesh repair was more common than a sublay technique. The rate of wound infection was 9.6% after suture repair and 8.1% after mesh repair. The recurrence rate was 29.1% with suture repair, 19.3% with onlay mesh repair, and 7.3% with sublay mesh repair. This survey revealed that there is room for improvement regarding the incisional hernia surgery in Sweden. Suture repair, with its unacceptable results, is common and mesh techniques employed may not be optimal. This study has led to the instigation of a national incisional hernia register.

Randomized trial of traditional dissection with electrocautery versus ultrasonic fundus-first dissection in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic cholecystectomy dissection can be with monopolar electrocautery or with ultrasonic shears, and can start at the triangle of Calot or at the fundus of the gallbladder. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to electrocautery dissection from the triangle of Calot and 43 to fundus-first dissection with ultrasonic shears. All procedures were strictly standardized, and patients and their postoperative carers were blinded to the operation performed. RESULTS: Ultrasonic fundus-first dissection was associated with a shorter duration of operation (mean 46 versus 61 min), fewer overnight hospital stays (two versus eight), lower pain scores 4 and 24 h after surgery, less nausea at 2, 4 and 24 h, and a shorter period of sick leave (mean 5.5 versus 9.3 days) compared with electrocautery from the triangle of Calot. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic fundus-first dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy was quicker and associated with less nausea and pain than electrocautery dissection from the triangle of Calot.

Randomized clinical trial of the use of a prosthetic mesh to prevent parastomal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia is a common complication following colostomy, and repair with a prosthetic mesh is associated with the lowest recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to determine the effect on stoma complications of using a mesh at the primary operation. METHODS: Patients undergoing permanent colostomy were randomized to have either a conventional stoma or the addition of a mesh placed in a sublay position. A large-pore lightweight mesh with a reduced polypropylene content and a high proportion of absorbable material was used. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were randomized to have a conventional stoma and 27 to have the mesh. No infection, fistula formation or pain occurred (observation time 2-28 months). At the 12-month follow-up, parastomal hernia was present in eight of 18 patients without a mesh and in none of 16 patients in whom the mesh was used. CONCLUSION: A lightweight prosthetic mesh in a sublay position at the stoma site was not associated with infection or other early complications. Preliminary results indicate that the mesh prevented the development of parastomal hernia.

Wound complications and stitch length.

The effect of suturing with a very short stitch on the development of wound complications in midline incisions was investigated. Three hundred sixty-eight patients were analysed. The suture length to wound length ratio and mean stitch length were calculated. Wound infection occurred in 4% (four of 103) of patients sutured with a mean stitch length of less than 4 cm, in 8% (nine of 117) with stitch length 4-4.9 cm, and in 16% (24 of 148) with a longer stitch ( P=0.004). At 12-month follow up, incisional hernia was present in 3% (two of 76) of patients sutured with a mean stitch length of less than 4 cm and in 12% (25 of 215) sutured with a longer stitch ( P=0.043). In midline incisions closed with a suture length to wound length ratio of at least 4, a short stitch is associated with a lower rate of both wound infection and incisional hernia.

Cost analysis of incisional hernia repair by suture or mesh.

The objective was to make a cost analysis of incisional hernia repair by suture repair or prosthetic mesh repair. The study included 44 patients who underwent hernia repair between 1991 and 2000. The rate of recurrent incisional hernia after more than 1 year with associated costs was registered. In 1996, the technique of incisional hernia repair was changed from suture repair to mesh repair. With a mesh repair, zero out of 19 patients presented with a recurrence at follow-up, and with suture repair, five out of 13 had a recurrence (P<0.01). The duration of anaesthetic and operation was longer, but stay in the surgical ward, and sick leave was shorter for patients with a mesh repair than for those with a suture repair. For working patients, costs in the operating theatre were 4,095 Swedish kronor (SEK) higher with a mesh repair, and the costs for surgical ward, sick leave, and examination were 10,129 SEK lower than with a suture repair. Thus, with a mesh repair, the total costs were 6,034 SEK lower than with a suture repair. For retired patients, the total costs with a mesh repair were 1,898 SEK lower than with a suture repair. We conclude that in this setting, mesh repair of incisional hernias produced lower costs than suture repair.

Small tissue bites and wound strength: an experimental study.

HYPOTHESIS: Placing stitches close to the cut wound edge does not produce low wound bursting strength in midline laparotomy incisions closed with a suture length:wound length ratio of 4. DESIGN: Experimental study in rats. METHODS: Midline incisions were closed with a running suture in 51 Sprague-Dawley rats. A suture length:wound length ratio of 4 was used and stitches were placed at a distance of 3, 6, or 10 mm from the wound edge. Wound bursting strength was studied immediately after and 4 days after wound closure. RESULTS: Immediately after wound closure, bursting pressure was higher with stitches placed 10 mm from the wound edge than those at a distance of 3 mm. After 4 days, bursting pressure and bursting volume were lower with stitches placed 10 mm from the wound edge than those at a distance of 3 or 6 mm. The abdominal wall ruptured outside the suture line in 14 of 17 wounds closed with 21 stitches, in 11 of 17 wounds closed with 16 stitches, and in 6 of 17 wounds closed with 11 stitches (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Four days after closure of midline laparotomy incisions using a suture length-wound length ratio of 4, wound bursting strength is higher with stitches placed 3 to 6 mm from the wound edge than those at a distance of 10 mm. Wound bursting strength increases with the number of stitches used.

Mass closure technique: an experimental study on separation of wound edge.

OBJECTIVE: To study separation of wound edges in midline laparotomy incisions closed with either a mass stitch or a stitch incorporating only aponeurosis. DESIGN: Experimental study in pig. SETTING: University hospital, Norway. ANIMALS: 8 domestic pigs. METHODS: Steel sutures were used and metallic clips were placed in the aponeurosis. After increasing the intra-abdominal pressure the distance between the lateral edge of stitches and between pairs of clips was measured on sequential radiographs. RESULTS: After three hours with raised intra-abdominal pressure the lateral edge of stitches became separated by a mean (SD) of 5.6 (1.3) mm with a mass stitch and by 0.5 (0.6) mm with stitches placed only in the aponeurosis (p < 0.001). Corresponding figures for separation of clips was 3.6 (1.5) mm and 0.1 (0.3) mm (p < 0.001). The suture cut through the muscle by more than 3mm in 25 out of 36 mass stitches. Muscle and peritoneum included in the mass stitch was compressed, darkly discoloured, and there were signs of haemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Wound edges become separated with a mass stitch but not with stitches placed only in the aponeurosis when the intra-abdominal pressure is raised after closure of midline laparotomy incisions. This results from sutures compressing or cutting through subcuticular fat, muscle, and peritoneum enclosed in a mass stitch.

Cost minimisation analysis of change in closure technique of midline incisions.

OBJECTIVES: To make a cost minimisation analysis of incisional hernia repair at a county hospital and extrapolate the results nationally. SETTING: County hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: 861 patients who underwent midline laparotomy between August 1989 and November 1992. INTERVENTIONS: In April 1991 surgeons were urged to change their suture technique towards wound closure with a suture length: wound length ratio of at least 4. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of incisional hernia at 12 months and the number of hernia repairs required with associated costs. RESULTS: The average cost of one hernia repair was SEK 42643. After the intervention the risk of requiring a hernia repair was reduced by 0.016 for each patient operated on through a midline incision. The cost was reduced by SEK 686 and the cost of an operation 5 minutes longer was SEK 570, so the intervention generated savings of SEK 116 for each patient operated on. A similar reduction on a national level would yield annual savings of SEK 2107140, which may be regarded as the annual opportunity cost of an inadequate surgical technique in Sweden. CONCLUSIONS: An alteration to the suture technique that reduces the rate of incisional hernia and the number of hernia repairs required is cost effective and generates savings.

Conventional running suture and continuous double loop closure: an experimental study of wound strength.

OBJECTIVE: To study the strength of laparotomy wounds closed by a continuous double loop technique or a conventional running suture, taking into account the ratio of suture length: wound length. DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: 60 Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Midline laparotomy incisions were closed with either a conventional running suture or a continuous double loop. Wounds were allocated to closure with a suture length: wound length ratio of 3, 4 and 7. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bursting pressure, bursting volume and the way the suture cut through the tissues. RESULTS: With a suture length: wound length ratio of 3 or 4 bursting pressure and bursting volume were lower with a continuous double loop closure. A conventional running suture and a continuous double loop produced similar bursting pressure and bursting volume only if closure was with a ratio of 7. CONCLUSIONS: Wound bursting strength is higher with a conventional running suture than with a continuous double loop closure when the effect of the suture length: wound length ratio is accounted for.

Incisional hernias in patients with aortic aneurysmal disease: the importance of suture technique.

OBJECTIVE: To study the rate of incisional hernia at 12 months in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair compared with others undergoing other surgery through midline incisions. METHODS: A prospective study of 1023 patients, 85 of these with aneurysmal disease. Wounds were continuously closed and the suture technique was monitored by the suture length to wound length ratio. RESULTS: Wound incisions were longer and operations lasted longer in aneurysm patients than in others. Incisional hernia was less common if closure was with a suture length to wound length ratio of at least four. Wounds were closed with a ratio of four or more in 39% (33 of 85) of aneurysm patients and in 59% (546 of 923) of others (p < 0.01). In aneurysm patients no wound dehiscence was recorded, the rate of wound infection was low and incisional hernia occurred in the same amount as in others. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the rate of incisional hernia is similar in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease and others. Wounds are closed with a less meticulous suture technique in aneurysm patients.

Bias in clinical trials: the importance of suture technique.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect on suture technique of introducing a new suture material. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: County hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: 224 patients included during the first 10 months of a clinical study that had been designed to compare two suture materials. INTERVENTIONS: Wounds were sutured by a continuous technique. The suture length: wound length ratio was recorded together with details of patients and operations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of incisional hernia after 12 months. RESULTS: The mean suture length: wound length ratio was 3.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.4 to 3.9) in wounds closed with the introduced new material and 3.2 (2.9 to 3.4) with the familiar material (p<0.01). With the new material a higher proportion of wounds were sutured at a ratio of 4 or more. Incisional hernias developed in 6% (3 of 50) of wounds sutured with a suture length : wound length ratio of 4 or more and in 22% (26 of 119) if it was less (p = 0.01). The rate of incisional hernia was lower in wounds sutured with the new suture material. CONCLUSION: During the first 10 months of a clinical trial the introduction of a new suture material caused a potential systematic error. The suture technique was more meticulous with the new material and this may have affected the rate of incisional hernia. The suture technique should therefore be monitored in such studies in the future.