Laparoscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Loop and Knot Security, Varying with the Suture and Sequences, Throws, Rotation and Destabilization of Half-Knots or Half-Hitches.

Surgical knots are sequences of half-knots (H) or half-hitches (S), defined by their number of throws, by an opposite or similar rotation compared with the previous one, and for half-hitches whether they are sliding (s) or blocking (b). Opposite rotation results in (more secure) symmetric (s) knots, similar rotation in asymmetric (a) knots, and changing the active and passive ends has the same effect as changing the rotation. Loop security is the force to keep tissue together after a first half-knot or sliding half-hitches. With polyfilament sutures, H2, H3, SSs, and SSsSsSs have a loop security of 10, 18, 28, and 48 Newton (N), respectively. With monofilament sutures, they are only 7, 16, 18, and 25 N. Since many knots can reorganize, the definition of knot security as the force at which the knot opens or the suture breaks should be replaced by the clinically more relevant percentage of clinically dangerous and insecure knots. Secure knots with polyfilament sutures require a minimum of four or five throws, but the risk of destabilization is high. With monofilament sutures, only two symmetric+4 asymmetric blocking half-hitches are secure. In conclusion, in gynecology and in open and laparoscopic surgery, half-hitch sequences are recommended because they are mandatory for monofilament sutures, adding flexibility for loop security with less risk of destabilization.

Effect of Diameter and Type of Suture on Knot and Loop Security.

The loop and knot securities of two polyfilament and two monofilament sutures of four diameters (3.0, 2.0, 0, 1) were evaluated with a tensiometer for four four-throw knots, known to be secure with a 2.0 polyfilament suture. Loop security of Monocryl 1 is low, being 14.7 ± 3.0 Newton (N) for a three-throw half-knot (H3) and 15.4 ± 2.4 N and 28.3 ± 10 N for two (SSs) and four (SSsSsSs) symmetrical sliding half-hitches. This is lower than 18, 24, and 46 N for similar knots with Vicryl. Polyfilament sutures have excellent knot security for all four diameters. Occasionally, some slide open with slightly lower knot security, especially for larger diameters, although this is not clinically problematic. Knot security of monofilament sutures was unpredictable for all four knots, especially for larger diameters, resulting in many clinically insecure knots. A secure monofilament knot requires a six-throw knot with two symmetrical sliding half-hitches or two symmetrical half-knots secured with four asymmetric blocking half-hitches. In conclusion, with polyfilament sutures, four- or five-throw half-knot or half-hitch sequences result in secure knots. For monofilament sutures, loop and knot security is much less, half-knot combinations should be avoided, and secure knots require six-throw knots with four asymmetric blocking half-hitches.

Stepwise Laparoscopic Myomectomy and the Baseball Closure.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the importance of planning all the steps of laparoscopic myomectomy, including incision, techniques to reduce blood loss, and suturing. DESIGN: Step-by-step video demonstration of the technique, with narration in the background. The video was approved by the local institutional review board. SETTING: Live surgery at Hospital PIO XII, Institute for Research into Cancer of the Digestive System and American Institute of Telesurgery, Barretos. INTERVENTIONS: We describe a case of a 33-year-old woman with no pregnancy and diagnosed with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain associated with a 5-cm posterior transmural myoma. We performed a laparoscopic myomectomy, with temporary clipping of the uterine arteries associated with the treatment of endometriosis lesions. Specimen extraction was performed inside a bag [1]. The patient was discharged the next day with no complications. Ten months after the procedure, the patient reported that there was no pain, and that her menses were normal. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach remains the gold standard for myomectomy [2]. Planning the steps before execution is fundamentally important to ensure the security of the procedure. A seromuscularis baseball suture associated with figure-of-8 knotting with an H3H2 sequence at the internal layers seems to be an adequate technique for myometrium closure [3]. Choosing the correct angle for the incision, clipping the uterine artery, and developing the suture in 2 layers results in less bleeding, reduced operating time, decrease in hospital length of stay, and fewer complications.

Useful Pelvic Retroperitoneal Neuroanatomy for Benign Gynecologic Surgery: A Cadaveric Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of the retroperitoneal anatomy is particularly important to facilitate surgical procedure and reduce the number of complications. The objective of this video is to demonstrate pelvic neuroanatomic structures and their relationships in the pelvic sidewall and the presacral space in a laparoscopic cadaveric dissection. DESIGN: Case report (anatomic study). SETTING: Medical training center (AdventHealth Nicholson Center, Orlando, FL). INTERVENTIONS: The dissection started with the mobilization of the iliac vessels from the pelvic sidewall to identify the obturator nerve. The peritoneum of the ovarian fossa was opened, and the ureter was dissected up to the level of the uterine artery. The hypogastric nerve was identified. The close relationship between the ovarian fossa and the obturator nerve could be demonstrated. The deep dissection of the obturator fossa allowed for the identification of the lumbosacral trunk, S1, the sciatic nerve, S2, S3, S4, and the splanchnic nerves. Then, the ischial spine and the sacrospinous ligament were identified. The pudendal nerve and vessels could be observed passing below the sacrospinous ligament, entering the pudendal canal (Alcock's canal). The presacral space was dissected, and the hypogastric fascia was opened. S1 to S4 were identified coming from the sacral foramens. The laparoscopic dissection, using the cadaveric model, allowed for the development of the entire retroperitoneal anatomy, focusing on the dissection of the pelvic innervation. Anatomic relationships among the ureter, the hypogastric nerve, the uterosacral ligament, the splanchnic nerves, the inferior hypogastric plexus, and the organs (bowel, vagina, uterus, and bladder) could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic cadaveric dissection can be used as a resource to demonstrate and educate surgeons about the neurologic retroperitoneal structures and their relationships.

Which Knots Are Recommended in Laparoscopic Surgery and How to Avoid Insecure Knots.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate why security of identical knot sequences is variable and how to avoid occasionally insecure knots. DESIGN: A factorial design was used to assess factors affecting the security of half knot (H) and half-hitch (S) knot combinations. The effect of tying forces and the risk factors to transform H knots into S knots were investigated. The risk factors evaluated were as follows: starting with an H1 or H2 instead of an H3 knot, inexperience, short sutures, and monomanual knot tying. Security of transformed knots, S2S1 and S2S2 knots, and their recuperation with 2 additional half hitches, SSb or SbSb, were evaluated. SETTING: Training center for laparoscopic suturing. PATIENTS: Not applicable. INTERVENTIONS: Security of knots was evaluated in vitro. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The forces that caused knot combinations to open before breaking of the suture were used to calculate the risk of opening with low forces. Tying more strongly increased the security of half knots (H2H1sH1s) (p <.02) and half hitches (p <.001). The forces needed to transform an H3 into an S3 are higher than those for an H2 (p <.001), and the risk increases when the surgeon is inexperienced (p <.001), when sutures are short (p <.001), and when monomanual knot tying (p <.001) is used. Inadvertently made S2S1 and S2S2 knots are dangerous, with the exception of the symmetric S2S2, which is stable. Unstable knots such as S2S1a and S2S2a knot combinations improve with 2 additional blocking half hitches (SbSb), but S2S2aSbSb remains occasionally insecure. CONCLUSION: To reduce the risk of accidentally transforming a first H into an S knot, it is recommended to start with an H3, tie with force, avoid short sutures, and use bimanual suturing. This permits the recommendation to use preferentially H3H2 knots or 5 half hitches (SSSbSbSb). When in doubt, half knot combinations should be secured with at least 2 blocking half hitches.

The Effect on Performance Time and Quality of the Knots after Mono or Bimanual Training of Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Knot Tying according to the Gladiator Rule Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the monomanual or bimanual training of laparoscopic suture following the same technique may interfere with the knots' performance time and/or quality. METHODS: A prospective observational study involving 41 resident students of gynecology/obstetrics and general surgery who attended a laparoscopic suture training for 2 days. The participants were divided into two groups. Group A performed the training using exclusively their dominant hand, and group B performed the training using both hands to tie the intracorporeal knot. All participants followed the same technique, called Romeo Gladiator Rule. At the end of the course, the participants were asked to perform three exercises to assess the time it took them to tie the knots, as well as the quality of the knots. RESULTS: A comparative analysis of the groups showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.334) between them regarding the length of time to tie one knot. However, when the time to tie 10 consecutive knots was compared, group A was faster than group B (p = 0.020). A comparison of the knot loosening average, in millimeters, revealed that the knots made by group B loosened less than those made by group A, but there was no statistically significant difference regarding the number of knots that became untied. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the knots from group B showed better quality than those from group A, with lower loosening measures and more strength necessary to untie the knots. The study also demonstrated that group A was faster than B when the time to tie ten consecutive knots was compared.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar se o treinamento monomanual ou bimanual de sutura laparoscópica seguindo a mesma técnica pode interferir no tempo de realização e/ou qualidade dos nós. MéTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional envolvendo 41 estudantes residentes de ginecologia /obstetrícia e cirurgia geral que participaram de um treinamento de sutura laparoscópica por 2 dias. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos. O grupo A realizou o treinamento usando exclusivamente a mão dominante, e o grupo B realizou o treinamento usando as duas mãos para amarrar o nó intracorpóreo. Todos os participantes seguiram a mesma técnica, chamada Regra do Gladiador, descrita por Armando Romeo. No final do curso, os participantes foram convidados a realizar três exercícios para avaliar o tempo de realização e a qualidade dos nós. RESULTADOS: Uma análise comparativa dos grupos mostrou que não houve diferença estatística significativa (p = 0,334) entre eles quanto ao período de tempo para amarrar um nó. No entanto, quando o tempo para amarrar 10 nós consecutivos foi comparado, o grupo A foi mais rápido do que o grupo B (p = 0,020). A comparação da média de afrouxamento de nó, em milímetros, revelou que os nós do grupo B afrouxaram menos do que os do grupo A, mas não houve diferença estatística significativa quanto ao número de nós que desamarraram. CONCLUSãO: Este estudo demonstrou que os nós do grupo B apresentaram melhor qualidade do que os nós do grupo A, com menores medidas de afrouxamento e maior força necessária para desamarrar os nós. Também demonstrou que o grupo A foi mais rápido do que B quando o tempo para amarrar dez nós consecutivos foi comparado.

The effect on performance time and quality of the knots after mono or bimanual training of laparoscopic intracorporeal knot tying according to the gladiator rule technique / O efeito sobre o tempo de realização e a qualidade dos nós após o treinamento mono ou bimanual do nó intracorpóreo da sutura laparoscópica de acordo com a técnica da Regra do Gladiador

Abstract Objective To assesswhether themonomanual or bimanual training of laparoscopic suture followingthe sametechniquemay interferewith theknots' performancetimeand/or quality. Methods A prospective observational study involving 41 resident students of gynecology/ obstetrics and general surgery who attended a laparoscopic suture training for 2 days. The participants were divided into two groups. Group A performed the training using exclusively their dominant hand, and group B performed the training using both hands to tie the intracorporeal knot. All participants followed the same technique, called Romeo Gladiator Rule. At the end of the course, the participants were asked to perform three exercises to assess the time it took them to tie the knots, as well as the quality of the knots. Results A comparative analysis of the groups showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.334) between them regarding the length of time to tie one knot. However, when the time to tie 10 consecutive knots was compared, group A was faster than group B (p = 0.020). A comparison of the knot loosening average, in millimeters, revealed that the knots made by group B loosened less than those made by group A, but there was no statistically significant difference regarding the number of knots that became untied. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the knots from group B showed better quality than those from group A, with lower loosening measures and more strength necessary to untie the knots. The study also demonstrated that group A was faster than B when the time to tie ten consecutive knots was compared.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar se o treinamento monomanual ou bimanual de sutura laparoscópica seguindo a mesma técnica pode interferir no tempo de realização e/ou qualidade dos nós. Métodos Estudo prospectivo observacional envolvendo 41 estudantes residentes de ginecologia /obstetrícia e cirurgia geral que participaram de um treinamento de sutura laparoscópica por 2 dias. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos. O grupo A realizou o treinamento usando exclusivamente amão dominante, e o grupo B realizou o treinamento usando as duas mãos para amarrar o nó intracorpóreo. Todos os participantes seguiram a mesma técnica, chamada Regra do Gladiador, descrita por Armando Romeo. No final do curso, os participantes foram convidados a realizar três exercícios para avaliar o tempo de realização e a qualidade dos nós. Resultados Uma análise comparativa dos grupos mostrou que não houve diferença estatística significativa (p = 0,334) entre eles quanto ao período de tempo para amarrar um nó. No entanto, quando o tempo para amarrar 10 nós consecutivos foi comparado, o grupo A foi mais rápido do que o grupo B (p = 0,020). A comparação da média de afrouxamento de nó, em milímetros, revelou que os nós do grupo B afrouxaram menos do que os do grupo A, mas não houve diferença estatística significativa quanto ao número de nós que desamarraram. Conclusão Este estudo demonstrou que os nós do grupo B apresentaram melhor qualidade do que os nós do grupo A, com menores medidas de afrouxamento e maior força necessária para desamarrar os nós. Também demonstrou que o grupo A foi mais rápido do que B quando o tempo para amarrar dez nós consecutivos foi comparado.

What is the Best Surgeon's Knot? Evaluation of the Security of the Different Laparoscopic Knot Combinations.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the security of various knot combinations in laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized trial (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: Storz Training Centre, Sao Paulo, Brazil. INTERVENTION: Different knot combinations (n = 2000) were performed in a laparoscopic trainer. Dry or wet 2.0 polyglycolic acid or dry 2-0 poliglecaprone 25 was used. The tails were cut at 10 mm, and the loops were tested in a dynamometer. The primary endpoints were the forces at which the knot combination opened or at which the suture broke. Resulting tail lengths were measured. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Surprisingly, the combination of a 2-throw half knot (H2) and a symmetric 1-throw half knot (H1s) (a surgical flat knot) opened at <1 Newton (N) in 2.5% of tests and at <10 N in 5% of tests. This occasional opening at low forces persisted after 1 or 2 additional H1s knots. A sequence of an H2 or a 3-throw half knot (H3) followed by a H2, either symmetric or asymmetric (H2H2 or H3H2), resulted in 100% secure knots that never opened at forces below 30 N. Other safe combinations were H2H1s followed by 2 blocking half hitches, and a sequence of 5 half hitches with 3 blocking sequences. CONCLUSION: A traditional surgical knot (H2H1s) occasionally opens with little force and thus is potentially dangerous. Safe knots are H2H2 and H3H2 combinations, a sequence of 5 half hitches with 3 blocking sequences, and H2H1s together with 2 blocking half hitches.

Different Blocking Sequences Performed by Laparoscopy.

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

Three-step model course to teach intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy requires a set of skills such as intracorporeal stitching and knotting. The aim of this study is to present an effective specialized training course for the laparoscopic suturing technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a specialized 5-day training course for laparoscopic suturing skills with theoretical and practical sessions on inanimate pelvic training. The "gladiator rule" was the method used to teach intracorporeal suturing using the right and left hand from a lateral and suprapubic access. Data on sense of depth, coordination, dexterity, traction power, and posture at the beginning and at the end of the course were compiled. Three practical evaluations were performed by each course participant. Follow-up on subsequent live laparoscopic application of intracorporeal suturing was obtained. RESULTS: We enrolled 44 consecutive trainees: 33 men and 11 women. We found a significant statistical improvement during the course in coordination (P=.001), dexterity (P=.000), traction power (P=.002), and posture (P=.003). Men were better than women in coordination (P=.002), dexterity (P=.000), and traction power (P=.014). No significant statistical difference in suturing skill was found in relation to age, gender, previous courses, surgical training (surgeon or resident), and dominant hand. Twenty-nine of 40 (72.5%) trainees after the course began to apply intracorporeal sutures in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates the utility of a 5-day suturing course in teaching laparoscopic suturing technique. The "gladiator rule" is a useful and reproducible theory to teach intracorporeal knotting. The three-step model allows the majority of the trainees to apply laparoscopic suturing in vivo.