Barbed Versus Non-Barbed Suture for Pyeloplasty via the Minimally Invasive Approach: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Safety and Efficacy of Barbed Sutures Compared to Non-barbed Sutures in Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Mastering intracorporeal suturing is challenging in the evolution from conventional to laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Among various techniques competing for superiority in overcoming this hurdle, we focus on exploring the potential of barbed sutures through a meta-analysis that compares outcomes to those of conventional non-barbed sutures in bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to identify studies comparing barbed sutures with non-barbed sutures in bariatric surgeries, focusing on outcomes such as operative time, suturing time, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. The statistical analysis was carried out using RStudio version 4.3.2. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

Incorporating data from 11 studies involving a total of 27,442 patients, including 3,516 in the barbed suture group across various bariatric surgeries, our analysis demonstrates a significant reduction in suturing time (mean difference -4.87; 95% CI -8.43 to -1.30; p < 0.01; I2 = 99%) associated with the use of barbed sutures. Specifically, in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, we observed a significant decrease in operative time (mean difference -12.11; 95% CI -19.27 to -4.95; p < 0.01; I2 = 93%). Subgroup analyses and leave-one-out analyses consistently supported these findings. Furthermore, we found that the mean body mass index did not significantly predict the mean difference in operative time outcome. No significant differences emerged in hospital stay or postoperative complications, including leak, bleeding, stenosis, and bowel obstruction (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study findings address barbed sutures as a potential alternative for laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing in bariatric surgery.

Use of Barbed Sutures for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair can be challenging, particularly when a larger defect is present. Barbed sutures prevent the suture from slipping back after approximation of the tissues. Although introduced almost 2 decades ago, barbed sutures have not been widely used for CDH repair. We report our initial experience and pitfalls.

METHODS

All patients presenting with CDH from 2021 onward underwent repair using barbed sutures. Demographics, operative parameters, complications, and outcomes were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients underwent CDH repair during the study interval (median age 6 days, range 3 days to 5.75 years). Median operative time was 89 min (range 46 to 288 min). Five thoracoscopic and eight open procedures were performed. Severe pulmonary hypertension and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) were considered contraindications for thoracoscopic repair. The included patients were compared to a historic controlled group performed without barbed sutures. The barbed suture facilitated easy and quick closure of the defects in most cases and obviated the need for knot tying. One patient in the thoracoscopic group had a patch placed due to high tension after the barbed sutures tore the diaphragm. At a median follow-up time of 15 months (range 2 to 34 months), one patient had died, and one patient with complete diaphragmatic agenesis was home-ventilated. There were no recurrences. Median operative time trended lower (89 min) than in the historic control group repaired without barbed sutures (119 min, p < 0.06) after eliminating outliers with large, complex patch repairs.

CONCLUSIONS

Barbed sutures simplify congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair regardless of whether a minimal-invasive or open approach is performed. Patch repair is not a contraindication for using barbed sutures. The resulting potential time savings make them particularly useful in patients with cardiac or other severe co-morbidities in which shorter operative times are essential. In cases with high tension, though, the barbs may tear through and produce a "saw" effect on the tissue with subsequent damage.