Author: STITCHES Newsletter

Comparison of Purse-String vs Linear Suture for Skin Closure After Ileostomy Reversal

Comparison of purse-string technique vs linear suture for skin closure after ileostomy reversal showed a significantly lower incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) with the purse-string technique. Findings suggest purse string closure could be considered as the standard of care for wound closure after ileostomy reversal, with better cosmesis outcomes. Comparative Study by Carannante F, […]

Impact of Elective General Surgical Procedures on Patient-Derived Scores

Patients undergoing common general surgical procedures experienced varying improvements in Impact on Life (IOL) scores post-operatively. Gallbladder surgery showed the greatest improvement, with consistent changes across ethnic groups. Pre-surgery IOL scores and the type of surgery were significant predictors of post-operative improvement. These findings support the inclusion of patient-derived IOL scores in prioritization tools for […]

Telemedicine Interventions Reduce Readmissions After Abdominal Surgery

A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the impact of telemedicine in perioperative care found that digital health interventions are associated with a lower risk of readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits in patients who have undergone abdominal surgery. Across 19 studies with 10,536 patients, the risk ratio for ED visits (0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94) and […]

Self-inflatable Balloon for Treating Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures

The novel self-help inflatable balloon (SHIB) showed high efficacy and safety in treating refractory benign esophageal strictures, with a clinical success rate of 51.2%. Patients experienced significant improvements in dysphagia scores, decreased stricture length, and prolonged intervention-free intervals. Endoscopic resection was particularly effective, with stricture etiology and wearing time identified as predictors of recurrent stricture. […]

Contemporary Outcomes of Left Thoraco-Abdominal Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

A multicenter cohort study on left thoraco-abdominal esophagectomy for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer showed favorable outcomes. Key results include low mortality rates, common postoperative complications, and survival associations with tumor characteristics and treatment modalities. The study highlights the feasibility and efficacy of this open surgical technique in selected patients, offering comparable results to other […]

Therapeutic Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Low BMI Obesity

Study compared weight loss, comorbidity remission, complications, and quality of life post-lsg in different BMI groups. %EWL at 12 months was significantly higher in class I obesity compared to class II and III. Remission of comorbidities showed no significant difference. Favorable outcomes suggested for various BMI individuals post-lsg, particularly for class I obesity patients. Journal […]

Gender Disparities in Gas and Bloat Symptoms Post-Anti-Reflux Procedures

Female patients are more likely to experience higher gas/bloat scores after anti-reflux procedures compared to males. Despite similar rates of hernia recurrence, females also exhibit higher GERD-specific quality of life scores post-procedure. Results suggest the need for tailored treatments and prognostication for GERD patients based on sex differences. Journal Article by Zimmermann CJ, Kuchta K […]

Recommendations for Colorectal Polypectomy and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

ESGE recommends cold snare polypectomy for diminutive and small polyps, and hot snare polypectomy for larger adenomatous polyps. For large nonpedunculated polyps, conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is preferred, with underwater EMR as an alternative. After piecemeal EMR, thermal ablation of resection margins is advised to prevent adenoma recurrence. Prophylactic clip closure is recommended after […]

Role of Serum Biomarkers in Predicting Complications Post Bariatric Surgery

A systematic review and meta-analysis on pre-operative biomarkers and complications following bariatric surgery identified a significant association between lower pre-operative albumin levels and post-operative complications. While other biomarkers did not show a significant impact, changes in certain biomarkers during the peri-operative period were observed. This suggests the potential use of biomarkers for predicting complications in […]

Strategy-Focused Training in Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Colorectal ESD training with a focus on strategic preoperative techniques, including gravity traction, led to favorable outcomes with high en bloc and curative resection rates. Proficiency growth was evident after about 50 cases, with challenges varying across early and late phases. Traction-assisted ESD, particularly planned traction, proved beneficial in lesion management. “Strategy-focused” training consistently adapted […]