The global level of harm among surgical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational cross-sectional cohort study

BACKGROUND

Health care workers, including surgical professionals, experienced psychological burnout and physical harm during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. This global survey investigated the coronavirus 2019 pandemic impact on psychological and physical health.

METHODS

We conducted a global cross-sectional survey between February 18, 2021 and March 13, 2021. The primary outcome was to assess the psychological burnout, fulfillment, and self-reported physical level of harm. A validated Stanford Professional Fulfilment Index score with a self-reported physical level of harm was employed. We used a practical overall composite level of harm score to calculate the level of harm gradient 1-4, combining psychological burnout with self-reported physical level of harm score.

RESULTS

A total of 545 participants from 66 countries participated. The final analysis included 520 (95.4%) surgical professionals barring medical students. Most of the participants (81.3%) were professionally unfulfilled. The psychological burnout was evident in 57.7% and was significantly common in those <50 years (P = .002) and those working in the public sector (P = .005). Approximately 41.7% of respondents showed changes in the physical health with self-remedy and no impact on work, whereas 14.9% reported changes to their physical health with <2 weeks off work, and 10.1% reported changes in physical health requiring >2 weeks off work. Severe harm (level of harm 4) was detected in 10.6%, whereas moderate harm (level of harm 3) affected 40.2% of the participants. Low and no harm (level of harm 2 and level of harm 1) represented 27.5% and 21.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that high levels of psychological burnout, professional unfulfillment, work exhaustion, and severe level of harm was more frequent in younger professionals working in the public sector. The findings correlated with a high level of harm in surgical professionals impacting surgical services.

Mindfulness Training for Young Neurosurgeons: A Virtual Multicenter Prospective Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

Burnout is prevalent among neurosurgeons and can negatively impact both technical and nontechnical skills and subsequent patient care. Mindfulness training has previously been shown to ameliorate the effects of burnout and improve performance in health care workers and high-stress occupations, but no such evaluation has been formally conducted for neurosurgeons. We aimed to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtual mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in neurosurgeons.

METHODS

A prospective trial of an MBI was implemented and hosted from our tertiary academic unit, running virtually from October to December 2020. Practicing neurosurgeons of all grades were recruited from 9 neurosurgical centers. Participants underwent 8 weeks of 90-minute MBI classes and suggested daily practice. Psychometric measures related to burnout, stress, wellbeing, and mindfulness competencies were assessed at baseline and on course completion.

RESULTS

Twenty-one neurosurgeons participated in the study (attendings = 2, residents = 18, interns = 1, mean age = 30.3 [standard deviation 3.9] years). Significant improvements after intervention were present in perceived stress (Z = -2.54, P = 0.04) and emotional exhaustion (Z = -2.41, P = 0.04). Mindfulness training was associated with improved mindfulness skills (Z = -2.58, P = 0.006), self-compassion (t = -4.4, P = 0.002), resilience (Z = -3.18, P = 0.004), and choice response times (Z = -2.13, P = 0.03). All neurosurgeons who completed the postintervention assessment stated they would recommend the course and agreed that it was relevant to their surgical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary evidence from this trial cautiously supports the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtual MBI for dealing with stress, burnout, and improving dexterity among young neurosurgeons. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.

Human Platelet-Rich Plasma Facilitates Angiogenesis to Restore Impaired Uterine Environments with Asherman’s Syndrome for Embryo Implantation and Following Pregnancy in Mice

Asherman’s syndrome (AS) is caused by intrauterine adhesions and inactive endometrium from repeated curettage of the uterine endometrium. AS is a major cause of recurrent implantation failure and miscarriage and is very difficult to treat because of the poor recovery of endometrial basal cells. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has abundant growth factors that may induce angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Here, we demonstrate that human PRP (hPRP) significantly enhances angiogenesis to restore embryo implantation, leading to successful pregnancy in mice with AS. In mice with AS, hPRP treatment considerably reduced the expression of fibrosis markers and alleviated oligo/amenorrhea phenotypes. Mice with AS did not produce any pups, but the hPRP therapy restored their infertility. AS-induced abnormalities, such as aberrantly delayed embryo implantation and intrauterine growth retardation, were considerably eliminated by hPRP. Furthermore, hPRP significantly promoted not only the elevation of various angiogenic factors, but also the migration of endometrial stromal cells. It also increased the phosphorylation of STAT3, a critical mediator of wound healing, and the expression of tissue remodeling genes in a fibrotic uterus. PRP could be a promising therapeutic strategy to promote angiogenesis and reduce fibrosis in impaired uterine environments, leading to successful embryo implantation for better clinical outcomes in patients with AS.

The Impact of Patient Deaths on General Surgeons' Psychosocial Well-Being and Surgical Practices

BACKGROUND

Patient deaths are an unavoidable occurrence in surgical practice. Although these events have negative effects on patients and their families, they can also have a profound adverse impact on surgeons who are unprepared for these deep emotional experiences. This study aims to investigate the impact of patient deaths on general surgeons' psychosocial well-being and surgical practices.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional survey of a 30-item questionnaire was conducted. The survey evaluated the surgeons' demographics, professional and practice characteristics, and the impact of patient deaths on their emotional well-being, professional career, and social life.

RESULTS

Four hundred eighty participants completed the survey. One-third of the participants reported that patient deaths affected their emotional well-being, 23.3% reported that patient deaths affected their social life, and 34.2% reported that patient deaths affected their professional career. Surgeons who reported suffering from the emotional impact of death exhibited no differences in terms of place of practice, academic title, surgical experience, work hours, or annual surgical volume. Middle-aged surgeons (p = 0.004), females (p = 0.041), and surgeons who reported feeling burned out (p < 0.001) were more likely to be affected by patient loss. Feelings of sadness, worry, and stress were most reported. A total of 18.1% of the participants indicated that they considered taking a break after patient death, and 11.9% thought they would abandon their surgical career.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that patient death affects surgeons' psychosocial well-being and surgical practices. Greater awareness and effort are required at the personal, institutional, and organizational level to provide effective support, helping surgeons to cope with the emotional burden of patient deaths.

Mesh plug erosion into the small intestine after inguinal hernia repair: A case report

BACKGROUND

Mesh plug (MP) erosion into the intra-abdominal organs is a rare but serious long-term complication after inguinal hernia repair (IHR), and may lead to aggravation of symptoms if not treated promptly. It is difficult to diagnose MP erosion as there are no obvious specific clinical manifestations, and surgery is often needed for confirmation. In recent years, with the increased understanding of postoperative complications, MP eroding into the intra-abdominal organs has been a cause for concern among surgeons.

CASE SUMMARY

A 50-year-old man was referred to the Department of General Surgery with the complaint of abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant for 2 d. He had a surgical history of right open IHR and partial thyroidectomy performed 20 years and 15 years ago, respectively. Computed tomography revealed a circinate high-density image with short segmental thickening of the ileum stuck to the abdominal wall, and no evidence of recurrent inguinal hernia. Laparoscopic abdominal exploration confirmed adhesion of the middle segmental portion of the ileal loop to the right inguinal abdominal wall; the rest of the small intestine was normal. Further exploration revealed migration of the polypropylene MP into the intraperitoneal cavity and formation of granulation tissue around the plug, which eroded the ileum. Partial resection of the ileum, including the MP and end-to-side anastomosis with an anastomat, was performed.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should aim to improve their ability to predict patients at high risk for MP erosion after IHR.

Extremely Late-Onset Deep Infection Post-inguinal Hernia Repair After Panendoscopy

Mesh infection after hernia repair is a well-known complication, which can have morbid consequences. This report presents a case of a gentleman with mesh infection many years after initial surgery, potentially from bacterial translocation post-colonoscopy, and describes his successful treatment. This case emphasizes the need to consider mesh infection regardless of time from surgery to presentation.

Comparison of Short- and Long-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic and Open Right Hemicolectomy for Colon Cancer

<br><b>Introduction:</b> Colorectal cancer is still among the most common malignancies in the world.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of open and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer.</br> <br><b>Materials and methods:</b> This retrospective study included 87 patients who underwent laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy for colon cancer between January 2014 and January 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the surgical technique: laparoscopic (46 cases) and open (41 cases). Patient characteristics and clinicopathological findings, surgical findings, short- and long-term results were included in the evaluation parameters. Patients with pathological diagnosis other than adenocarcinoma, distant metastases, and incomplete file datas were excluded from the study.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> Forty-six (52.9%) patients underwent laparoscopic and 41 (47.1%) patients underwent open right hemicolectomy. The operation time of the laparoscopic group was found to be significantly higher (P<0.001). The amount of blood loss was significantly higher in the open group (P < 0.001). The incidence of post-operative complications in the open group (26.8%) was higher than in the laparoscopic group (6.5%) (P = 0.010). The rate of anastomotic leakage (9.8%) was higher in patients who underwent open surgery compared to laparoscopic group (0%) (P = 0.045). It was found that the laparoscopic group had a shorter hospital stay (P = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of overall overall survival (OS) rate (P = 0.400) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate (P = 0.781).</br> <br><b>Conclusion:</b> Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer is a feasible and reliable method with lower postoperative morbidity and similar long-term results to the open method.</br>

Systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for Mesh infection following Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair Surgery

BACKGROUND

Surgical Mesh Infection (SMI) after Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair (AWHR) represents a catastrophic complication. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the risk factors for SMI in the context of AWHR.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scielo, and LILACS were searched without language or time restrictions from inception until June 2021. Articles evaluating the association between demographic, clinical, laboratory and surgical characteristics with SMI in AWHR were included.

RESULTS

23 studies were evaluated, comprising a total of 118,790 patients (98% males; mean age 56.5 years) with a mesh infection pooled prevalence of 4%. Significant risk factors for SMI were type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking history, steroids use, ASA III/IV, laparotomy vs laparoscopy, emergency surgery, duration of surgery and onlay mesh position vs sublay. The quality of evidence was regarded as very low-moderate.

CONCLUSION

Several factors, highlighting sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and the clinical scenario, may increase the risk of developing mesh infections in AWHR. The recognition and mitigation of these may significantly reduce mesh infection rates in this context.

Is Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision and Central Vascular Ligation Really Necessary for All Patients With Right-Sided Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer treatment is on the way to evolution over several decades. The minimally invasive surgery has improved postoperative short-term outcomes. Adjuvant chemotherapy has prolonged the survival of advanced colon cancer patients. Hohenberger proposed the noble concept of complete mesocolic excision (CME) which consists of 3 components: plane surgery, sufficient longitudinal bowel resection, and central vascular ligation (CVL). Mesocolic plane surgery shares the same surgical principle of total mesorectal excision, which is maintaining the intact mesothelial envelope. However, there remain debates about the extent of bowel resection and the level of CVL for maximizing lymph node dissection. There is no solid clinical evidence for the oncological necessity and benefit of extended radical dissection in right hemicolectomy. CME with CVL based on open surgery has been adopted in laparoscopic surgery. So, it is also necessary to look at how the CME could be transformed and successfully implanted in the laparoscopic era. Recent rapid advances in surgical technology and cancer biology are preparing for fundamental changes in cancer surgery. In this study, we reviewed the history, oncological necessity, and compatibility of CME for the right hemicolectomy in the laparoscopic era and outline the new perspectives on the evolution of cancer surgery.

Clinical Efficacy of an Indwelling Transanal Tube for the Prevention of Anastomotic Leakage After Hirschsprung's Disease: A Single Center Experience with Chinese Patients

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of an indwelling transanal tube for the prevention of anastomotic leakage (AL) after a radical operation for Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 158 patients who had undergone laparoscopic-assisted Soave procedures for HD at our hospital from May 2015 to May 2019. Patients were divided into two groups depending upon whether the anal drainage tube was retained or not retained: an indwelling group (group A, n = 86) and a no-indwelling group (group B, n = 72). Results: All 158 children had a successful operation by a laparoscopic technique. There was no significant difference in the duration of the operation, the length of the incision, the amount of bleeding, or the postoperative hospitalization time between the two groups. Compared with the no-indwelling group, maintaining the transanal tube had significant advantages for preventing incidences of AL (P < .05). The 4-year follow-up showed that the incidence of postoperative enterocolitis with the indwelling transanal tube was significantly lower than in the group without the drainage tube (P < .05). Conclusions: The laparoscopic-assisted Soave procedure with an indwelling transanal tube is a safe and feasible method for the treatment of HD in children. This method can not only drain intestinal contents but also reduce the occurrence of AL.

Endo-sponge in management of anastomotic colorectal leaks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims  Following colorectal surgery, anastomotic dehiscence and leak formation has an incidence of 2 % to 7 %. Endo-SPONGE has been applied in the management of anastomatic leaks (ALs) after colorectal surgery. This is the first systematic review and meta analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Endo-SPONGE in the management of colorectal ALs. Patients and methods  The primary outcomes assessed were the technical and clinical success of Endo-SPONGE placement in colorectal ALs. The secondary outcomes assessed were the overall adverse events (AEs) and the AE subtypes. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models with 95 % confidence interval (C. I.). The statistical analysis was done using STATA v16.1 software (StataCorp, LLC College Station, Texas, United States). Results  The analysis included 17 independent cohort studies with a total of 384 patients. The rate of technical success was 99.86 % (95 % CI: 99.2 %, 100 %; P  = 0.00; I 2  = 70.69 %) and the calculated pooled rate of clinical success was 84.99 % (95 % CI: 77.4 %, 91.41 %; P  = 0.00; I 2  = 68.02 %). The calculated pooled rate of adverse events was 7.6 % (95 % CI: 3.99 %, 12.21 %; P  = 0.03; I 2  = 42.5 %) with recurrent abscess formation and bleeding being the most common AEs. Moderate to substantial heterogeneity was noted in our meta-analysis. Conclusions  Endoscopic vacuum therapy appears to be a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment modality for patients with a significant colorectal leak without any generalized peritonitis with high clinical and technical success rates and a low rate of adverse events. Further prospective or randomized controlled trials are needed to validate our findings.

Prosthetic meshes for hernia repair: State of art, classification, biomaterials, antimicrobial approaches, and fabrication methods

Worldwide, hernia repair represents one of the most frequent surgical procedures encompassing a global market valued at several billion dollars. This type of surgery usually requires the implantation of a mesh that needs the appropriate chemical, physical and biological properties for the type of repair. This review thus presents a description of the types of hernias, current hernia repair methods, and the state of the art of prosthetic meshes for hernia repair providing the most important meshes used in clinical practice by surgeons working in this area classified according to their biological or chemical nature, morphology and whether bioabsorbable or not. We emphasise the importance of surgical site infection in herniatology, how to deal with this microbial problem, and we go further into the future research lines on the production of advanced antimicrobial meshes to improve hernia repair and prevent microbial infections, including multidrug-resistant strains. A great deal of progress has been made in this biomedical field in the last decade. However, we are still far from an ideal antimicrobial mesh that can also provide excellent integration to the abdominal wall, mechanical performance, low visceral adhesion and minimal inflammatory or foreign body reactions, among many other problems.

Fatal epidural abscess with meningitis: a rare complication of colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery remains a frequent complication. We report a rare case of a fatal epidural abscess caused by a colo-epidural fistula complicating a laparoscopic proctectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 62 year-old-man presented with weight loss, pelvic sepsis and neurological dysfunction four months after closing of the ileostomy following a laparoscopic proctectomy for a rectal adenocarcinoma one year ago. Cross-sectional imaging confirmed an epidural abscess caused by a chronic colorectal anastomotic leak. Systemic antibiotics and laparotomy with defunctioning pelvic loop colostomy were performed. Unfortunately, this management to control the major spinal infection failed. Epidural decompression and debridement was not possible due to his poor condition and the patient subsequently died.

CONCLUSION

Colo-epidural fistula can occur as a consequence of colorectal anastomotic leakage. Prior to frank neurology symptoms and sepsis, patients may present with only a low-grade fever. Without prompt and aggressive management of colo-epidural infection, this severe complication can lead to paraplegia and death.

The Role of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Lichtenstein Repair of Primary Inguinal Hernia: A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective:

The objective is to study the role of antibiotic prophylaxis, if any, in the prevention of wound infection after open mesh repair of primary inguinal hernias.

Materials and Methods:

Patients coming to outpatient department for open mesh repair of inguinal hernia were randomized into the placebo group and antibiotic group, a total of 150 patients were enrolled in the study. Follow-up was done up to 1 month to look for any evidence of surgical site infection using the criteria of Centers for Disease Control on wound infection.

Results:

Twelve patients in the antibiotic group and nine patients in the placebo group were found to have evidence of surgical site infection. This difference was found to be insignificant with P = 0.14. Three patients in the placebo group developed deep surgical site infection but on analysis, this difference was also found to be insignificant with P = 0.122.None of these patients required mesh removal.

Conclusion:

The result of the present study suggests that the use of prophylactic antibiotics during mesh repair of primary inguinal hernias does not give any extra protection from infections. Multicenter meta-analysis is required to give definite guidelines regarding the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Construction of novel antimicrobial peptide-modified extracellular matrix biologic scaffold material

In the field of implantable medical devices, the antibacterial extracellular matrix (ECM) biologic scaffold, which is constructed by modifying biomaterials with antibacterial peptides, has excellent potential. An antibacterial peptide-modified ECM scaffold was formed with chitosan (CS), antimicrobial peptide (AMP), and ECM scaffold. Chitosan has a firm positive-charge surface and can combine with the ECM scaffold material to form a positive-charge layer on the surface. The surface potential was characterized using a surface potential map. Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe the scaffold surface characteristics and cell morphology. Fluorescence staining and MTS assay kit were used to assess cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. To evaluate the antibacterial and repairing effects on the infected wounds in vivo, a subcutaneous antibacterial test of rabbit back was conducted. The antibacterial peptide-modified ECM scaffold was successfully formed and presented an excellent three-dimensional micro-surface porous structure. The antibacterial peptide-modified ECM scaffold could be effectively-prepared by surface modification and activation. Fluorescence staining tests showed good cell adhesion, proliferation ability, and cell affinity. The in vivo experiment indicated that the antibacterial ECM scaffold had antibacterial and healing-promotion abilities.

Use of Argon Plasma Coagulation and Endoscopic Hemoclips for Postsurgical Gastrointestinal Fistula

A 72-year-old male was diagnosed with a duodenal mass and underwent extensive surgical resection. The patient's post-op course was complicated by an anastomotic leak that was first treated conservatively; however, his condition continued to deteriorate. An upper endoscopy was performed, which showed misplacement of drain forming a fistulous track through the lumen of the bowel. We removed the drain and used argon plasma coagulation to de-epithelize the lumen and closed the fistula with hemostasis clips. The patient's clinical status improved significantly. Our case emphasizes the success of endoscopic techniques as an alternative option in the management of postsurgical anastomotic leaks and fistulas in the right clinical setting and patient population.

Maximal Infected Mesh Removal with Methylene Blue Injection for Mesh Infection after Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background: Mesh infection is a serious complication of inguinal hernia repair, but surgeons have not reached a consensus on the method of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of maximal mesh removal therapy with methylene blue injection for mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair. Patients and Methods: The study was a monocentric retrospective analysis following STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statements of all patients with mesh infection undergoing maximal mesh removal operation with methylene blue injection. Demographics, mesh infection characteristics, microbiology, early post-operative data, and follow-up data were recorded. Results: Sixteen patients underwent complete removal of infected mesh and 13 had partial removal. The operation time was 76.3 ± 26.0 minutes. In 13 patients the cultures tested positive, five for Staphylococcus aureus. Twelve participants developed surgical site infection post-operatively and eventually healed after 27.4 ± 16.3 days of dressing. In a mean follow-up of 46 months, one patient suffered chronic pain and one had chronic sinus in the partial removal group, although none did in the complete removal group, without a statistically significant difference. No hernia recurrence occurred. Conclusions: Maximal mesh removal therapy with methylene blue injection can be considered as a feasible alternative for the treatment of mesh infection.

Endoscopic repair of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is a severe complication. Except for re-operation, several endoscopic options have been proposed for the minimal invasive treatment of AL, including the endoluminal vacuum devices, tissue sealants and Over-The-Scope-Clip (OTSC) technique. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the effect of alternative treatment options for AL repair, by means of endoscopy.

METHOD

A bibliographic search was performed in the international literature. Ten case reports and series were finally included, reporting 75 cases of endoscopic repair of AL. A descriptive statistical analysis and a systematic review were performed.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 65.84 ± 9.92 years (95% CI: 61.70-68.76), the male-to-female ratio being 1.5:1. The mean diameter of the cavity was 5.17 ± 3.32 cm (95% CI: 4.03-6.31). The mean time until the diagnosis was 44.15 ± 105.91 days (95% CI: 13.39-74.90). Vacuum-assisted closure therapy was the most common technique (52%), followed by fibrin glue (25.3%) and OTSC (22.7%). As supplementary therapy, OTSC was applied in 8.3%, vacuum-assisted closure in 25%, endoclips in 4.2%, while fibrin glue was the most frequently used (62.5%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of AL after low anterior resection is considered as an alternative to surgical treatment with promising results.

Short-term outcomes of OTSC for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Introduction: There are several reports on the use of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) for gastrointestinal bleeding/fistula and endoscopic iatrogenic perforation. However, there are almost no reports on OTSC use for anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal cancer surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of AL closure using the OTSC.Material and methods: Five patients who had undergone AL after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer from April 2017 to April 2019 were evaluated.Results: The average distance from the anal verge of the anastomosis site was 12 (5-18) cm. The average diameter of the dehiscent part was 10.9 (9.3-14.4) mm. The average number of OTSC days after the occurrence of AL was 11 (5-22). On the contrast examination immediately after OTSC, all cases were completely closed, but in the later contrast examination, only one case remained completely closed. The average incompletely closed diameter was 3.6 (2.9-5.1) mm, and the diameter of the dehiscent part was reduced in all cases. Only one patient ultimately underwent colostomy; the rest were cured with OTSC alone.Conclusion: AL site closure using the OTSC after colorectal cancer surgery is a useful minimally invasive treatment when combined with appropriate drain management.

Experimental fortification of intestinal anastomoses with nanofibrous materials in a large animal model

Anastomotic leakage is a severe complication in gastrointestinal surgery. It is often a reason for reoperation together with intestinal passage blockage due to formation of peritoneal adhesions. Different materials as local prevention of these complications have been studied, none of which are nowadays routinely used in clinical practice. Nanofabrics created proved to promote healing with their structure similar to extracellular matrix. We decided to study their impact on anastomotic healing and formation of peritoneal adhesions. We performed an experiment on 24 piglets. We constructed 3 hand sutured end-to-end anastomoses on the small intestine of each pig. We covered the anastomoses with a sheet of polycaprolactone nanomaterial in the first experimental group, with a sheet of copolymer of polylactic acid with polycaprolactone in the second one and no fortifying material was used in the Control group. The animals were sacrificed after 3 weeks of observation. Clinical, biochemical and macroscopic signs of anastomotic leakage or intestinal obstruction were monitored, the quality of the scar tissue was assessed histologically, and a newly developed scoring system was employed to evaluate the presence of adhesions. The material is easy to manipulate with. There was no mortality or major morbidity in our groups. No statistical difference was found inbetween the groups in the matter of level of peritoneal adhesions or the quality of the anastomoses. We created a new adhesion scoring system. The material appears to be safe however needs to be studied further to prove its' positive effects.

Incorporation of graphene oxide into poly(ɛ-caprolactone) 3D printed fibrous scaffolds improves their antimicrobial properties

Implantable medical devices infection and consequent failure is a severe health issue, which can result from bacterial adhesion, growth, and subsequent biofilm formation at the implantation site. Graphene-based materials, namely graphene oxide (GO), have been described as potential antibacterial agents when immobilized and exposed in polymeric matrices. This work focuses on the development of antibacterial and biocompatible 3D fibrous scaffolds incorporating GO. Poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds were produced, with and without GO, using wet-spinning combined with additive manufacturing. Scaffolds with different GO loadings were evaluated regarding physical-chemical characterization, namely GO surface exposure, antibacterial properties, and ability to promote human cells adhesion. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated through live/dead assays performed with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. 2 h and 24 h adhesion assays revealed a time-dependent bactericidal effect in the presence of GO, with death rates of adherent S. epidermidis and E. coli reaching ~80% after 24 h of contact with scaffolds with the highest GO concentration. Human fibroblasts cultured for up to 14 days were able to adhere and spread over the fibers, independently of the presence of GO. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of GO-containing fibrous scaffolds to be used as biomaterials that hinder bacterial infection, while allowing human cells adhesion.

Costs and Complications Associated with Infected Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repair

Background: Mesh hernia repair is widely accepted because of the associated reduction in hernia recurrence compared with suture-based repair. Despite initiatives to reduce risk, mesh infection and mesh removal are a significant challenge. In an era of healthcare value, it is essential to understand the global cost of care, including the incidence and cost of complications. The purpose of this study was to identify the outcomes and costs of care of patients who required the removal of infected hernia mesh. Methods: A review of databases from 2006 through June 2018 identified patients who underwent both ventral hernia repair (VHR) and re-operation for infected mesh removal. Patient demographic and operative details for both procedures, including age, Body Mass Index, mesh type, amount of time between procedures, and information regarding interval procedures were obtained. Clinical outcome measures were the length of the hospital stay, hospital re-admission, incision/non-incision complications, and re-operation. Hospital cost data were obtained from the cost accounting system and were combined with the clinical data for a cost and clinical representation of the cases. Results: Thirty-four patients underwent both VHR and removal of infected mesh material over the 12-year time frame and were included in the analyses; the average age at VHR was 48 years, and 16 patients (47%) were female. Following VHR, 21 patients (62%) experienced incision complications within 90 days post-operatively, the complications ranging from superficial surgical site infection (SSI) to evisceration. A mean of 22.65 months passed between procedures. After mesh removal, 16 patients (47%) experienced further incisional complications; and 22 (65%) patients had at least one re-admission. Eighteen patients (53%) required a minimum of one additional related operative procedure after mesh removal. Median hospital costs nearly doubled (p < 0.001) for the mesh removal ($23,841 [interquartile range {IQR} $13,596-$42,148]) compared with the VHR admission ($13,394 [IQR $8,424-$22,161]) not accounting for re-admission costs. A majority experienced hernia recurrence subsequent to mesh removal. Conclusions: Mesh infection after hernia repair is associated with significant morbidity and costs. Hospital re-admission, re-operations, and recurrences are common among these patients, resulting in greater healthcare resource utilization. Development of strategies to prevent mesh infection, identify patients most likely to experience infectious complications, and define best practices for the care of patients with mesh infection are needed.

Chronic mesh infection complicated by an enterocutaneous fistula successfully treated by infected mesh removal and negative pressure wound therapy: A case report

RATIONALE

Tension-free repair of inguinal hernia with prosthetic materials in adults has become a routine surgical procedure. However, serious complications may arise such as mesh displacement, infection, and even enterocutaneous fistula (EF). The management of chronic mesh infection (CMI) complicated by an EF is very challenging. A simple treatment of infected mesh removal and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may cure the patients with EF with CMI.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 75-year-old male patient underwent tension-free treatment for a bilateral inguinal hernia at a county hospital 10 years ago. Three months before admission, the right groin gradually formed a skin sinus with outflow of fetid thin pus, and it could not heal.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed preoperatively with mesh plug adhesion to the intestine, which resulted in low-flow EF combined with CMI.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received a simple treatment mode consisting of an incision made from the original incision, but the new incision did not penetrate the abdominal cavity; treatment included resection of the fistula, removal of the mesh, repair of the intestine and local tissue, and continuous irrigation of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) devices for NPWT.

OUTCOMES

The infected mesh was completely removed. Five VSD devices were utilized to treat the EF and wound. The time from intervention to wound healing was 35 days, and follow-up for 6 months revealed no infection and no hernia recurrence in the right groin.

LESSONS

The NPWT is effective in treating CMI concomitant with EF and does not increase the risk of hernia recurrence.

Deep SSI after mesh-mediated groin hernia repair: management and outcome in an Emergency Surgery Department

AIM

Mesh-mediated groin hernia repair is considered the goldstandard procedure. It has low recurrence rate. Rarely a deep Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is seen when a synthetic prosthesis is used.

CASE REPORT

We describe a rare case of bilateral deep SSI after mesh-mediated groin hernia repair. Diagnosis was performed through the physical examination and radiological exams. Microbiological samples identified a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus responsible of the infection. Target therapy was performed and re-operation performed in order to remove the infected prosthesis and to apply a biological one to create the fibrous scaffold. During follow-up time, right side recurrence was observed. Tru-cut biopsy of fascia was obtained in order to identify the responsible of the recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Combination of antibiotic therapy and surgical reoperation seems to be the correct way to approach the deep SSI after mesh-mediated groin hernia repair. The use of biological mesh after synthetic removal seems to improve the final outcome.

[New strategies and materials in endoscopic vacuum therapy in the lower gastrointestinal tract]

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic vacuum therapy is a widespread method in the postoperative treatment of lower and upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract leakage.

OBJECTIVE

There is an absence of further technical development of the standardized material from 2007 for the lower GI tract.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

New strategies and new materials for endoscopic vacuum therapy are presented.

RESULTS

Alternative strategies in sponge placement, use of open-pore film drainage, use of a multiple sponge system, rinsing catheter, electronic pumps etc. enable the successful treatment of very complex pelvic defects.

CONCLUSION

The wide variability of pelvic defects often necessitates a change in therapeutic strategies during the course of treatment for an optimized outcome.

External validation of anastomotic leakage risk analysis system in patients who underwent colorectal resection

BACKGROUND/AIM

One of the most feared complications after colon resection for carcinoma is anastomotic leakage. Prediction of anastomotic leakage can alter pre- and perioperative management of patients. This study validates an anastomotic leakage prediction system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-five patients who underwent colonic resection between 1 January 2016 and 30 January 2017 were included in the study. Patient records and electronic charting system data were used to calculate anastomotic leakage risk on the http://www.anastomoticleak.com/ website.

RESULTS

Fifty-six (58.9%) patients were male and thirty-nine (41.1%) were female. The mean age was 61.7 (min: 33, max: 90). Six (6.3%) patients had anastomotic leakage. According to the ROC analysis, the area under curve for the prediction system was 0.767.

CONCLUSION

The prediction system for anastomotic leakage produced significant results for our patient population. It can be effectively utilized in preoperative and perioperative measures to prevent anastomotic leakage.

Prevention of patch infection after abdominal external hernia repair

External abdominal hernia is a common clinical disease. The application of hernia patch is a breakthrough in the treatment of external abdominal hernia. However, complications such as patch infection need to be solved urgently. Patch infection markedly prolongs the hospitalization time and increases the medical expenses of patients. At present, a standard method for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of patch infection remains to be developed. This paper summarizes the literature in recent years to explore the research progress in the prevention and treatment of patch infection.

Infections associated with mesh repairs of abdominal wall hernias: Are antimicrobial biomaterials the longed-for solution?

The incidence of mesh-related infection after abdominal wall hernia repair is low, generally between 1 and 4%; however, worldwide, this corresponds to tens of thousands of difficult cases to treat annually. Adopting best practices in prevention is one of the keys to reduce the incidence of mesh-related infection. Once the infection is established, however, only a limited number of options are available that provides an efficient and successful treatment outcome. Over the past few years, there has been a tremendous amount of research dedicated to the functionalization of prosthetic meshes with antimicrobial properties, with some receiving regulatory approval and are currently available for clinical use. In this context, it is important to review the clinical importance of mesh infection, its risk factors, prophylaxis and pathogenicity. In addition, we give an overview of the main functionalization approaches that have been applied on meshes to confer anti-bacterial protection, the respective benefits and limitations, and finally some relevant future directions.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of single-incision versus conventional multiport laparoscopic splenectomy

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus that single-incision laparoscopic surgery splenectomy (SILS-SP) is on a par with conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery splenectomy (CMLS-SP).

AIMS

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess feasibility and safety of SILS-SP when compared with CMLS-SP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligible articles were identified by searching several databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI (China) and the Cochrane Library, up until February 2016. Studies were reviewed independently and rated by Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Evaluated outcomes were complications, operative time, post-operative hospital stay, blood loss, starting diet, post-operative pain scores, conversion and analgesic requirements.

RESULTS

Ten retrospective studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, there was no significant difference between SILS-SP and CMLS-SP in complications, operative time, post-operative hospital stay, blood loss, starting diet, post-operative pain scores, conversion and analgesic requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

SILS-SP is feasible and safe in certain patients, with no obvious advantages over CMLS-SP. Therefore, it may be considered an alternative to CMLS-SP. We await high-quality, double-blind RCTs. These should include clear statements on standard scores of post-operative pain and cosmetic results, longer follow-up assessment and cost-benefit analysis.

Late Ps. aeruginosa Inguinal Mesh Infection 12 Years after the Initial Operation: Report of the Case and Short Review of the Literature

Inguinal hernia mesh repair is one of the most frequent operations performed worldwide. The Lichtenstein technique and its various modifications are the most popular operations for groin hernia repair. The rate of surgical site infection (SSI) following inguinal hernia repair ranges between 0 and 14% in various series. Most of these infections developed early postoperatively. The incidence of late mesh infection following open inguinal hernia repair still remains unclear and highly variable. Late deep mesh infections are relatively rare specially after more than 10 years. The most common pathogens reported in the literature are E. coli and St. aureus. The infection is treated by conservative means initially but in case of failure then the mesh should be removed surgically. A unique case of a patient with very late (chronic) mesh infection is presented. The infection was due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which occurred 14 years after the initial operation and presented as subcutaneous fistula.

Self-gripping versus sutured mesh fixation methods for open inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies

BACKGROUND

We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of Lichenstein hernia repair using either self-gripping mesh or techniques of sutured mesh fixation.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for all clinical trials and observational studies that compared self-gripping mesh versus sutured mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Combined outcomes were pooled as odds ratios or mean differences in a fixed-effect model, using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software for Windows.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized, controlled trials and 5 cohort studies (n = 3,722 patients) were included in the final analysis. The two groups, using self-gripping mesh or sutured mesh fixation, did not differ significantly in terms of recurrence rate (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.18-2.44; P = .54) or postoperative chronic groin pain (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.54-1.05; P = .09). The operative time was less in the self-gripping mesh group (mean difference = -7.85, 95% confidence interval -9.94 to -5.76; P < .0001). For safety analysis, there were comparable risks between self-gripping mesh and sutured mesh fixation groups in terms of postoperative infection (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.23; P = .32), postoperative hematoma (odds ratio = 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.7-1.36; P = .9), and urinary retention (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.18-2.44; P = .54).

CONCLUSION

Data from our analysis did not favor either of the two fixation techniques over the other in terms of recurrence or postoperative chronic groin pain. Decreased operative time in the self-gripping mesh group cannot justify a recommendation for its routine use. Longer follow-up studies are needed to compare the risk of long-term recurrence for both meshes.

Anastomotic leaks in gastrointestinal surgery and their prevention

Anastomotic leak in the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most important complications of resection. They are the main cause of reoperation, their occurrence worsens the prognosis of the patient, increasing the proportion of direct mortality, as well as being a significant risk factor for recurrence of cancer. The risk of leaks within the gastrointestinal tract is greatly varied, depending on the location and extent of the resection, but also on patient, disease or a surgical procedure, including surgeon. To determine the potential risk of leakage can be significant for introduction some prophylactic actions. Some of them have the character of general recommendations, as proper nutrition of the patient in the perioperative period, while another part is directly connected to the surgical procedure. The second group includes protective stoma, the use of tissue glues, insertion transrectal drain for rectal anastomosis decompression, the use of stents or the use of collagen matrix coated with fibrinogen and thrombin. Important to reduce the proportion of leaks can be more precise and targeted prophylactic recommendations, based on the individualized determination of risk factors leaks. Further research for this purpose are necessary for this purpose, the big hope can be associated with data obtained through mobile applications.

Two-port laparoscopic anterior resection through a self-made glove device versus conventional laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer: a comparison of short-term surgical results

Background

The laparoscopic approach has become increasingly incorporated into the development of new surgical procedures. An ever-increasing number of surgeons desire methods that minimize surgical trauma and provide improved cosmetic outcomes. Since 2014, we have performed two-port laparoscopic surgery using a transumbilical multichannel glove port and a 12-mm port. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term surgical results of two-port laparoscopic anterior resection (TPLAR) with those of conventional laparoscopic anterior resection (CLAR) for rectal cancer.

Methods

Between January 2014 and May 2014, a total of 27 patients underwent TPLAR and 30 patients underwent CLAR for the treatment of rectal cancer. The short-term surgical results of these two groups of patients were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The differences in operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, complication rate, distal resection margin, number of harvested lymph nodes, duration until ambulation, duration until first flatus, length of postoperative hospital stay, and overall hospital costs between the two groups were not significant. The median (range) length of the abdominal incisions of the TPLAR patients was shorter than the length of the CLAR patients (5.1 (4.5–16.3) cm vs 8.2 (7.0–10.0) cm, respectively; p < 0.001). The respective median (range) postoperative pain scores were lower in the TPLAR than in the CLAR patients at 24 h (4 (1–6) h vs 5 (2–8) h; p = 0.045), 48 h (3 (1–4) h vs 4 (range 1–8) h; P = 0.004) and 72 h (1 (0–3) h vs 2 (1–5) h; p = 0.010). The median overall score on the satisfaction-with-abdominal-incision questionnaire of the TPLAR patients was significantly higher (better) than the score of the CLAR patients.

Conclusions

TPLAR for rectal cancer is safe and feasible, with short-term perioperative and oncological outcomes similar to those of CLAR. TPLAR provides less postoperative pain and better cosmetic outcomes.

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy

Background and Objectives:

The single-incision approach in laparoscopic surgery is a relatively new concept. This systematic review of the literature was performed to appraise the existing clinical evidence concerning the use of the single-incision technique for spleen resection.

Methods:

We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases, and the studies retrieved were included in our review. The references of the included studies were also hand searched.

Results:

Thirty-one relevant studies were found in the field including 81 patients with an age range from 0.6 to 90 years and a body mass index range from 18 to 36.7 kg/m². Splenomegaly (44.6%), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (31%), and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (6.8%) were the most common indications for the procedure. Concerning the applied port system, multiple single ports (5 to 12 mm) were used in 54.4% of patients, the SILS port (Covidien, Mansfield, Massachusetts) was used in 26.6%, the TriPort (Advanced Surgical Concepts, Wicklow, Ireland) was used in 7.6%, glove ports were used in 6.3%, and the GelPort (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, California) was used in 5.1%. The median operative time was 125 minutes (range, 45–420 minutes), and the median quantity of blood loss was 50 mL (range, 10–450 mL). No conversion to open surgery and no transfusion were needed. The length of hospital stay was between 1 and 9 days. Low rates of complications and no patient deaths were found. The existing evidence on cosmesis is limited.

Conclusion:

Single-site/single-port laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that seems to be a challenging alternative in the management of spleen resection.

Evidence for Replacement of an Infected Synthetic by a Biological Mesh in Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair

Introduction

The incidence of deep infection using a synthetic mesh in inguinal hernia repair is low and reported to be well below 1%. This is in contrast to incisional hernia surgery where the reported incidence is 3% respective 13% comparing laparoscopic to open mesh repair reported in a Cochrane review. Main risk factors were long operation time, surgical site contamination, and early wound complications. An infected mesh can be preserved using conservative treatment were negative pressure wound therapy (VAC^®) could play an important role. If strategy fails, the mesh needs to be removed. This review aims to look at evidence for situations were a biological mesh would work as a replacement of a removed infected synthetic mesh.

Materials and methods

A literature search of the Medline database was performed using the PubMed search engine. Twenty publications were found relevant for this review.

Results

For studies reviewed three options are presented: removal of the infected synthetic mesh alone, replacement with either a new synthetic or a new biological mesh. Operations were all performed at specialist centers. Removal of the mesh alone was an option limited to inguinal hernias. In ventral/incisional hernias, the use of a biological mesh for replacement resulted in a very high recurrence rate, if bridging was required. Either a synthetic or a biological mesh seems to work as a replacement when fascial closure can be achieved. Evidence is though very low.

Conclusion

When required, either a synthetic or a biological mesh seems to work as a replacement for an infected synthetic mesh if the defect can be closed. It is, however, not recommended to use a biological mesh for bridging. Mesh replacement surgery is demanding and is recommended to be performed in a specialist center.

A case of a colocutaneous fistula: A rare complication of mesh migration into the sigmoid colon after open tension-free hernia repair

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This is the first report of mesh migration to sigmoid colon post tension free hernia repair.

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Colonoscopy is highly recommended if mesh migration to the colon is suspected.

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Identification of a concurrent sliding hernia in Lichtenstein repair is adviced to avoid physical contact of a mesh to the sliding organ.

Introduction

The Lichtenstein technique is commonly used in inguinal hernia repair and a polypropylene mesh is the most frequently used mesh. Mesh migration into the colon has been rarely reported in the literature. Here we report a case of a colocutaneous fistula that developed following delayed mesh migration into the sigmoid colon.

Presentation of case

A 52-year-old man undergone Lichtenstein repair for left direct inguinal herniain 2008. Three years later, he presented complaining of rectal bleeding and concurrent bloody discharge from the hernia repair scar. Colonoscopy identified an internal fistulous orifice with intraluminal extrusion of the polypropylene mesh. Furthermore, abdominal ultrasound revealed a fistulous tract extending from the sigmoid colon to the anterior abdominal wall, and a fistulogram confirmed the findings. Open sigmoidectomy and resection of the abdominal wall with the fistula tract was performed, and BIO-A^® tissue reinforcement meshwas placed. His postoperative course was unremarkable and was discharged on postoperative day 3.

Discussion

Mesh migration after mesh inguinal hernia repair is unpredictable. A previous report has presented complications related to prosthetics in hernia repair, such as infection, contraction, rejection, and, rarely, mesh migration.Mesh migration may occur as an early or late complication after hernioplasty.

Conclusion

During hernia repair, the surgeon should carefully check for a sliding hernia, which may contain the sigmoid colon within the sac, because failure to identify this hernia may lead to direct contact between the mesh and the colon, which may cause pressure necrosis and fistula formation followed by mesh migration.

Gastric band port site fixation: which method is best?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a popular and successful bariatric surgical technique. Although short-term complications are few in number, long-term complications are more common. One such complication is flippage of the gastric band port. This study compares three popular methods of port fixation and demonstrates that fixation with nonabsorbable mesh helps to prevent port flippage when compared to other techniques, reducing the need for repositioning operations.

Self-gripping mesh versus sutured mesh in open inguinal hernia repair: system review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this article was to compare the outcomes of self-gripping mesh (GM) with sutured mesh (SM) in open inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were taken to compare the outcomes of GM and SM in open inguinal hernia repair.

RESULTS

A total of 1,353 patients in 6 randomized controlled trials and 2 observational studies were reviewed (666 patients in GM group; 687 patients in SM group). The 2 groups did not significantly differ in chronic groin pain (P = .23) or recurrence (P = .59). The operating time was significantly shorter in GM group (P < .00001). There was no significant difference in infection (P = .18), seromas (P = .35), hematomas (P = .87), or discomfort (P = .58) between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The data showed that GM was equivalent to SM in open inguinal hernia repair. However, this new mesh still needs to be confirmed in large, multi-center, well-designed randomized controlled trials.