Optimal sutures for use in the abdomen: an evaluation based on the formation of adhesions and abscesses. Surg Today. 2013;43:412-417. [PMID: 22797960 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-012-0249-y]

Adhesion barriers in gynecologic surgeries and cesarean section: An Asia-Pacific expert panel consensus recommendation

Adhesions arising from gynecologic surgeries and cesarean sections pose substantial clinical, social, and economic challenges, leading to issues like pelvic pain, infertility, bowel obstruction, and recurring surgeries. Preventing adhesions is a pressing unmet need, hindered by difficulties in assessing postoperative adhesions and understanding barriers. To bridge adhesion prevention gaps, statements on clinical practices were synthesized to present Asia-Pacific expert perspectives on gynecologic surgery and cesarean section adhesion prevention. An expert panel of eight physicians from various healthcare settings in the Asia-Pacific region was convened and a comprehensive literature search on topics related to adhesion prevention in gynecologic surgeries and cesarean sections was performed. Information from full-text publications was used to develop draft consensus statements, with each statement assigned the highest available evidence level based on a systematic literature review and graded using the Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine criteria. A modified Delphi process, involving two rounds of online voting and discussions with an extended group of 109 experts, was employed to reach a consensus on six topics related to adhesion barriers. A set of 15 consensus statements were synthesized. Key topics include adhesion incidence in Asia, cesarean section complications, barrier application status, adhesion formation and prevention, absorbable barriers' effectiveness, recommendations, and future considerations. The statements provide guidance for healthcare professionals, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, to tackle the challenges posed by postoperative adhesions and improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and prevention of adhesions in this region.

Abdominal Wall Sinus and Recurrent Abscess Formation Due to a Foreign Body Following Surgical Intervention

The sinus tract, a tubular structure with no outlet connecting deep tissues to the skin, is a rare entity, especially in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. The pathophysiology involves factors such as liquefaction of adipose tissue, infection, and retention of foreign bodies. Inadequate surgical drainage can lead to chronicity, culminating in the formation of an infectious sinus in the abdominal wall, clinically known as a sinus. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial to avoid recurrences and complications. A 65-year-old female patient with a history of multiple abdominal surgeries presented with pain and suprapubic discharge. Similar episodes had occurred previously. Examinations revealed a fistulous tract in the right iliac fossa. The surgical intervention included the excision of the tract, identification of points with cotton thread, and antibiotic therapy. Follow-up in the outpatient setting showed no recurrences. The presence of postoperative foreign bodies, such as sutures, can trigger recurrent local infections. Diagnosis involves imaging studies, and the type of surgical thread influences complications. Treatment aims at drainage and excision of the tract. A multidisciplinary approach is of paramount importance. The sinus, with its insidious formation, highlights the complexity of this condition. Careful selection of surgical materials, precise imaging diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for effective treatment. This case emphasizes the importance of clinical practice to enhance clinical outcomes and the quality of life of patients affected by this challenging condition.

Postoperative Abdominal Adhesions: Clinical Significance and Advances in Prevention and Management

Postoperative adhesions remain one of the more challenging issues in surgical practice. Although peritoneal adhesions occur after every abdominal operation, the density, time interval to develop symptoms, and clinical presentation are highly variable with no predictable patterns. Numerous studies have investigated the pathophysiology of postoperative adhesions both in vitro and in vivo. Factors such as type and location of adhesions, as well as timing and recurrence of adhesive obstruction remain unpredictable and poorly understood. Although the majority of postoperative adhesions are clinically silent, the consequences of adhesion formation can represent a lifelong problem including chronic abdominal pain, recurrent intestinal obstruction requiring multiple hospitalizations, and infertility. Moreover, adhesive disease can become a chronic medical condition with significant morbidity and no effective therapy. Despite recent advances in surgical techniques, there is no reliable strategy to manage postoperative adhesions. We herein review the pathophysiology and clinical significance of postoperative adhesions while highlighting current techniques of prevention and treatment.

Intra-abdominal abscess and intractable sinus - a rare late complication after splenectomy

Intra-abdominal abscess and an intractable abdominal wall sinus forty years after splenectomy is rare, which has not been described previously in the surgical literature. We report the management of a patient who had presented with an intractable sinus on his left hypochondrium forty years after having undergone splenectomy and cholecystectomy, which persisted for more than two years despite repeated surgery and courses of antibiotics and compromised quality of life significantly from pain. A sinogram and computerised tomographic scan followed by exploration and laying open of the sinus delivered multiple silk sutures used for ligation of splenic pedicle, led to complete resolution of the sinus. It is important to avoid using non-absorbable silk sutures during splenectomy when splenectomy is undertaken in a contaminated field. Appropriate imaging and exploration is mandatory for its resolution.

Sutures in abdominal surgery: biomechanical study and clinical application

The aim of this study is to improve treatment results and SSI prevention by differential usage of the contemporary suture materials and choice of proper suturing technique. To simulate suturing process and compared two suturing techniques, two FE models were developed. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was based on experimental data of contemporary commercial sutures and soft tissue properties. We applied obtained results for abdominal wall closure in rats and compared non-absorbable suture (capron) with absorbable suture (PDS Plus) for chosen technique. Cross-sections were examined by lighting electron microscope. Afterwards, the results of patients’ treatment are also presented. It was shown that running sew was more appropriate for aponeurosis suturing compared to interrupted sew. The optimal parameters of suturing techniques were computed. Single-row running sew by PDS Plus was proved to hold wound edges for 90 days with less inflammatory response compared to other suture in the result of histological analysis. Application of contemporary synthetic absorbable suture materials with antibacterial coating for laparotomic wounds closure and anastomosis decreases local inflammatory reaction and provides the successful tissue regeneration. Application of advanced SSI prophylactics algorithm was shown to decrease risk of post-operative suppurative complications from 14.2 to 1.6 %.