The option of transosseous distal suture placement during minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair for high-risk patients can improve outcomes, however does not prevent re-rupture.

PURPOSE: Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) close to the insertion, in high-level athletes, and in patients at high risk of re-rupture, may be better suited to operative repair. Minimally Invasive Repair (MIR) of the Achilles tendon has excellent outcome and low complication rates. Traditionally MIR has showed lower repair strength, failing due to suture pull-out from the distal tendon stump. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of ATR patients who received transosseous distal suture placement using a standard technique as a reference. METHODS: Following ATR, patients were evaluated for pre-injury activity level, body weight, location of the tear and size of the distal Achilles tendon stump. Patients considered to be at high-risk of re-rupture: Tegner level ≥ 8, body weight ≥ 105Kg and distal ATR, received transosseous (TO) distal suture placement (n = 20) rather than the usual transtendinous (TT) technique (n = 55). Patient reported outcome measures and functional evaluation was performed at 12 months following repair. RESULTS: At 12 months follow up both methods resulted in good median (IQR) Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score TO 83.8 (74-88.3) vs. TT 90 (79-94), low increased relative Achilles Tendon Resting Angle TO -3.5˚ (3.6) vs. TT -3.5˚ (3.3) and mean (SD) Single leg Heel-Rise Height Index TO 88.2% (9.9) vs. TT 85.6% (9.9) (n.s.). There were 4 re-ruptures in the high-risk group and 2 in the group receiving TT distal suture placement. All but one of these were traumatic in nature. The mode of failure following TO distal suture placement was proximal suture pull out. CONCLUSIONS: To distal suture placement during minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair for higher-risk patients can lead to results equivalent to those in lower-risk patients treated with a standard TT MIR technique, except for the re-rupture rate which remained higher. There may be factors that have greater influence on outcome other than suture placement following ATR.

Application of sutureless corneal incision for patients with congenital ectopia lentis - Is it feasible, effective and safe?

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes, feasibility, and safety between groups with sutured and sutureless wound closure in congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) patients. Methods: Patients with CEL who received phacoemulsification combined with intrascleral fixation of capsular hook (CH) and implantation of capsular tension ring (CTR) and in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) were included in this study. Results: A total of 68 eyes of 34 patients aged 18 years or younger were enrolled in this study. Incisions of 21 patients (34 eyes) did not require sutures while sutures were applied in 21 patients (34 eyes). Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity, best corrected distance visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements were comparable on follow-up visits (P > 0.05). The magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism was significantly greater (P = 0.001) in the suture group (Median: 0.47; IQ: 1.63, 2.97) than in the sutureless group (Median: 0.88; IQ: 0.63, 1.35). No cases of endophthalmitis and retinal detachment were found postoperatively in either group, while suture-related complications were observed in the sutured group, including loose suture with discomfort in 5 (14.71%) eyes, loose suture with mucus infiltration in 3 (8.82%) eyes. In total, 22 sutures (64.71%) of 34 eyes required removal. Conclusions: Sutureless clear corneal incision in CEL patients can achieve satisfactory clinical results comparable to sutured wound closure in terms of the efficacy and safety. Advantages of this approach are the reduced risk of suture-related complications, no need for additional surgery under general anesthesia for suture removal, and less cost.

Tissue damage between barbed suture and conventional sutures in animal laboratory model using scanning electron microscopy.

This study aimed to compare the tissue damage caused by barbed sutures and conventional sutures using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Porcine myocardium was incised and sutured using different thread types: barbed suture, (STRATAFIX® Spiral PDS PLUS) and conventional sutures, (VICRYL® and PDS Plus®). Needle hole shapes were examined at magnifications of 30×-100×. VICRYL® suture damaged the tissue and created large gaps around the needle holes. The tissue around the needle holes was smoother and less damaged in the single suture ligations with PDS®; however, a large gap had formed. In the continuous suture with STRATAFIX®, the tissue around the needle holes was significantly smoother and minimally damaged, with no noticeable gaps around the needle holes. Barbed sutures reduced the load on needle holes and minimised tissue damage owing to the dispersion of traction forces by the barbs compared with conventional sutures.

Fast absorbing gut sutures in dermatologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fast gut cutaneous sutures have become more prominent due to their low tissue reactivity, rapid absorption, and elimination of suture removal visits. It is not known how fast gut sutures compare to other closure modalities. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing fast gut sutures to alternative closure methods during dermatologic surgery. Data collected included patient and physician assessed cosmetic outcome as well as standardized complication rates. RESULTS: Six studies were included in final analysis and reported on 208 patients. Fast gut sutures were associated with lower physician opinions of final scar when compared to polypropylene sutures (SMD 0.438; 95% CI 0.082 to 0.794). No differences existed between physician opinion of fast gut sutures and cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (SMD - 0.024; 95% CI - 0.605 to 0.556). Complications with fast gut suture placement were rare, and included infection, dehiscence, and hematomas. Fast gut sutures were less likely to experience wound dehiscence than tissue adhesive (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: If no contraindications to polypropylene sutures exist, they may provide superior cosmetic outcomes compared to fast gut sutures. Further research is required to better quantify cosmetic outcomes and optimal use of fast gut sutures.

Cross-Seal IDE Trial: Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Arm Study of the Cross-Seal Suture-Mediated Vascular Closure Device System.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of interventional procedures require large-sheath technology (>12F) with a favorable outcome with endovascular rather than open surgical access. However, vascular complications are a limitation for the management of these patients. This trial aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of the Cross-Seal suture-mediated vascular closure device in obtaining hemostasis at the target limb access site following interventional procedures using 8F to 18F procedural sheaths. METHODS: The Cross-Seal IDE trial (Investigational Device Exemption) was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study in subjects undergoing percutaneous endovascular procedures utilizing 8F to 18F ID procedural sheaths. The primary efficacy end point was time to hemostasis at the target limb access site. The primary safety end point was freedom from major complications of the target limb access site within 30 days post procedure. RESULTS: A total of 147 subjects were enrolled between August 9, 2019, and March 12, 2020. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was performed in 53.7% (79/147) and percutaneous endovascular abdominal/thoracic aortic aneurysm repair in 46.3% (68/147) of subjects. The mean sheath ID was 15.5±1.8 mm. The primary effectiveness end point of time to hemostasis was 0.4±1.4 minutes. An adjunctive intervention was required in 9.2% (13/142) of subjects, of which 2.1% (3/142) were surgical and 5.6% (8/142) endovascular. Technical success was achieved in 92.3% (131/142) of subjects. Freedom from major complications of the target limb access site was 94.3% (83/88). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients undergoing percutaneous endovascular procedures utilizing 8F to 18F ID procedural sheath, Cross-Seal suture-mediated vascular closure device achieved favorable effectiveness and safety in the closure of the large-bore arteriotomy. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03756558.

Management of perforations during endoscopic resection.

Despite the evolution in tools and techniques, perforation is still one of the most pernicious adverse events of therapeutic endoscopy with potentially huge consequences. As advanced endoscopic resection techniques are worldwide spreading, endoscopists must be ready to manage intraprocedural perforations. In fact, immediate endoscopic closure through a prompt diagnosis represents the first-line option, saving patients from surgery, long hospitalizations and worse outcomes. Traditional and novel endoscopic closure modalities, including clips, suturing devices, stents and vacuum therapy, are increasingly expanding the therapeutic armamentarium for closing these defects. Nevertheless, available literature on this topic is currently limited. In this review our goal is to give an overview on the management of perforations occurring during endoscopic resections, with particular attention to characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and new horizons of endoscopic closure tools.

Superiority trial for the development of an ideal method for the closure of midline abdominal wall incisions to reduce the incidence of wound complications after elective gastroenterological surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The recent guidelines from the European and American Hernia Societies recommend a continuous small-bite suturing technique with slowly absorbable sutures for fascial closure of midline abdominal wall incisions to reduce the incidence of wound complications, especially for incisional hernia. However, this is based on low-certainty evidence. We could not find any recommendations for skin closure. The wound closure technique is an important determinant of the risk of wound complications, and a comprehensive approach to prevent wound complications should be developed. METHODS: We propose a single-institute, prospective, randomized, blinded-endpoint trial to assess the superiority of the combination of continuous suturing of the fascia without peritoneal closure and continuous suturing of the subcuticular tissue (study group) over that of interrupted suturing of the fascia together with the peritoneum and interrupted suturing of the subcuticular tissue (control group) for reducing the incidence of midline abdominal wall incision wound complications after elective gastroenterological surgery with a clean-contaminated wound. Permuted-block randomization with an allocation ratio of 1:1 and blocking will be used. We hypothesize that the study group will show a 50% reduction in the incidence of wound complications. The target number of cases is set at 284. The primary outcome is the incidence of wound complications, including incisional surgical site infection, hemorrhage, seroma, wound dehiscence within 30 days after surgery, and incisional hernia at approximately 1 year after surgery. DISCUSSION: This trial will provide initial evidence on the ideal combination of fascial and skin closure for midline abdominal wall incision to reduce the incidence of overall postoperative wound complications after gastroenterological surgery with a clean-contaminated wound. This trial is expected to generate high-quality evidence that supports the current guidelines for the closure of abdominal wall incisions from the European and American Hernia Societies and to contribute to their next updates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR UMIN000048442. Registered on 1 August 2022. https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000055205.

Single-layer versus double-layer renorrhaphy technique during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: impact on perioperative outcomes, complications, and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The debate between single-layer and double-layer renorrhaphy techniques during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) represents a subject of ongoing discourse. The present analysis aims to compare the perioperative and functional outcomes of single- versus double-layer renorrhaphy during RPN. METHODS: Study data were retrieved from prospectively maintained institutional database (Jan2018-May2023). Study population was divided into two groups according to the number of layers (single vs. double) used for renorrhaphy. Baseline and perioperative data were compared. Postoperative surgical outcomes included type and grade of complications as classified according to Clavien-Dindo. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate were used to measure renal function. RESULTS: Three hundred seventeen patients were included in the analysis: 209 received single-layer closure, while 108 underwent double-layer renorrhaphy. Baseline characteristics were not statistically different between the groups. Comparable low incidence of intraoperative complications was observed between the cohorts (P=0.5). No difference was found in terms of mean (95% CI) Hb level drop postoperation (single-layer: 1.6 g/dL [1.5-1.7] vs. double-layer: 1.4 g/dL [1.2-1.5], P=0.3). Overall and "major" rate of complications were 16% and 3%, respectively, with no difference observed in terms of any grade (P=0.2) and major complications (P=0.7). Postoperative renal function was not statistically different between the treatment modalities. At logistic regression analyses, no difference in terms of probability of overall (OR 0.82 [0.63-1.88]) and major (OR 0.94 [0.77-6.44]) complications for the number of suture layers was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Single-layer and double-layer renorrhaphy demonstrated comparable perioperative and functional outcomes within the setting of the present study.

Venous vascular closure system vs. figure-of-eight suture following atrial fibrillation ablation: the STYLE-AF Study.

AIMS: Simplified ablation technologies for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are increasingly performed worldwide. One of the most common complications following PVI are vascular access-related complications. Lately, venous closure systems (VCSs) were introduced into clinical practice, aiming to reduce the time of bed rest, to increase the patients' comfort, and to reduce vascular access-related complications. The aim of the present study is to compare the safety and efficacy of using a VCS to achieve haemostasis following single-shot PVI to the actual standard of care [figure-of-eight suture and manual compression (MC)]. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a prospective, multicentre, randomized, controlled, open-label trial performed at three German centres. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo haemostasis either by means of VCS (VCS group) or of a figure-of-eight suture and MC (F8 group). The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to ambulation, while the primary safety endpoint was the incidence of major periprocedural adverse events until hospital discharge. A total of 125 patients were randomized. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The VCS group showed a shorter time to ambulation [109.0 (82.0, 160.0) vs. 269.0 (243.8, 340.5) min; P < 0.001], shorter time to haemostasis [1 (1, 2) vs. 5 (2, 10) min; P < 0.001], and shorter time to discharge eligibility [270 (270, 270) vs. 340 (300, 458) min; P < 0.001]. No major vascular access-related complication was reported in either group. A trend towards a lower incidence of minor vascular access-related complications on the day of procedure was observed in the VCS group [7 (11.1%) vs. 15 (24.2%); P = 0.063] as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Following AF ablation, the use of a VCS results in a significantly shorter time to ambulation, time to haemostasis, and time to discharge eligibility. No major vascular access-related complications were identified. The use of MC and a figure-of-eight suture showed a trend towards a higher incidence of minor vascular access-related complications.

Single suture-mediated closure system after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A single-center real-world experience.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of two crossed Perclose ProGlide™ (Abbott Vascular Devices) is the most widespread technique to close the main arterial access in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI), the safest and most effective strategy still remains much debated. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a single Perclose ProGlide suture-mediated closure device to obtain femoral hemostasis after sheathless implantation of self-expanding transcatheter heart valves through their 14 F-equivalent fix delivery systems. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 439 patients undergoing TF-TAVI at the "Montevergine" Clinic of Mercogliano, Italy. All patients underwent hemostasis of the large-bore access using a single Perclose ProGlide with preclose technique, after sheathless implantation of self-expanding transcatheter heart valves through 14 F-equivalent fix delivery systems. A multidetector computed tomography analysis of size, tortuosity, atherosclerotic, and calcification burdens of the ilio-femoral access route was made by a dedicated corelab. Vascular complications (VCs), percutaneous closure device (PCD) failure, and bleedings were adjudicated by a clinical events committee. RESULTS: A total of 81 different VCs were observed in 60 patients (13.7%); among these, 41 (5% of patients) were categorized as major. PCD failure occurred in 14 patients (3.2%). At the logistic regression analysis, no predictors of PCD failure have been identified. CONCLUSION: This registry suggests that the use of a single suture-mediated closure device could be considered a safe and efficient technique to achieve access site hemostasis in patients undergoing TF-TAVI through 14 F-equivalent fix delivery systems.

[Short-term outcomes of mechanical and hand-sewn laparoscopic one-anastomosis mini-gastric bypass]. / Sravnitel'naya otsenka blizhaishikh rezul'tatov laparoskopicheskogo minigastroshuntirovaniya s apparatnym i manual'nym sposobami formirovaniya gastroeyunoanastomoza.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of mechanical and hand-sewn laparoscopic one-anastomosis mini-gastric bypass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 233 patients who underwent laparoscopic one-anastomosis mini-gastric bypass. Short-term results were analyzed in groups of mechanical (the first group, n=108) and hand-sewn (the second group, n=125) gastrojejunostomy. No significant between-group differences in baseline data were detected (demographic characteristics, body mass index, comorbidity and previous abdominal surgeries). RESULTS: Surgery time and blood loss were similar in both groups. Intraoperative morbidity was 7.2-10.2% (p=0.485). All complications required no surgical conversion (Satava-Kazaryan grade I). Overall postoperative morbidity was 16.0-21.3% (p=0.314). Most events corresponded to Accordion grade I and had no significant effect on hospital-stay. CONCLUSION: This study revealed no significant differences in short-term outcomes after laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass with mechanical and hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy. Further study of long-term clinical outcomes is necessary.

Right Lower Sleeve Lobectomy: Detailed Technique and Perioperative Patient Management.

PURPOSE: This report reviews our experience with right lower sleeve lobectomy and describes our technique and approach to perioperative patient management. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients who underwent right lower sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer. Surgical techniques and perioperative management were also investigated. RESULTS: Bronchoplasty was performed using 4-0 absorbable monofilament sutures. The deepest portion was anastomosed using continuous sutures; interrupted sutures were used for the more superficial portions. The truncus intermedius and right middle lobe bronchus should be anastomosed in a natural position. Anastomosis patency was confirmed using intraoperative bronchoscopy. Separation of the right upper and middle lobes and pericardiotomy at the inferior edge of the superior pulmonary vein are useful for mobilizing the right middle lobe. Death during hospitalization and treatment-related death did not occur. One patient developed pneumonia, and another developed a bronchopleural fistula. CONCLUSION: We reported our technique of right lower sleeve lobectomy and our approach to perioperative patient management. Sharing knowledge is essential to completing this rare surgery.

'Dumpling suture method' versus traditional suture method of protective loop ileostomy in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection with specimen extraction through stoma incision: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) is performed in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection (LAR) surgery at high risk of anastomotic fistula. Minimally invasive surgery promotes postoperative recovery and cosmetics. To reduce abdominal trauma, specimen extraction through stoma incision (EXSI) is usually performed to avoid auxiliary abdominal incision with enlarged stomal incision. The traditional suture method (TSM) reduces the incision size by suturing the ends of the enlarged incision, leading to peristomal incisions and a higher risk of stomal complications. The study aimed to introduce the dumpling suture method (DSM) of PLI and compare this new method with TSM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors propose a novel stoma suture technique, which utilized a method of skin folding suture to reduce the enlarged incision size. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR-DLI with EXSI, and the intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes of the two groups were measured. RESULTS: The DSM group showed a lower stomal complication rate (10.3 vs. 35.7%, P=0.016) than that of the TSM group. The scores of DET (Discoloration, Erosion, Tissue overgrowth), stomal pain, quality of life were all significantly lower in DSM group than in TSM group. In multivariate analysis, DSM was an independent protective factor for stoma-related complications. Operative time, time to first flatus, defecation and eat, nonstomal related postoperative complications were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: DSM utilizes a method of skin folding suture to reduce the enlarged incision size, which is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of peristomal skin infections and stomal complications. This procedure offers a novel suturing approach for loop ileostomy with enlarged incision, effectively reducing the postoperative trauma and incidence of stomal complications.

Endoscopic outcomes using a novel through-the-scope tack and suture system for gastrointestinal defect closure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Closure of gastrointestinal defects can reduce postprocedural adverse events. Over-the-scope clips and an over-the-scope suturing system are widely available, yet their use may be limited by defect size, location, operator skill level, and need to reinsert the endoscope with the device attached. The introduction of a through-the-scope helix tack suture system (TTSS) allows for closure of large irregular defects using a gastroscope or colonoscope, without the need for endoscope withdrawal. Since its approval 3 years ago, only a handful of studies have explored outcomes using this novel device. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for studies looking at TTSS closure from inception until August 2023. The primary outcomes were the success of TTSS alone and TTSS with clips for complete defect closure. Secondary outcomes included complete closure based on procedure type (endoscopic mucosal resection [EMR], endoscopic submucosal dissection [ESD]) and adverse events. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria (449 patients, mean defect size 34.3 mm). Complete defect closure rates for TTSS alone and TTSS with adjunctive clips were 77.2% (95%CI 66.4-85.3; I2=79%) and 95.2% (95%CI 90.3-97.7; I2=42.5%), respectively. Complete defect closure rates for EMR and ESD were 99.2% (95%CI 94.3-99.9; I2 = 0%) and 92.1% (95%CI 85-96; I2=0%), respectively. The adverse event rate was 5.4% (95%CI 2.7-10.3; I2=55%). CONCLUSION: TTSS is a novel device for closure of postprocedural defects, with relatively high technical and clinical success rates. Comparative studies of closure devices are needed.

Postoperative Incisional Complications in Gynaecologic Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery: Comparing Closure Techniques.

OBJECTIVES: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and robotic SILS (rSILS) have been found to be safe, minimally invasive techniques in gynaecology. However, one major perceived drawback of these techniques is the increased risk of incisional hernia, compared to multiport laparoscopy or robotic surgery. This study's aim was to determine the optimal technique to reduce postoperative incisional complications such as hernia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed at an academic centre from November 2014 to June 2022 on 1036 women who underwent SILS and rSILS gynaecologic procedures with various closure techniques. Techniques included running absorbable sutures without tagging incision apices (standard closure) and tagging incision apices at the beginning of surgery with the use of permanent suture, absorbable suture, or a combination. RESULTS: Rates of hernia (primary outcome) and incisional issues (secondary outcome) such as separation or infection were analyzed by technique. Hernia rates were lower when incision apices were tagged compared to when not tagged (P < 0.001). Cellulitis/abscess rates were not significantly different. Incision separation was higher when apices were tagged with absorbable and a combination of permanent and absorbable sutures than if apices were tagged with all permanent sutures or not at all. In multivariate analysis, hernia rate decreased in groups with tagged apices, although other incision complications did not vary. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of incisional hernia after SILS procedures is low, though it does vary by technique. Tagging apices for closure, regardless of suture type, can mitigate one of the biggest concerns of performing SILS by reducing postoperative incisional hernia risk.

Split-level folding, step-type tension-relieving suture technique, and the evaluation on scar minimization.

BACKGROUND: Prevailing tension-reducing suture methods have a spectrum of issues. This study presents a straightforward yet highly efficacious suture technique known as the Split-level Folding, Step-type Tension-relieving Suture technique, which could play a pivotal role in preempting incisional scarring. AIMS: To introduce Split-level Folding, Step-type Tension-relieving Suture technique and assess its effect on scar minimization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 64 patients who underwent treatment utilizing the proposed suturing methodology. Assessment parameters included the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), scar width, complications, and all evaluated at 6- and 12-month postoperatively. RESULTS: At 12-month follow-up, the POSAS and VSS scores in the normal suture group (32.58 ± 5.43, 3.58 ± 1.39) were considerably higher than the step-type suture group (29.75 ± 3.56, p = 0.0007; 2.78 ± 1.17, p = 0.0006). Moreover, the step-type suture group showcased a significantly narrower average incision scar width (1.62 ± 0.36) than the normal suture group (1.87 ± 0.42, p = 0.0004). This novel tension-relieving suture technique that effectively circumvents the occurrence of persistent localized eversion and other complications often associated with traditional tension-relieving sutures. CONCLUSIONS: The Split-level Folding, Step-type Tension-relieving Suture technique emerges as a highly promising option for averting incisional scarring. This suture method works well for incisions on the chest, back, and extremities, resulting in significantly better long-term outcomes.

Comparison of hand-sewn anterior repair, resection and hand-sewn anastomosis, resection and stapled anastomosis techniques for the reversal of diverting loop ileostomy after low anterior rectal resection: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer may require a defunctioning loop ileostomy formation that requires closure after a period of time. There are three common techniques for ileostomy closure: anterior repair (AR or fold-over closure), resection and hand-sewn anastomosis (RHA), and resection and stapled anastomosis (RSA). We aimed to compare them on the basis of operative and postoperative features. METHODS: Patients with rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection without complications were included in this study and randomly assigned to three parallel groups to undergo loop ileostomy closure via either AR, RHA, or RSA. Early and late outcomes were gathered from all included patients. RESULTS: Among 93 patients with a mean age of 56.21 ± 11.78 years, consisting of 58 (62.4%) men, 31 patients underwent AR, 30 patients RHA, and 32 patients RSA. There was no significant difference among the groups regarding the frequency and location of intraoperative injuries (P = 0.157). The AR groups demonstrated significantly less consumption of gauzes following intraoperative bleeding compared to the two others groups. The results showed that the duration of surgery in the RSA was significantly shorter than in the AR or RHA group (both P < 0.001). Regarding postoperative course, only one case of hematoma and two cases of surgical wound infection occurred in the RHA group. Anastomotic leakage and complete or partial obstruction did not occur in any group of patients. Latent postoperative complications did not occur in any group of patients. The median time between surgery and discharge as well as the interval until first gas passage, first defecation, oral tolerated liquid diet, as well as oral tolerated soft and regular diet in the AR group were significantly lower than in the two other groups (both P < 0.001). However, there was no statistical difference in these intervals between the RHA and RSA groups. CONCLUSIONS: Resection and stapled anastomosis had the shortest duration among the three techniques; however, anterior repair had faster recovery, including earlier tolerated oral diet, gas passing and defecation, and discharge, in comparison with the other techniques. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number IRCT20120129008861N5.

Intraoperative collagen imaging of sutured cornea: A way towards managing post-penetrating keratoplasty astigmatism.

The birefringent nature of the human cornea plays an important role in comprehending its structural behavior in both diseased and surgical conditions. During corneal transplantation, irregular astigmatism is a common post-surgical complication that depends on the characteristics of suturing. Four human cadaver corneas are subjected to an in-vitro model of a typical full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty (PK) procedure using 16 simple interrupted 10-0 vicyrl sutures. The birefringence of these four corneas is analyzed using digital photoelasticity and compared with the control cornea (without PK). It is found that the sutures and their mutual interaction influence the morphology of the peripheral birefringence of the cornea. The findings of the present investigation are pertinent to intraoperative suture management during PK. Results suggest conserving the typical diamond-shaped morphology of peripheral birefringence would ensure uniform distribution of sutures. Therefore, birefringence imaging could be useful in suture management to ensure proper apposition of the graft-host junction, thus minimizing the risk of irregular astigmatism.