-
BMJ Open Ophthalmology Apr 2024Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder that requires surgical intervention for treatment. Conjunctival autografts are preferred over simple excision due to lower... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Modified sutureless and glue-free method versus conventional sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder that requires surgical intervention for treatment. Conjunctival autografts are preferred over simple excision due to lower recurrence rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the modified sutureless glue-free (MSGF) method with conventional sutures (CS) for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MSGF and CS conjunctival autografts. Outcome measures included operation time, recurrence and postoperative complications. Standardised mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) were used for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively.
RESULTS
11 RCTs involving 833 participants were included. The analysis revealed that MSGF had a significantly shorter operation time compared with CS (SMD -3.704, 95% CI -5.122 to -2.287, p<0.001). CS was associated with a higher risk of foreign body sensation (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74, p=0.01). MSGF was associated with a higher risk of graft dehiscence (RR 9.01, 95% CI 2.74 to 29.68, p=0.000) and graft retraction (RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.77, p=0.02). No significant differences were found in recurrence, graft haemorrhage, granuloma, Dellen and conjunctival oedema.
CONCLUSION
Using the MSGF technique in conjunctival autograft fixation for pterygium surgery reduces operation time by relying solely on the patient's blood for fixation. However, it increases the risk of graft dehiscence and retraction. However, CS is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing foreign body sensations. Understanding the learning curve and surgeon familiarity with novel techniques is crucial for optimising patient care and surgical outcomes, while individualised decision-making is necessary considering the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Further research is warranted to minimise complications and optimise surgical outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Pterygium; Autografts; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Recurrence; Conjunctiva; Sutures; Foreign Bodies
PubMed: 38565231
DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001621 -
Surgical Endoscopy May 2024Robotic technology is an important tool in surgical innovation, with robots increasingly being used in the clinical setting. Robots can be used to enhance accuracy,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Robotic technology is an important tool in surgical innovation, with robots increasingly being used in the clinical setting. Robots can be used to enhance accuracy, perform remote actions, or to automate tasks. One such surgical task is suturing, a repetitive, fundamental component of surgery that can be tedious and time consuming. Suturing is a promising automation target because of its ubiquity, repetitive nature, and defined constraints. This systematic review examines research to date on autonomous suturing.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature focused on autonomous suturing was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
6850 articles were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Compendex, and Inspec. Duplicates and non-English articles were removed. 4389 articles were screened and 4305 were excluded. Of the 84 remaining, 43 articles did not meet criteria, leaving 41 articles for final review. Among these, 34 (81%) were published after 2014. 31 (76%) were published in an engineering journal9 in a robotics journal, and 1 in a medical journal. The great majority of articles (33, 80%) did not have a specific clinical specialty focus, whereas 6 (15%) were focused on applications in MIS/laparoscopic surgery and 2 (5%) on applications in ophthalmology. Several suturing subtasks were identified, including knot tying, suture passing/needle insertion, needle passing, needle and suture grasping, needle tracking/kinesthesia, suture thread detection, suture needle shape production, instrument assignment, and suture accuracy. 14 articles were considered multi-component because they referred to several previously mentioned subtasks.
CONCLUSION
In this systematic review exploring research to date on autonomous suturing, 41 articles demonstrated significant progress in robotic suturing. This summary revealed significant heterogeneity of work, with authors focused on different aspects of suturing and a multitude of engineering problems. The review demonstrates increasing academic and commercial interest in surgical automation, with significant technological advances toward feasibility.
Topics: Suture Techniques; Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Laparoscopy; Sutures
PubMed: 38553597
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-024-10788-w -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Tibial spine avulsion fractures (TSAFs) account for approximately 14% of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This study aims to systematically review the current... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tibial spine avulsion fractures (TSAFs) account for approximately 14% of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This study aims to systematically review the current evidence for the operative management of paediatric TSAFs.
METHODS
A search was carried out across four databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies discussing the outcomes of the surgical management of paediatric TSAFs since 2000 were included.
RESULTS
Of 38 studies included for review, 13 studies reported outcomes of TSAF patients undergoing screw fixation only, and 12 studies used suture fixation only. In total, 976 patients underwent arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF), and 203 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The risk of arthrofibrosis with the use of ARIF ( = 0.45) and screws ( = 0.74) for TSAF repair was not significant. There was a significantly increased risk of knee instability ( < 0.0001), reoperation ( = 0.01), and post-operative pain ( = 0.007) with screw fixation compared to sutures.
CONCLUSIONS
While the overall benefits of sutures over screws and ARIF over ORIF are unclear, there is clear preference for ARIF and suture fixation for TSAF repair in practice. We recommend large-scale comparative studies to delineate long-term outcomes for various TSAF fixation techniques.
PubMed: 38539382
DOI: 10.3390/children11030345 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery, European... Mar 2024Pain after trapeziectomy is a vexing problem, most commonly due to scaphometacarpal impingement. A number of treatment strategies have been described and are examined in...
Pain after trapeziectomy is a vexing problem, most commonly due to scaphometacarpal impingement. A number of treatment strategies have been described and are examined in this systematic review. In total, 27 studies describing revision surgery for unsatisfactory results after trapeziectomy were included. Results after soft tissue or synthetic suspensionplasties, arthrodesis procedures, implant arthroplasty and costochondral autografting were included. Most studies were heterogeneous in terms of patient selection and procedure performed, and the level of evidence and methodological quality were uniformly low. Autologous suspensionplasty procedures are the best studied and most rigorously reported techniques, with modest improvements in pain widely reported. Newer techniques using synthetic suture button suspension are encouraging with the benefit of earlier mobilization but require further study. Due to high incidences of complication and revision, the literature does not support the use of implant arthroplasty after trapeziectomy. Arthrodesis appears to be a reasonable last resort when attempts at suspension have failed.
PubMed: 38534133
DOI: 10.1177/17531934241240858 -
Endoscopy Mar 2024Closure of gastrointestinal defects can reduce postprocedural adverse events. Over-the-scope clips and an over-the-scope suturing system are widely available, yet their...
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.
PubMed: 38519045
DOI: 10.1055/a-2284-7334 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... May 2024This study aimed to identify evidence-based peripartum interventions for people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify evidence-based peripartum interventions for people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 2022 without date, publication type, or language restrictions.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cohort and randomized controlled trials that implemented an intervention and evaluated peripartum outcomes of people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m were included. The primary outcome depended on the intervention but was commonly related to wound morbidity after cesarean delivery (ie, infection, separation, hematoma).
METHODS
Meta-analysis was completed for interventions with at least 2 studies. Pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals and heterogeneity (I statistics) were reported.
RESULTS
Of 20,301 studies screened, 30 studies (17 cohort and 13 randomized controlled trials) encompassing 10 types of interventions were included. The interventions included delivery planning (induction of labor, planned cesarean delivery), antibiotics during labor induction or for surgical prophylaxis, 6 types of cesarean delivery techniques, and anticoagulation dosing after a cesarean delivery. Planned cesarean delivery compared with planned vaginal delivery did not improve outcomes according to 3 cohort studies. One cohort study compared 3 g with 2 g of cephazolin prophylaxis for cesarean delivery and found no differences in surgical site infections. According to 3 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials, there was no improvement in outcomes with a non-low transverse skin incision. Ten studies (4 cohort and 6 randomized controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Two randomized controlled trials compared subcuticular closure with suture vs staples after cesarean delivery and found no differences in wound morbidity within 6 weeks of cesarean delivery (n=422; risk ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.59; I=9%). Prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy was compared with standard dressing in 4 cohort and 4 randomized controlled trials, which found no differences in wound morbidity (cohort n=2200; risk ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.63; I=66.1%) or surgical site infections (randomized controlled trial n=1262; risk ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.29; I=0).
CONCLUSION
Few studies address interventions in people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m, and most studies did not demonstrate a benefit. Either staples or suture are recommended for subcuticular closure, but available data do not support prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy after cesarean delivery for people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Cesarean Section; Peripartum Period; Labor, Induced; Obesity, Morbid; Surgical Wound Infection; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anticoagulants; Body Mass Index; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Pregnancy Complications; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 38494155
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101354 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Jun 2024Uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) is one of the most frequently used operations for the restoration of apical support in women with uterovaginal prolapse. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
OBJECTIVE
Uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) is one of the most frequently used operations for the restoration of apical support in women with uterovaginal prolapse. However, existing studies are inconclusive as to whether and which surgical access route is superior. The aim of the present meta-analysis is tentatively to compare the efficiency and the postoperative complications of laparoscopic USLS (L-USLS) and vaginal USLS (V-USLS), highlighting that current evidence remains inconclusive regarding the superiority of either surgical access route.
DATA SOURCES
We performed a systematic literature review of 5 major databases (Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Clinicaltrials.gov) from inception till April 2023.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
No language restrictions were applied. All comparative studies that compared L-USLS and V-USLS for the management of women with uterovaginal prolapse were included.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Data from 6 retrospective cohort studies on 856 patients were extracted and analyzed. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions tool and ranged between moderate to serious. The pooled results suggest that L-USLS was associated with a potentially decreased incidence of ureteral compromise (odds ratio [OR], 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.89; p = .04) and seemingly lower objective (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23-0.97; p = .04) and subjective recurrence rates (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.92; p = .03). There were no significant differences between the rates of postoperative pain from USLS sutures, postoperative pelvic hematomas, the suture exposure/granulation tissue formation, and the prolapse recurrence retreatment among the 2 groups.
CONCLUSION
The present meta-analysis indicates that L-USLS is possibly associated with significantly fewer ureteral compromise rates and decreased subjective and objective recurrences rates compared to V-USLS. Nevertheless, given the limitations in data quality and heterogeneity of the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Large-scale randomized studies are essential to more definitively determine the relative merits of the laparoscopic versus vaginal approach.
Topics: Humans; Female; Laparoscopy; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Ligaments; Vagina; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38493827
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2024.03.007 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery, European... May 2024There is no consensus on the best surgical technique for treating thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) ruptures. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
There is no consensus on the best surgical technique for treating thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) ruptures. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates which primary repair technique and postoperative immobilization protocol result in the best clinical outcomes. A literature search was conducted in Embase, Medline ALL Ovid, Web of Science Core Selection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Pain, stability, tip pinch strength, key pinch strength, grip strength, return to work and metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion were collected as postoperative outcomes. In total, 29 studies were included. All surgical techniques resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes, with no significant differences between bone anchor reinsertion, suture fixation, K-wire fixation and a combination of techniques. K-wire immobilization resulted in worse postoperative pain, but similar stability compared to immobilization without a K-wire. Clinical outcomes after thumb UCL repair are excellent, with no differences in clinical outcomes noted among surgical techniques.
Topics: Humans; Collateral Ligament, Ulnar; Thumb; Bone Wires; Rupture; Hand Strength; Range of Motion, Articular; Suture Anchors; Treatment Outcome; Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
PubMed: 38488512
DOI: 10.1177/17531934241235556 -
EXCLI Journal 2024Valve surgery is common in cardiac procedures, with fasteners like COR-KNOT® and hand-tied knots used for knot securing. This study compares their efficacy in valve... (Review)
Review
Valve surgery is common in cardiac procedures, with fasteners like COR-KNOT® and hand-tied knots used for knot securing. This study compares their efficacy in valve surgery patients. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central until August 2023. Outcomes assessed included aortic cross-clamp time (AXT), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, valvular regurgitation, mortality, prolonged ventilatory support, atrial fibrillation, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and renal failure. Subgroup analysis was performed for minimally invasive and open cardiac surgery. We used a random effects model for analysis. We included eight observational studies and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1.411 participants. COR-KNOT significantly reduced AXT [MD -15.14, 95 % CI (-18.57, -11.70), P<0.00001] and CPB time [MD -12.38, 95 % CI (-14.99, -9.77), P<0.00001]. Valvular regurgitation [RR 0.40, 95 % CI (0.26, 0.61), P<0.0001] and need for prolonged ventilatory support [RR 0.29, 95 % CI (0.13, 0.65), P=0.003] were significantly lower with COR-KNOT. There were no significant differences in mortality [RR 0.39, 95 % CI (0.09, 1.69), P=0.44], atrial fibrillation [RR 1.03, 95 % CI (0.83, 1.27), P=0.81], LVEF changes [MD 0.05, 95 % CI (-1.37, 1.47), P = 0.95], or renal failure [RR 0.87, 95 % CI (0.16, 4.80), P = 0.87]. COR-KNOT devices reduce operative time and valvular regurgitation without increasing mortality or adverse outcomes. This supports their use in enhancing surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. However, ongoing discussions about suturing techniques, especially in minimally invasive procedures, highlight the need for further research and consensus among practitioners. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).
PubMed: 38487081
DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6885 -
International Wound Journal Mar 2024Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a major complication after total laryngectomy, with significant morbidity and mortality. Whether mechanical stapler closure of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a major complication after total laryngectomy, with significant morbidity and mortality. Whether mechanical stapler closure of the pharynx reduces fistula rates compared to hand-sewn techniques remains unclear. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify this question. Five databases were systematically searched from inception through November 2023 for studies comparing stapler versus suture closure for fistula outcomes after laryngectomy. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using random-effects models and fixed-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Risk of bias was appraised using NHLBI tools. Nine studies with 803 patients were included. Mechanical closure significantly reduced fistula incidence versus suture closure (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.95, p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis found that stapling's protective effect varied by patient age, country/region, linear stapler size and female percentage. Stapling reduced fistula odds by 80% in the Turkey subgroup (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09-0.50) but showed no benefit in other regions. Patients <60 years showed an 84% fistula reduction with stapling (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.06-0.45), whereas older subgroups did not. Linear stapler size of 60 mm significantly reduced fistula occurrence while 75 mm did not. There was no evidence that low female percentage mitigated stapling benefits. Mechanical stapler closure after total laryngectomy meaningfully reduces the likelihood of postoperative PCF formation compared to hand-sewn closure, especially for patients younger than 60 years old. The absolute risk reduction supports its utility to prevent this complication.
Topics: Humans; Cutaneous Fistula; Laryngectomy; Pharyngeal Diseases; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Suture Techniques; Wound Closure Techniques
PubMed: 38472132
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14751