Outcome Quality After Colorectal Cancer Resection in Certified Colorectal Cancer Centers­Patient-Reported and Short-Term Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In this observational study, patient-reported outcomes and short-term clinical outcome parameters in patients with colorectal cancer were studied 12 months after the start of treatment. Outcomes were also compared across German Certified Colorectal Cancer Centres. METHODS: Data were collected from 4239 patients with colorectal cancer who had undergone elective tumor resection in one of 102 colorectal cancer centers and had responded to a quality-of-life questionnaire before treatment (EORTC QLQ-C30 and -CR29). 3142 (74.1%) of these patients completed a post-treatment questionnaire 12 months later. Correlation analyses were calculated and case-mix adjusted comparisons across centers were made for selected patient-reported outcomes, anastomotic insufficiency, and 30-day-mortality. RESULTS: At 12 months, mild improvements were seen in mean quality-of-life scores (66 vs. 62 points), constipation (16 vs. 19), and abdominal pain (15 vs. 17). Worsening was seen in physical function (75 vs. 82) and pain (22 vs. 19). Better patient-reported outcomes at 12 months were associated with better scores before treatment. Better results in at least three of the five scores were associated with male sex, higher educational level, higher age, and private health insurance. Major worsening of fecal incontinence was seen among patients with rectal cancer without a stoma. The largest differences across centers were found with respect to physical function. Anastomotic insufficiency was found in 4.3% of colon cancer patients and 8.2% of rectal cancer patients. 1.9% of patients died within 30 days after their resection. CONCLUSION: Clinicians can use these findings to identify patients at higher risk for poorer patient-reported outcomes. The differences among cancer centers that were found imply that measures for quality improvement would be desirable.

Prognostic Factors for Mortality in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia.

Postoperative mortality in patients undergoing surgical and/or interventional treatment for acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) has remained an unsolved problem in recent decades. Here, we investigated clinical predictors of postoperative mortality in a large European cohort of patients undergoing treatment for AMI. In total, 179 patients who underwent surgical and/or interventional treatment for AMI between 2009 and 2021 at our institution were included in this analysis. Associations between postoperative mortality and various clinical variables were assessed using univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Most of the patients were diagnosed with arterial ischemia (AI; n = 104), while venous ischemia (VI; n = 21) and non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI; n = 54) were present in a subset of patients. Overall inhouse mortality was 55.9% (100/179). Multivariable analyses identified leukocytes (HR = 1.08; p = 0.008), lactate (HR = 1.25; p = 0.01), bilirubin (HR = 2.05; p = 0.045), creatinine (HR = 1.48; p = 0.039), etiology (AI, VI or NOMI; p = 0.038) and portomesenteric vein gas (PMVG; HR = 23.02; p = 0.012) as independent predictors of postoperative mortality. In a subanalysis excluding patients with fatal prognosis at the first surgical exploration (n = 24), leukocytes (HR = 1.09; p = 0.004), lactate (HR = 1.27; p = 0.003), etiology (AI, VI or NOMI; p = 0.006), PMVG (HR = 17.02; p = 0.018) and intraoperative FFP transfusion (HR = 4.4; p = 0.025) were determined as independent predictors of postoperative mortality. Further, the risk of fatal outcome changed disproportionally with increased preoperative lactate values. The clinical outcome of patients with AMI was determined using a combination of pre- and intraoperative clinical and radiological characteristics. Serum lactate appears to be of major clinical importance as the risk of fatal outcome increases significantly with higher lactate values.

Ultra-Fine Polyethylene Hernia Meshes Improve Biocompatibility and Reduce Intraperitoneal Adhesions in IPOM Position in Animal Models.

(1) Introduction: The intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique (IPOM) is widely used to repair incisional hernias. This method has advantages but suffers from complications due to intraperitoneal adhesion formation between the mesh and intestine. An ideal mesh minimizes adhesions and shows good biocompatibility. To address this, newly developed multifilamentous polyethylene (PET) meshes were constructed from sub-macrophage-sized monofilaments and studied regarding biocompatibility and adhesion formation. (2) Methods: We investigated fine (FPET, 72 filaments, 11 µm diameter each) and ultra-fine multifilament (UFPET, 700 filaments, 3 µm diameter each) polyethylene meshes for biocompatibility in subcutaneous implantation in rats. Adhesion formation was analyzed in the IPOM position in rabbits. Geometrically identical mono-filamentous polypropylene (PP) Bard Soft® PP meshes were used for comparison. Histologic and immune-histologic foreign body reactions were assessed in 48 rats after 7 or 21 days (four mesh types, with two different mesh types per rat; n = 6 per mesh type). Additionally, two different mesh types each were placed in the IPOM position in 24 rabbits to compile the Diamond peritoneal adhesion score after the same timeframes. The biocompatibility and adhesion score differences were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric statistical test. (3) Results: Overall, FPET and, especially, UFPET showed significantly smaller foreign body granulomas compared to PP meshes. Longer observation periods enhanced the differences. Immunohistology showed no significant differences in the cellular immune response and proliferation. UFPET demonstrated significantly reduced peritoneal adhesion formation compared to all other tested meshes after 21 days. (4) Conclusions: Overall, FPET and, especially, UFPET demonstrated their suitability for IPOM hernia meshes in animal models by improving major aspects of the foreign body reaction and reducing adhesion formation.

Machine learning prediction model for postoperative outcome after perforated appendicitis.

PURPOSE: Appendectomy for acute appendicitis is one of the most common operative procedures worldwide in both children and adults. In particular, complicated (perforated) cases show high variability in individual outcomes. Here, we developed and validated a machine learning prediction model for postoperative outcome of perforated appendicitis. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of patients with clinically and histologically verified perforated appendicitis over 10 years were performed. Demographic and surgical baseline characteristics were used as competing predictors of single-patient outcomes along multiple dimensions via a random forest classifier with stratified subsampling. To assess whether complications could be predicted in new, individual cases, the ensuing models were evaluated using a replicated 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were included in the study. Sixty-four patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, whereas ninety-nine patients got a primary open procedure. Interval from admission to appendectomy was 9 ± 12 h and duration of the surgery was 74 ± 38 min. Forty-three patients needed intensive care treatment. Overall mortality was 0.6 % and morbidity rate was 15%. Severe complications as assessed by Clavien-Dindo > 3 were predictable in new cases with an accuracy of 68%. Need for ICU stay (> 24 h) could be predicted with an accuracy of 88%, whereas prolonged hospitalization (greater than 7-15 days) was predicted by the model with an accuracy of 76%. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that complications following surgery, and in particular, health care system-related outcomes like intensive care treatment and extended hospitalization, may be well predicted at the individual level from demographic and surgical baseline characteristics through machine learning approaches.

Two Polyurethane Adhesives for PVDF Fixation Show Superior Biocompatibility in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: The current standard for open and laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia consist of an abdominal wall augmentation by mesh implantation. However, the ideal fixation method of the prothesis material remains under discussion, due to potential complications of conventional fixation methods such as chronic abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction. As the use of adhesive based mesh fixation is an option of growing interest, the aim of this experimental study was to investigate the strength and biocompatibility of two newly developed polyurethane-based adhesives in comparison to a cyanoacrylatic adhesive, which is currently in clinical use. METHODS: Two experimental polyurethane/urea-based adhesives (Adhesive-A and Adhesive-B) were compared to a conventional cyanoacrylatic adhesive and an untreated control group. Biomechanical testing was carried out using a pull-out test in uniaxial tensile mode, while biocompatibility assessment was performed in a rat model with 40 Sprague-Dawley rats receiving a subcutaneous implanted PVDF mesh fixed by the corresponding adhesive. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis by a Tissue FAXS system examined the tissue integration of the mesh/adhesive combination and characterized the foreign body reaction. RESULTS: Biomechanical testing of the mesh/adhesive combinations showed a minimal strength of 15.08 N without a significant difference between the groups. Cellular penetration into the mesh/adhesive interface was significantly improved after application of polyurethane adhesives and Adhesive-A showed a significantly lower migration of CD68 positive cells to the adhesive sites compared to cyanoacrylate after 7 days. CONCLUSION: The developed polyurethane-based adhesives are a promising alternative with sufficient adhesive strength and superior short-term biocompatibility to cyanoacrylate.

3D-Printed Replica and Porcine Explants for Pre-Clinical Optimization of Endoscopic Tumor Treatment by Magnetic Targeting.

BACKGROUND: Animal models have limitations in cancer research, especially regarding anatomy-specific questions. An example is the exact endoscopic placement of magnetic field traps for the targeting of therapeutic nanoparticles. Three-dimensional-printed human replicas may be used to overcome these pitfalls. METHODS: We developed a transparent method to fabricate a patient-specific replica, allowing for a broad scope of application. As an example, we then additively manufactured the relevant organs of a patient with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We performed experimental design investigations for a magnetic field trap and explored the best fixation methods on an explanted porcine stomach wall. RESULTS: We describe in detail the eight-step development of a 3D replica from CT data. To guide further users in their decisions, a morphologic box was created. Endoscopies were performed on the replica and the resulting magnetic field was investigated. The best fixation method to hold the magnetic field traps stably in place was the fixation of loops at the stomach wall with endoscopic single-use clips. CONCLUSIONS: Using only open access software, the developed method may be used for a variety of cancer-related research questions. A detailed description of the workflow allows one to produce a 3D replica for research or training purposes at low costs.

Incisional hernia repair by synthetic mesh prosthesis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high-life time risk undergoing abdominal surgery and are prone to develop incisional hernias (IH) in the postoperative course. Therefore, we investigated the role of IBD as perioperative risk factor in open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) as well as the impact of IBD on hernia recurrence during postoperative follow-up. METHODS: The postoperative course of 223 patients (Non-IBD (n = 199) and IBD (n = 34)) who underwent OVHR were compared by means of extensive group comparisons and binary logistic regressions. Hernia recurrence was investigated in the IBD group according to the Kaplan-Meier method and risk factors for recurrence determined by Cox regressions. RESULTS: General complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo I) occurred in 30.9% (72/233) and major complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo IIIb) in 7.7% (18/233) of the overall cohort with IBD being the single independent risk-factor for major complications (OR = 4.2, p = 0.007). Further, IBD patients displayed a recurrence rate of 26.5% (9/34) after a median follow-up of 36 months. Multivariable analysis revealed higher rates of recurrence in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC, 8/15, HR = 11.7) compared to patients with Crohn's disease (CD, 1/19, HR = 1.0, p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: IBD is a significant risk factor for major postoperative morbidity after OVHR. In addition, individuals with IBD show high rates of hernia recurrence over time with UC patients being more prone to recurrence than patients with CD.

Minimally Invasive Thoracoabdominal Esophagectomy Is Superior to Minimally Invasive Gastrectomy in Terms of Health-Related Quality of Life.

Background and Objectives: There are two operative approaches for adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction: thoracoabdominal esophagectomy or transhiatal extended gastrectomy. Both procedures can be performed minimally invasively. Dependent on the exact localization of the tumor, both approaches are feasible. Aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with patients who underwent minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG). Methods: All patients who underwent MIE or gastrectomy for malignoma since 2014 were identified from our clinical database. The identified patients were contacted and asked to fill out a quality of life questionnaire (QLQ) for general and gastrointestinal QOL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25). Results: Global HRQOL scores were higher in patients after MIE than after MIG. After MIE, global HRQOL scores were close to the control population. In cancer-specific syndromes, patients after MIE reported lower symptom scores for financial problems, eating, reflux, and eating with others than patients after MIG. Conclusion: In terms of HRQOL, MIE proved superior to MIG in long-term follow-up in this study. Patients after MIE reported a HRQOL close to that of a healthy reference population.

Cross-section modified and highly elastic sutures reduce tissue incision and show comparable biocompatibility: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of novel thermoplastic urethane surgical threads.

Surgical sutures are indispensable for a vast majority of operative procedures. An ideal suture is characterized by high tissue compliance without cutting into the mended tissue and optimal biocompatibility. Therefore, we assessed these mechanical and biological properties for novel elastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and cross-sectional modified "snowflake" sutures. Circular and "snowflake"-shaped TPU threads were manufactured and compared to similar surface modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sutures. Regular PVDF sutures were used as the control group. Single-axis tensile test with and without gelatinous tissue surrogates were performed to evaluate the suture incision into the specimens. Biocompatibility was evaluated by subcutaneous implantation (n = 18) in rats for 7 and 21 days. Histology and immunohistology was conducted for assessment of the foreign body reaction. Regular and modified TPU threads showed a significant reduction of incision into the tissue surrogates compared to the control. Both TPU sutures and the modified PVDF sutures achieved comparable biocompatibility versus regular PVDF threads. Detailed histology revealed novel tissue integration into the notches of the surface modified sutures, we termed this newly shaped granuloma "intrafilamentous" granuloma. Elastic TPU threads showed a significant reduction of tissue surrogate incision and suture tension loss. Biocompatibility did not significantly differ from standard PVDF. Histology demonstrated tissue ingrowth following the surface modification of the suture referred to as "intrafilamentous" granuloma. Further in vivo studies are required to illuminate the exact potential of the new sutures to optimize intestinal anastomosis.

First Result of a Tailored Progressive Multistep Approach for the Treatment of Aorto-esophageal Fistulae.

BACKGROUND: Aorto-esophageal fistulae (AEFs) are a rare but serious and life-threatening disease of the mediastinum. Especially, AEF in the presence of infected stent grafts, for example, after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is only curable by a multistage interdisciplinary surgical approach. This study presents the results of our four-stage approach consisting of bridging TEVAR, esophagectomy, complete stent removal followed by total bovine tube aortic replacement (TBTAR), and finally esophageal reconstruction. METHODS: A case series of four patients from our department receiving a four-stage treatment of AEF is presented in this study. Retrospective database analysis focusing on overall survival, duration of intensive care unit and total hospital stay until discharge, complications, surgical time frame, and completion of chosen surgical treatment course was performed. RESULTS: Overall, four patients surgically treated for AEF since May 2015 were included. A 30-day mortality was 0%, and overall survival at 1 year was 75%. All patients survived more than 5 months and could be discharged after TEVAR and esophagectomy. TBTAR could be performed in two of four patients (50%). Esophageal reconstruction was completed in all patients. Average follow-up was 20.3 ± 1.7 months or until death. CONCLUSION: The acute management of AEF using this approach seems satisfactory, especially for reducing acute short-term mortality. Complete restoration of the circulatory system and digestive tract remains challenging and is associated with high morbidity. We support the application of bridging TEVAR with a staggered approach to further surgical treatment individually tailored to the patient.

A peritoneal defect covered by intraperitoneal mesh prosthesis effects an increased and distinctive foreign body reaction in a minipig model.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of incisional hernia is with up to 30% one of the frequent long-term complication after laparotomy. After establishing minimal invasive operations, the laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique (lap. IPOM) was first described in 1993. Little is known about the foreign body reaction of IPOM-meshes, which covered a defect of the parietal peritoneum. This is becoming more important, since IPOM procedure with peritoneal-sac resection and hernia port closing (IPOM plus) is more frequently used. METHODS: In 18 female minipigs, two out of three Polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) -meshes (I: standard IPOM; II: IPOM with modified structure [bigger pores]; III: IPOM with the same structure as IPOM II + degradable hydrogel-coating) were placed in a laparoscopic IPOM procedure. Before mesh placement, a 2x2cm peritoneal defect was created. After 30 days, animals were euthanized, adhesions were evaluated by re-laparoscopy and mesh samples were explanted for histological and immunohistochemichal investigations. RESULTS: All animals recovered after implantation and had no complications during the follow-up period. Analysing foreign body reaction, the IPOM II mesh had a significant smaller inner granuloma, compared to the other meshes (IPOM II: 8.4 µm ± 1.3 vs. IPOM I 9.1 µm ± 1.3, p < 0.001). The degradable hydrogel coating does not prevent adhesions measured by Diamond score (p = 0.46). A peritoneal defect covered by a standard or modified IPOM mesh was a significant factor for increasing foreign body granuloma, the amount of CD3+ lymphocytes, CD68+ macrophages and decrease of pore size. CONCLUSION: A peritoneal defect covered by IPOM prostheses leads to an increased foreign body reaction compared to intact peritoneum. Whenever feasible, a peritoneal defect should be closed accurately before placing an IPOM-mesh to avoid an excessive foreign body reaction and therefore inferior biomaterial properties of the prosthesis.

Influence of peritoneal carcinomatosis on perioperative outcome in palliative gastric bypass for malignant gastric outlet obstruction - a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is commonly associated with the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and preferably treated by surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJJ) in patients with good performance. Here, we aim to investigate the role of PC as a risk factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients with GOO undergoing GJJ. METHODS: Perioperative data of 72 patients with malignant GOO who underwent palliative GJJ at our institution between 2010 and 2019 were collected within an institutional database. To compare perioperative outcomes of patients with and without PC, extensive group analyses were carried out. RESULTS: A set of 39 (54.2%) patients was histologically diagnosed with concomitant PC while the remaining 33 (45.8%) patients showed no clinical signs of PC. In-house mortality due to surgical complications was significantly higher in patients with PC (9/39, 23.1%) than in patients without PC (2/33, 6.1%, p = .046). Considerable differences were observed in terms of surgical complications such as anastomotic leakage rates (2.8% vs. 0%, p = .187), delayed gastric emptying (33.3% vs. 15.2%, p = .076), paralytic ileus (23.1% vs. 9.1%, p = .113), and pneumonia (17.9% vs. 12.1%, p = .493) without reaching the level of statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: PC is an important predictor of perioperative morbidity and mortality patients undergoing GJJ for malignant GOO.

Improved tissue integration of a new elastic intraperitoneal stoma mesh prosthesis.

Parastomal herniation is a frequent complication in colorectal surgery, occurring with a prevalence of 30-80%. The aim of the study was to create a new intraperitoneal colostoma mesh prosthesis (IPST) with enhanced elastic properties made with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) monofilaments. We performed open terminal sigmoid colostomies reinforced with either a 10 cm by 10 cm polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or a new TPU/PVDF composite mesh in a total of 10 minipigs. Colostoma was placed paramedian in the left lower abdomen and IPST meshes were fixed intraperitoneal. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized after laparoscopic exploration and specimen were explanted for histological investigations. Implantation of a new IPST-mesh with enhanced elastic properties was feasible in a minipig model within an observation period of 8 weeks. Immunohistochemically, Collagen I/III ratio as a marker of tissue integration was significantly higher in TPU-group versus PVDF group (9.4 ± 0.5 vs. 8.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.002) with a significantly lower inflammatory reaction measured by a smaller inner granuloma at mesh-colon interface (17.6 ± 3.3 µm vs. 23 ± 5 µm, p < 0.001). A new TPU/PVDF composite mesh with enhanced elastic properties as IPST was created. Stoma surgery and especially the evaluation of the new stoma mesh prosthesis are feasible with reproducible results in an animal model. Tissue integration expressed by Collagen I/III ratio seems to be improved in comparison to standard-elastic PVDF-IPST meshes.

A new device to prevent fascial retraction in the open abdomen - proof of concept in vivo.

BACKGROUND: An open abdomen is often necessary for survival of patients after peritonitis, compartment syndrome, or in damage control surgery. However, abdominal wall retraction relieves delays and complicates abdominal wall closure. The principle of the newly fascia preserving device (FPD) is the application of anteriorly directed traction on both fascial edges over an external support through a longitudinal beam to relieve increased abdominal pressure and prevent fascial retraction. METHODS: Twelve pigs were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups underwent midline laparotomy under general anesthesia. Group one was treated with the new device, group two served as controls. The tension for closing the abdominal fascia was measured immediately after laparotomy as well as at 24 and 48 h. Vital parameters and ventilation pressure were recorded. Post mortem, all fascial tissues were histologically examined. RESULTS: All pigs demonstrated increases in abdominal circumference. In both groups, forces for closing the abdomen increased over the observation period. Concerning the central closing force after 24 h we saw a significant lower force in the FPD group (14.4 ± 3 N) vs. control group (21.6 ± 5.7 N, p < 0.001). By testing the main effects using an ANOVA analysis we found a significant group related effect concerning closing force and abdominal circumference of the FDP-group vs. control group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The placement of the device on chest and pelvis did not influence vital parameters and ventilation pressure. Histologic exam detected no tissue damage. CONCLUSIONS: This trial shows the feasibility to prevent fascial retraction during the open abdomen by using the new device. Thus, it is expected that an earlier closure of the abdominal wall will be possible, and a higher rate of primary closure will be attained.

Improved biocompatibility of profiled sutures through lower macrophages adhesion.

The biocompatibility of a textile implant is determined by various parameters, such as material composition and surface chemistry. However, little is known about the influence of geometry of sutures on biocompatibility. To elucidate this factor we focused on geometry-modification resulting in ultrafine polyethylene terephthalate (UFPET) suture and a snowflake like shaped polyvenylidenfluorid (PVDF) suture. Forty-eight rats were divided into two observation periods. In each rat 3 out of 4 sutures (profiled UFPET, snowflake-like profiled PVDF, reference Prolene and Mersilene suture) were randomly placed into the subcutaneous tissue. Rats were euthanized after 7 and 21 days and samples were explanted. Foreign body granuloma was measured and expression of CD68, TUNEL, Ki-67 and Collagen I/III ratio were determined. The profiled (snowflake) suture showed a significantly smaller FBG in comparison to standard sutures (p < 0.001). Both modified sutures showed a significant lower tissue remodeling by Ki-67 and TUNEL expression (p < 0.03). Furthermore, profiled sutures caused a lower inflammatory reaction expressed in a significant lower amount of CD68 positive macrophages after 21 days (p < 0.001). Modifications of suture geometry alter the foreign body granuloma and the inflammatory reaction. Therefore, profiled sutures might be a promising approach to improve biocompatibility of textile mesh prosthesis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1772-1778, 2019.

Influence of suture technique on anastomotic leakage rate-a retrospective analyses comparing interrupted-versus continuous-sutures.

PURPOSE: While many hospitals consider a continuous sutured colonic anastomosis with monofilamental fiber the current state of the art, others have advocated for interrupted sutures as the gold standard. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of suture technique on leakage rate (primary endpoint), wound infections, postoperative stay, and mortality. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of 347 patients (273 elective, 74 urgent) over 6 years with a handsewn colonic anastomosis (190 interrupted, 157 continuous), excluding sigma and rectum anastomosis. Demographic and surgical baseline characteristics were used as competing predictors. RESULTS: Overall leakage rate was 9% but strongly dependent on suture technique (interrupted: 16%; continuous: 2.5%; p = 0.001) yielding an odds ratio of 5.10 [95% CI: 2.55, 6.71] (relative risk of leakage). No other variable showed a significant influence on leakage rate. Postoperative stay was prolonged in the interrupted suture group (23 ± 15 vs. 16 ± 11 days; p = 0.000, attributable effect 7.5 days [4.7, 10.3]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a highly significant reduction of anastomotic leakage rate and postoperative stay that generalize to the underlying population by continuous sutures in handsewn colonic anastomosis. In the absence of randomized prospective studies, the current results provide the yet strongest evidence for the superiority of continuous sutures.

Incisional Hernia Repair of Medium- and Large-Sized Defects: Laparoscopic IPOM Versus Open SUBLAY Technique.

Background: Small incisional hernias can be repaired laparoscopically with low morbidity and reasonable recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic with open technique in medium- and large-sized defects regarding postoperative complications and recurrence rates. Methods: Between 2012 and 2016, 102 patients with medium- or large-sized defects according to EHS classification underwent incisional hernia repair. Patients' characteristics, hernia size and postoperative complications were prospectively recorded. In October 2016, eligible patients were assessed for recurrence. Results: About 31 patients underwent laparoscopic IPOM and 71 patients open SUBLAY repair. Morbidity rate was significantly lower in IPOM group than in SUBLAY group (19% versus 41%; p = .028). Postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification were significantly lower in the IPOM group (p = .021). Duration of surgery (88 versus 114 min; p = .009) and length of hospital stay (five versus eight days; p < .001) were significantly shorter for IPOM than for SUBLAY. 71 patients were available for follow-up. Recurrence rates showed no significant difference between study groups (13% versus 7%, p = .508). Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair in medium- and large-sized defects is a feasible and safe approach. IPOM compared to SUBLAY significantly reduces postoperative complications and hospital stay; recurrence rates are comparable.

Porcine-derived biomaterials in tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery: Considerations and alternatives in Muslim patients.

During the last three decades, tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery have become standard therapeutic options in the world of medicine. Several biomaterials, either alone or in combination with cultured cellular products, have been introduced to compensate for the scarcity of autologous donor tissue or to improve healing in a variety of surgical specialties, for example, abdominal/visceral surgery, plastic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery. Many of these biomaterials are of porcine origin. It is well known that Islam has prohibited the consumption of porcine or any of its products. With Muslims accounting for 23% (1.6 billion) of the global population, a thorough review of the implications of porcine-derived tissue-engineered products in surgery seems necessary. In life-threatening conditions as well as severe diseases, the use of porcine-derived products is permissible if similar non-porcine-derived materials are not available. In this case, the use of porcine-derived products represents a necessity and is allowed. Therefore, this distinction between sole need and necessity has great importance not only for the medical community but also for researchers in biotechnology and industry who may consider alternatives to porcine-derived materials.

Influence of Telomere Length in Hepatocytes on Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy in Rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate telomere length in hepatocytes as a biomarker for liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats underwent a 70% PH. One-month-old rats were assigned to group Y (n = 30) and 4-month-old rats were assigned to group O (n = 30). The rats were euthanized, and their livers were then harvested at postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7. Telomere lengths and established parameters for liver regeneration (residual liver weight and levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], Ki67, and interleukin [IL]-6) were measured. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in residual liver weight in group Y compared to that in group O (p = 0.001). The levels of Ki67 (p = 0.016), PCNA (p < 0.0001), and IL-6 (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in group Y. Furthermore, the rats in group Y had significantly earlier peak values of Ki67 and PCNA. Telomeres were significantly longer at the time of PH in group Y (p = 0.001). We showed a correlation between telomere length at the day of PH and liver regeneration. Animals with longer telomeres at the time of PH had better liver regeneration (p = 0.015). In group Y, animals with increased liver regeneration (median cut-off: > 122%) did not show any significant difference in telomere length (p = 0.587) compared to rats with regular regeneration (< 122%). However, in the older animals, rats with increased regeneration had significantly longer telomeres (p = 0.019) than rats with regular regeneration. CONCLUSION: Telomere length in rat hepatocytes depends on age, and animals with long telomeres had earlier and better regeneration of healthy liver tissue than rats with short telomeres. Our data confirms that telomere length in rat hepatocytes could be used as a possible predictive marker for liver regeneration, and could help to identify older individuals with a high capacity for hepatic regeneration.

Impact of liver volume and liver function on posthepatectomy liver failure after portal vein embolization- A multivariable cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver failure remains a life-threatening complication after liver resection, and is difficult to predict preoperatively. This retrospective cohort study evaluated different preoperative factors in regard to their impact on posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after extended liver resection and previous portal vein embolization (PVE). METHODS: Patient characteristics, liver function and liver volumes of patients undergoing PVE and subsequent liver resection were analyzed. Liver function was determined by the LiMAx test (enzymatic capacity of cytochrome P450 1A2). Factors associated with the primary end point PHLF (according to ISGLS definition) were identified through multivariable analysis. Secondary end points were 30-day mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: 95 patients received PVE, of which 64 patients underwent major liver resection. PHLF occurred in 7 patients (11%). Calculated postoperative liver function was significantly lower in patients with PHLF than in patients without PHLF (67 vs. 109 µg/kg/h; p = 0.01). Other factors associated with PHLF by univariable analysis were age, future liver remnant, MELD score, ASA score, renal insufficiency and heart insufficiency. By multivariable analysis, future liver remnant was the only factor significantly associated with PHLF (p = 0.03). Mortality and morbidity rates were 4.7% and 29.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: Future liver remnant is the only preoperative factor with a significant impact on PHLF. Assessment of preoperative liver function may additionally help identify patients at risk for PHLF.