Blog

Laparoscopic Sandwich Technique: A Promising Option for Parastomal Hernia Repair

A study from Catalonia, Spain, examined the effectiveness of the laparoscopic sandwich technique for parastomal hernia repair, which uses a double intraperitoneal mesh. Out of 38 patients, the recurrence rate was 7.9%, and the most common complication leading to recurrence was postoperative issues like seroma, hematoma, and surgical site infection. The sandwich technique demonstrated consistent recurrence rates with existing literature, emphasizing its potential as a reliable option for parastomal hernia repair.

Journal Article by Barranquero AG, Espert JJ (…) Villalobos Mori R et 4 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

open it in PubMed

Gluing Away Pain: Laparoscopic Hernia Repair with Cyanoacrylate Mesh Fixation

A study on laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair tested the effectiveness of using cyanoacrylate glue (ifabond™) instead of traditional mesh fixation. Postoperative pain significantly decreased at 5 weeks and 12 months after surgery, and there was a noticeable improvement in patients’ quality of life. The study reported a 13.74% rate of chronic groin pain at the 12-month follow-up, with few patients requiring analgesics. This technique proved safe and reliable, providing better patient outcomes and a high level of surgeon satisfaction while minimizing complications.

Journal Article by Dams A, Vankeirsbilck J (…) Van der Speeten K et 12 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

open it in PubMed

Drain Output Timing Doesn’t Impact Post-op Outcomes in Hernia Repair

Surgeons often place retromuscular drains during hernia repair to reduce complications. This study analyzed 336 patients who had hernia repair with varying drain output levels at removal. Results show that the volume of drain output at removal didn’t affect postoperative wound complications, length of stay, or hernia recurrence rates. This suggests that it’s safe to remove drains earlier, even with higher output, without compromising short- or long-term outcomes in ventral hernia repair. Timing is not a crucial factor in this context.

Journal Article by Meyer AM, Hu A (…) Horne CM et 5 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

open it in PubMed

Revolutionizing Colon Surgery: Laser Speckle Imaging Enhances Perfusion Visualization

A game-changing tool has emerged in the world of colon surgery. Laparoscopic laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) provides real-time, dye-free visualization of intestinal perfusion. This study, involving 64 patients, revealed LSCI’s potential to accurately image colonic perfusion without disrupting surgery. Operating surgeons found it easy to interpret, and 17% indicated it could change their anastomosis placement. Additionally, non-operating surgeons showed an 80% agreement when assessing LSCI images. Perfusix-imaging, the laparoscopic LSCI system, promises to guide surgeons in optimizing anastomosis placement during colon surgery.

Journal Article by Heeman W, Calon J (…) Boerma EC et 4 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2023. The Author(s).

open it in PubMed

The Lancet: Two Centuries of Impact on Medicine and Society

The Lancet, celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2023, reflects on its historical journey of shaping the medical landscape in the UK and globally. This survey explores how the journal has championed “the best science for better lives” through pioneering articles on medical advancements and healthcare organization. It also delves into the journal’s advocacy and campaigns in various domains where science and policy intersect, ranging from professional standards and surgery to vaccination and global health. While acknowledging historical colonial biases, The Lancet’s commitment to advancing medicine for social betterment shines through.

Review by Gorsky M and Arnold-Forster A in Lancet

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

open it in PubMed

Surgery Timing for Low-Risk Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Immediate or Delayed?

A study explored the outcomes of treating low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) through immediate surgery (IOP) or delayed surgery after active surveillance (DOP). DOP was an alternative to immediate surgery. Among the 516 patients undergoing surgery, DOP patients had larger tumors, more lymphatic invasion, and multifocality. However, rates of complications didn’t significantly differ. Disease progression was observed in the DOP group, associated with lymph node metastasis and radioiodine therapy. Active surveillance might be a valid choice for low-risk PTMC but warrants further oncological assessment over time.

Journal Article by Hwang H, Choi JY (…) Jung YS et 15 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

open it in PubMed

Circumferential ESD Shows Promise in Barrett’s Neoplasia Treatment

In North America, where esophageal cancers often stem from Barrett’s esophagus, researchers are exploring the effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for treatment. This study analyzed eleven patients who underwent 100% circumferential esophageal ESD. Impressively, all procedures were technically successful with clear margins in most cases, indicating the potential for ESD as an alternative to esophagectomy. However, careful consideration is needed due to the risk of post-procedure strictures, requiring further investigation into preventive measures.

Journal Article by Motomura D and Bechara R in Gastrointest Endosc

Copyright © 2023 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

open it in PubMed

Using Autofluorescence in Thyroidectomy: Impact on Parathyroid Hormone Levels Examined

This multicenter study investigated the use of autofluorescence, specifically the Fluobeam® LX device, in thyroid surgery. Researchers aimed to determine if it helps identify and protect parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy, potentially reducing low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after surgery. Among 535 patients, autofluorescence didn’t significantly lower low PTH levels in the entire group, but it did so in a subgroup undergoing central lymph node clearance. More parathyroid glands were identified during surgery with Fluobeam® LX, with no reported harm. Further research may reveal its full potential.

Journal Article by Bergenfelz A, Barczynski M (…) Hermann M et 9 al. in Br J Surg

© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.

open it in PubMed

Centralization Key for Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor Surgery: CentralChirSINET Study

Centralizing surgical care, this study investigated small intestinal neuroendocrine tumor (SI-NET) resections’ outcomes based on procedure volume. High-volume centers (HVCs) performed over five SI-NET resections annually, while low-volume centers (LVCs) did fewer. HVCs showcased better surgical quality, with more lymph nodes resected, advanced techniques, and higher success rates. Optimal SI-NET resection was prevalent in HVCs, supporting the centralization of SI-NET surgical care for improved outcomes.

Journal Article by Kalifi M, Deguelte S (…) Walter T et 8 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

open it in PubMed

Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy vs. Surgery or Antibiotics: Balancing Act for Appendicitis Treatment

In the debate over how to treat appendicitis, a systematic review compared endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) with surgery and antibiotics. While ERAT resulted in shorter procedural times and hospital stays, it posed a higher risk of appendicitis recurrence at one year. The study found no significant differences in technical success during the initial admission. These results, while informative, come with a risk of imprecision. This analysis emphasizes the need for careful consideration when choosing an appendicitis treatment strategy, weighing benefits and risks.

Review by Pata F, Nardo B (…) Podda M et 8 al. in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

open it in PubMed