Totally hand-sewn anastomosis using barbed suture device during laparoscopic gastric bypass in obese. A feasibility study and preliminary results

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass with Manual Intracorporeal Anastomoses in 3D Laparoscopy: Operative Technique

Background: Bariatric surgery is the only treatment for severe obesity recognized as truly effective, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most frequent procedures. The aim of this study is to present a 3D laparoscopic bypass technique with intracorporal anastomosis, performed completely by hand. Methods: After positioning the patient and creating the 20 mL gastric pouch, the gastrojejunal anastomosis is performed with two continuous sutures of resorbable V-Lock 3.0. The same technique is used to do the laterolateral jejunojejunal anastomosis. All patients who have undergone the previously described procedure are included in our bariatric enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. Results: The combination between the by-pass ERAS protocol and the described technique reduces postoperative pain, and usually allows discharge of patients within 48 hours. Conclusions: In our experience, the technique using totally handsewn anastomosis is safe as those previously described in the literature and is cost-effective due to the use of continuous suture for the gastrojejunal and the jejunojejunal anastomoses instead of staplers.

Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy versus combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and total laparoscopic gastropexy: A comparison of surgical time, complications and postoperative pain in dogs

The trend in laparoscopy is to develop easy and rapid techniques associated with reduced intraoperative complications and decreased postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to compare combined laparoscopic ovariectomy (OIE) and laparoscopic‐assisted incisional gastropexy (LAG) with combined laparoscopic OIE and total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) for surgical time, incidence of complications and postoperative pain. Twenty‐eight female dogs were randomly assigned to the LAG group (n = 14) or the TLG group (n = 14). All laparoscopic procedures were performed using a three‐port technique. The gastropexy was located 3 cm caudal to the 13th rib and 4 cm lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle. Surgical time (minutes [min]), intraoperative complications and postoperative complications were recorded. The Glasgow pain score (GPS) (short form) was calculated before surgery and at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr after extubation. Surgical time was significantly longer in the TLG group (48 ± 2 min) compared with the LAG group (39 ± 2 min). Minor postoperative complications occurred in both groups and included swelling (n = 2) and subcutaneous emphysema (n = 1). No significant differences regarding the GPS were recorded between groups. The GPS was significantly higher in both groups at 1 hr and 6 hr than before surgery. Two dogs in each group required rescue analgesia. Combined laparoscopic OIE and TLG require more time to perform than combined laparoscopic OIE and LAG. Neither procedure results in significant surgical complications. Postoperative pain for 24 hr was mild and comparable in both groups.

ROUTINE USE OF V-LOCK® SUTURE FOR BARIATRIC ANASTOMOSIS IS SAFE: COMPARATIVE RESULTS FROM CONSECUTIVE CASE SERIES

Background:

In high-income countries, morbid obesity is a growing health problem that has already reached epidemic proportions. When performing a laparoscopic gastric bypass several operative methods exist.

Aim:

To describe the institutional experience using a knotless unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc 180/Covidien, Mansfield, MA) to create a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy (GJ) and jejunojejunostomy (JJ) during bariatric surgery.

Methods:

Evaluation of a case series of 87 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass with a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy (GJA) and jejunojejunostomy (JJA) between 01/2015 and 06/2017. The patients were divided into two groups: in group I, GJA und JJA sutures were performed using the knotless unidirectional barbed suture; in group II, GJA and JJA were sutured with resorbable multifilament thread (Vicryl^® 3/0 Ethicon, Livingstone, UK). The recorded data on gender, age, BMI, ASA score, operative time, postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, and reoperation, were analyzed and compared.

Results:

All procedures were completed laparoscopically with no mortality. The mean operative time was 123.23 (±30.631) in group I and 127.57 (±42.772) in group II (p<0.05). The postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. Early complications were observed for two patients (0.9%) in the barbed suture group and for one patient (0.42%) in the multifilament suture group (p<0.05). In group I two patients (0.9%) required reoperation: on the basis of jejunojejunal stenosis in one patient, and local abscess near the gastrojejunostomy, without a leakage, in the other. In group II one patient (0.42%) required reoperation due to stenosis of the GJA. The duration of hospital admission was similar for both groups: 3.36 (±0.743) days in group I vs. 3.38 (±1.058) days in group II (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The novel anastomotic technique is a safe and effective method and can be applied to gastrojejunal anastomosis and jejunojejunal anastomosis in laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Barbed suture tissue closure device in urological surgery – a comprehensive review

The development and implementation of barbed sutures has transformed the technique of tissue closure with increasing application across multiple surgical disciplines. Changes in design and handling such as the introduction of absorbable and non-absorbable bidirectional barbed sutures reflect an increasing applicability in tissues of varying qualities. We undertook a comprehensive review of available literature to provide an evidence-based rationale for the clinical use of barbed suture tissue closure devices. We summarise uses along with advantages and disadvantages reported across a number of surgical specialties such as urology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and plastic surgery. Tangible benefits noted were faster closure speed, maintenance of suture integrity, improved efficiency in closure, avoidance of knots and possibly a cost-benefit effect. In terms of complications, the barbed sutures compared equally with standard sutures with no significant differences. In conclusion, barbed sutures have demonstrated versatility and safety across surgical specialties and compares favourably with standard sutures. There appears to be an increasing popularity in the use of barbed sutures with clear advantages to both surgeon and patient.

Use of Barbed Sutures in Bariatric Surgery. Review of the Literature

Performing intracorporeal anastomoses and sutures is possibly the technique that requires the greater skill in laparoscopy. The emergence of new barbed sutures seems to facilitate the practice, with bariatric surgery (mainly in mixed and malabsorptive techniques) being one of the specialties that can most benefit from them. This review aims to evaluate barbed sutures' use and safety in bariatric surgery. Barbed sutures might facilitate the practice by improving some aspects of surgery such as reproducibility and operative time, although further research is needed.

Barbed sutures in general and digestive surgery. Review

The appearance of new barbed sutures is an advance in making knots and anastomosis, mainly in laparoscopic surgery, where the majority of the surgeons find themselves limited dealing with these sutures. Through this review we aim to evaluate both the use and the safety of the sutures in General and Laparoscopic Surgery. Barbed sutures seem to ease the procedures improving key aspects such as reproducibility and operative time.