New Diabetic Medication Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors Can Induce Euglycemic Ketoacidosis and Mimic Surgical Diseases: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Background: Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA) is a potentially life-threatening condition and a reported side effect of antidiabetic sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2-inhibitors (SGLT2-I). The analysis of the herein presented case and its management formed the incentive to prepare this multidisciplinary work and includes an overview about perioperative SGLT2-I-induced ketoacidosis. Method: A PubMed search on relevant entries was conducted combining the terms "euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis" AND "surgery." Results: A total of 33 articles on SGLT2-I-induced ketoacidosis in the context of surgical treatment were identified. According to this literature research risk factors for the development are infection, perioperative fasting, surgical stress, and insulin dose reduction. Conclusion: Unspecific symptoms mimicking acute abdomen and normoglycemia can lead to delayed diagnosis of EDKA and might harm patients under SGLT2-I therapy in the perioperative setting. SGLT2-I medication should be withheld for at least 24-48 h prior to surgery according to this review of literature and restarted only in stable clinical conditions to avoid the severe complication of EDKA.

Delayed Closure of Open Abdomen in Septic Patients Treated With Negative Pressure Vacuum Therapy and Dynamic Sutures: A 10-Years Follow-Up on Long-Term Complications.

Introduction: Patients with open abdomen after surgical interventions associated with the complication of secondary peritonitis are successfully treated with negative pressure wound therapy. The use of dynamic fascial sutures reduces fascial lateralization and increases successful delayed fascial closure after open abdomen treatment. Methods: In 2017 we published the follow-up results of 38 survivors out of 87 open abdomen patients treated with negative pressure wound therapy and dynamic fascial sutures between 2007 and 2012. In our current study we present the 10-years follow-up results regarding long-term complications with the focus on incisional hernias and pain. Since 2017 seven more patients have died, hence 31 patients were included in the current study. The patients were asked to answer questions about specific long-term complications of OA treatment including pain, the presence of incisional hernias and subsequent surgical interventions. Demographic data and data regarding fascial closure after open abdomen treatment were collected. All results were analyzed quantitatively. The follow-up period was 8-13 years. Results: The median age was 69 (30-90) years, and 15 (48.4%) were females. Twenty-four patients (77.4%) responded to the questionnaire: Three patients (12.5%) suffered from pain in the original operating field, all three at rest but not during exercise. None of the patients required analgesic treatment. Eleven patients (45.8%) were found to have incisional hernias. Five out of 11 hernias (45.5%) were treated by surgery and did not declare any pain in the operating field. Among the patients with incisional hernias lower MPI (Mannheimer Peritonitis Index) at the time of primary surgery but more reoperations and treatment days were found. The technique of fascial closure was heterogenic and no differences in the occurrence of incisional hernia could be detected. Conclusion: The incidence of incisional hernias after open abdomen treatment is still high, but are associated with little pain in the original operating field. Further studies are required to investigate methods for fascial closure techniques after OA treatment.

• Pancho trial (p53-adapted neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable esophageal cancer) completed-mutation rate of the marker higher than expected.

BACKGROUND: In operable esophageal cancer patients, neoadjuvant therapy benefits only those who respond to the treatment. The • Pancho trial represents the first prospective randomized trial evaluating the relevance of the mark53 status for predicting the effect of two different neoadjuvant chemotherapies. METHOD: Biomarker analysis was conducted using the mark53 analysis. Calculation of patient number needed was based on a 60% rate of marker positivity, deduced from the results of a phase II pilot study. RESULTS: From 2007-2012, the • Pancho trial recruited 235 patients with operable esophageal cancer in Austria. A total of 181 patients were eligible and could be subjected to mark53 analysis and randomization. After randomizing 74 patients, the overall TP53 mutation rate was 79%. However, due to the high prevalence of marker positivity, the number of projected patients was increased to 181 patients in order to ensure a sufficient number of marker-negative patients. After completion of the trial, the overall TP53 mutation rate was 77.9%. CONCLUSION: Due to high medical need, the recruitment for the academic trial was excellent. Mark53 analysis clearly detected more mutations in the TP53 gene as compared to the cancer-specific p53 literature. Final analysis examining the interaction between the mark53 status and the effect of chemotherapies applied in the • Pancho trial is now awaited.

Delayed closure of open abdomen in septic patients treated with negative pressure wound therapy and dynamic fascial suture: the long-term follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is widely used in the treatment of open abdomen (OA). The use of dynamic fascial sutures (DFS) increases the rate of successful delayed closure by reducing fascial lateralization. We recently published a prospective controlled trial including 87 patients undergoing abdominal surgery for secondary peritonitis between 2007 and 2012. Patients were treated with NPWT and DFS for approximation of fascial edges. The present study represents a follow-up assessment of these patients 5-9 years after OA treatment with NPWT and DFS. METHODS: The 39 patients still alive were included in the recent study according to the protocol of our last study in 2013. All patients received a questionnaire regarding long-term complications after OA treatment between 2007 and 2012. Mean follow-up was 5-9 years. Analyzed parameters included pain, the presence of incisional hernia, and subsequent surgical interventions. Results were analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS: One patient had deceased since the last publication in 2013, and hence 38 patients were included in the current study. The median age was 60.9 (25.2-86.1) years, and 17 (44.7%) were females. Overall 56.3% of the original 87 patients had died during the long-term follow-up period. 21 patients (55.3%) answered the questionnaire. Six (28.6%) declared that they suffered from pain in the previous operating field, five (23.8%) at rest, and three (14.3%) during exercise. In five patients (23.8%), pain lasted for more than 3 months. One patient (4.8%) still requires analgesic treatment. Among the 21 patients, seven (33.3%) were found to have incisional hernias. Three hernias (42.9%) were treated by surgery. CONCLUSION: Incisional hernia rates after OA treatment remain high, but are accompanied by little pain. The ideal technique of fascial closure after NPWT should be investigated in further research.

Assessment of Pain and Quality of Life in Lichtenstein Hernia Repair Using a New Monofilament PTFE Mesh: Comparison of Suture vs. Fibrin-Sealant Mesh Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations in general surgery. The Lichtenstein tension-free operation has become the gold standard in open inguinal hernia repair. Despite the low recurrence rates, pain and discomfort remain a problem for a large number of patients. The aim of this study was to compare suture fixation vs. fibrin sealing by using a new monofilament PTFE mesh, i.e., the Infinit(®) mesh by W. L. Gore & Associates. METHODS: This study was designed as a controlled prospective single-center two-cohort study. A total of 38 patients were enrolled and operated in Lichtenstein technique either standard suture mesh fixation or fibrin-sealant mesh fixation were used as described in the TIMELI trial. Primary outcome parameters were postoperative complications with the new mesh (i.e., seroma, infection), pain, and quality of life evaluated by the VAS and the SF-36 questionnaire. Secondary outcome was recurrence assessed by ultrasound and physical examination. Follow-up time was 1 year. RESULTS: Significantly, less postoperative pain was reported in the fibrin-sealant group compared to the suture group at 6 weeks (P = 0.035), 6 months (P = 0.023), and 1 year (P = 0.011) postoperatively. Additionally, trends toward a higher postoperative quality of life, a faster surgical procedure, and a shorter hospital stay were seen in the fibrin-sealant group. CONCLUSION: Fibrin-sealant mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernioplasty effectively reduces acute and chronic postoperative pain. Monofilament, macro-porous, knitted PTFE meshes seem to be a practicable alternative to commonly used polypropylene meshes in open inguinal hernia repair.

Delayed closure of open abdomen in septic patients is facilitated by combined negative pressure wound therapy and dynamic fascial suture.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective controlled trial was the definition of the optimal timepoint for delayed closure after negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of the open abdomen (OA) in septic patients after abdominal surgery. The delayed closure of the abdominal wall after abdominal NPWT treatment is often problematic due to the lateralization of the fascial edge leading to unfavorably high tensile forces of the adapting sutures in the midline. We present the results of an innovative combination of NPWT with a new fascial-approximation technique using dynamic fascial sutures (DFS) and delayed closure of the abdominal wall. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients subjected to OA therapy following surgery for secondary peritonitis were treated with NPWT and DFS. In all patients, a running suture of elastic vessel loops was used to approximate fascial edges. This procedure was continued for the duration of NPWT until final closure of the abdomen with running suture in 55 patients (63.2 %) and interrupted suture technique in eight patients (9.2 %). An anterior component separation was performed in seven patients. RESULTS: Delayed closure was achieved in 68 patients (78.2 %) after 12.6 days [mean (SD) 25.1 (2-204)] days and 4.3 re-operations [mean (SD) 6.0 (1-43)]. Fifteen (17.2 %) superficial and two (2.3 %) deep wound infections occurred. In three (3.4 %) cases, entero-atmospheric fistulas had to be treated. We recorded no technique-specific complications. Four (5.9 %) incisional hernia were detected in a mean follow-up of 40.5 months (16-65). Mortality rate was 55.2 %. CONCLUSION: Using a new technique combining NPWT and DFS in the treatment of the OA, the delayed closure of the fascial edges by running suture can be achieved and the number of re-operations can be kept low. The technique was safe and led to a low incidence of incisional hernias. Extensive abdominal wall reconstruction was seldom required.

Use of fibrin sealant (Tisseel/Tissucol) in hernia repair: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall and inguinal hernia repair are the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States and Europe. However, traditional methods of mesh fixation are associated with a number of problems including substantial risks of recurrence and of postoperative and chronic pain. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the clinical safety and efficacy of Tisseel/Tissucol fibrin sealant for hernia mesh fixation. METHODS: A PubMed title/abstract search was conducted using the following terms: (fibrin glue OR fibrin sealant OR Tisseel OR Tissucol) AND hernia repair. The bibliographies of the publications identified in the search were reviewed for additional references. RESULTS: There were 36 Tisseel/Tissucol studies included in this review involving 5,993 patients undergoing surgery for hernia. In open repair of inguinal hernias, Tisseel compared favorably with traditional methods of mesh fixation, being associated with shorter operative times and hospital stays and a lower incidence of chronic pain. Similarly, after laparoscopic/endoscopic inguinal hernia repair, Tisseel/Tissucol was associated with less use of postoperative analgesics and less acute and chronic postoperative pain than tissue-penetrating mesh-fixation methods. Other end points of concern to surgeons and patients are the risks of inguinal hernia recurrence and of complications such as hematoma formation and intraoperative bleeding. Comparative studies show that Tisseel/Tissucol does not increase the risk of these outcomes and may, in fact, decrease the risk compared with tissue-penetrating fixation methods. When used in the repair of incisional hernias, Tisseel/Tissucol significantly decreased both postoperative morbidity and duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical evidence published to date supports the use of Tisseel/Tissucol as an option for mesh fixation in open and laparoscopic/endoscopic repair of inguinal and incisional hernias. Guidelines of the International Endohernia Society recommend fibrin sealant mesh fixation, especially in inguinal hernia repair. Nonfixation is reserved for selected cases.

The feasibility of FS mesh fixation by a transgastric approach--an important benefit in future NOTES procedures?

BACKGROUND: Preserving the integrity of the abdominal wall is a major benefit in NOTES procedures. It may result in a decrease of postoperative (postOP) pain, infection, and port site hernia. This experimental study on intra-peritoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair was designed to apply meshes by a transgastric access (TGA) and to use a combination of transfascial sutures and fibrin sealant as fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four abdominal wall defects were created by TGA under laparoscopic control in five nonsurvival and three survival pigs (4, 11, and 22 d observation period). Titanized polypropylene meshes were fixed transfascially by four polypropylene sutures using a "suture passer" device. Meshes were additionally fixed with 0.2 mL of fibrin sealant (FS) by an endoscopic application. TGA was closed with endoclips in the nonsurvival model and with laparoscopic suturing in survival pigs. RESULTS: The three survival pigs were euthanized on the d 4, 11, and 22 postOP. The macroscopic evaluation revealed excellent integration of the meshes without signs of shrinkage, dislocation, or inflammation. Histology confirmed macroscopic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that IPOM repair of ventral hernia in an experimental NOTES hybrid procedure is feasible. This study also demonstrates the technical feasibility and the potential advantages of FS mesh fixation to further reduce trauma to the abdominal wall following the key principles of the NOTES approach.

Fibrin sealant (Tisseel) for hiatal mesh fixation in an experimental model in pigs.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the fibrin sealant fixation of titanized polypropylene mesh in experimental hiatal mesh closure in pigs. Prosthetic hiatal closure is recommended for the repair of large hiatal/paraesophageal hernias as well as for antireflux surgery. However, only limited data exist on the favorable choice of meshes and fixation devices. Migration of the implant and trauma to neighboring organs due to perforating devices, such as sutures or tacks, present potentially lethal complications. In this study, we propose the fixation of titanized polypropylene meshes (TS) specifically developed for hiatal closure (TISure; GfE Medizintechnik GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany) with human fibrin sealant (FS, Tisseel; Baxter Biosciences, Vienna, Austria). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A laparotomy was carried out in 7 mini-pigs (27-30 kg bodyweight) under general anaesthesia, and a TS was implanted after precise dissection of the right and left crura and the crural commissure. The key hole of the TS was placed around the esophagus at the gastroesophageal junction. One mL of FS was applied with the Easy Spray system (Baxter Biosciences, Vienna, Austria) for circular and three dimensional mesh fixation onto the diaphragm. Due to the lack of accepted gold standards of hiatal mesh reinforcement, no control group was used. Animals were sacrificed after 4 wk, and meshes were explanted after macroscopical assessment of the correct position and tissue integration. Histology was performed. RESULTS: All meshes showed excellent tissue integration and no signs of migration or dislocation. FS was completely degraded and replaced by well vascularized fibroblastic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Titanized polypropylene mesh with FS fixation was found to be a safe and efficient combination for reinforcement of the hiatal closure in this preliminary experimental model.

Fibrin sealant (Tissucol) for the fixation of hiatal mesh in the repair of giant paraesophageal hernia: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The use of hiatal meshes for the repair of giant paraesophageal hernias (GPH) is associated with a significantly decreased rate of recurrences compared with mesh free techniques. Many surgeons refrain from mesh implantation at the gastroesophageal junction owing to reported complications, such as mesh migration, strictures, and risks of tack or suture placement. This case report presents the laparoscopic application of a titanium-coated mesh (TiSure, GfE, Germany) designated for hiatal repair, with fibrin sealant fixation (Tissucol, Baxter, Austria) in a patient with GPH. METHODS: A patient (male, 59 y) presented at our outpatient department with a 3-year history of epigastric pain and decreasing lung capacity. A GPH with an intrathoracic upside-down stomach had already been radiologically diagnosed 3 years before admission. In elective laparoscopy, the stomach was repositioned and the crura of the diaphragm were approximated with nonresorbable sutures. The defect was reinforced with a preshaped titanium-coated mesh and fibrin sealant (2 mL) applied with a 45 degree angled tip laparoscopic spraying device. No perforating fixation device was used for mesh fixation itself. The patient was discharged on the seventeenth postoperative (postOP) day. The clinical follow-up included the assessment of postOP pain with a visual analog score and a confirmative computed tomography scan 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The patient has fully recovered, showing no recurrence or adverse effects 1 year postOP. DISCUSSION: Based on previous good results from own experimental trials, the mesh sealing approach in hiatal hernia repair was performed clinically, yielding an excellent result in this case. Multicenter trials to assess the full impact of FS mesh fixation in combination with macroporous hiatal meshes seem mandatory.

Lifting of the umbilicus for the installation of pneumoperitoneum with the Veress needle increases the distance to the retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal structures.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopy, 50% of all complications occur during establishment of the pneumoperitoneum. Elevation of the fascia is recommended for the Veress needle approach, although the benefit has not been proved to date. This study aimed to evaluate the intraabdominal changes during lifting of the fascia with regard to the distance from the fascia to the retroperitoneal vessels and the intestine for access in laparoscopy. METHODS: For 10 patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the operation started with the computed tomography (CT) scan. After orotracheal intubation, a CT scan of the umbilical region was performed. After a supraumbilical incision, the fascia was freed and elevated with stay sutures. During maximal elevation, a second CT scan was performed. Distances to the intestinal (small bowel) and retroperitoneal structures (iliac artery, vena cava) were measured. Intraabdominal pressure was measured with a transcystic balloon manometer before (a) and after (b) elevation of the fascia, after insertion of the Veress needle (c), and after completion of the insufflations (d). RESULTS: Lifting of the fascia increased the distance between the fascia and the intestinal structures in the patients with no prior abdominal surgery (mean distance, 1.92 cm; range, 0.87-2.67 cm) and the distance between the fascia and the retroperitoneal vessels (mean distance, 7.83 cm; range, 3-11 cm). The median intraabdominal pressures in terms of cm H(2)O were 5.4 for a, 1.1 for b, 1.1 for c, and 12. 5 for d. CONCLUSION: Elevation of the fascia before the first entrance to the abdominal cavity for laparoscopy may increase safety due to a significant enlargement of distance between the fascia and the retroperitoneal structures.

Laryngeal recurrent nerve injury in surgery for benign thyroid diseases: effect of nerve dissection and impact of individual surgeon in more than 27,000 nerves at risk.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of recurrent nerve dissection on the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLNI) and to analyze the performance of individual surgeons. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Dissection of the recurrent nerve is mandatory in total thyroidectomy, but its relative merit in less extensive resections is not clear. The reported rates of RLNI differ widely; this may reflect a variation in the performance of individual surgeons. METHODS: The authors studied the incidence of RLNI in primary surgery for benign thyroid disease during three periods in a single center. In period 1 (1979-1990; 9,385 consecutive patients, 15,865 nerves at risk), the recurrent nerve was not exposed. In period 2 (1991-1998; 6,128 patients, 10,548 nerves at risk), dissection of the recurrent nerve was the standard procedure. Global outcome and individual performance in these two periods were compared and presented to the surgeons. The effect of this quality control procedure was tested in 1999 (period 3; 930 patients, 1,561 nerves at risk). RESULTS: Exposure of the recurrent nerve significantly reduced the global rate of postoperative and permanent RLNI. Some but not all surgeons improved their results by recurrent nerve dissection (e.g., permanent RLNI rates ranged from 0% to 1.1%). The documented significant differences in individual performances did not affect the outcome in period 3. The extent of nerve dissection was a source of variability; the rate of permanent RLNI averaged 0.9%, 0.3%, and 0.1% for surgeons who only localized, partially exposed, and completely dissected the recurrent nerve, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent nerve dissection significantly reduces the risk of RLNI. Extensive dissection facilitates visual control of nerve integrity during resection and is therefore superior to a more limited exposure of the nerve. Quality control can improve the global outcome and identify the variability in individual performance. This cannot be eliminated by merely confronting surgeons with comparative data; hence, it is important to search for the underlying causes.