Hair-sparing technique using absorbable intradermal barbed suture versus traditional closure methods in supratentorial craniotomies for tumor

BACKGROUND

Hair-sparing techniques in cranial neurosurgery have gained traction in recent years and previous studies have shown no difference in infection rates, yet limited data exists evaluating the specific closure techniques utilized during hair-sparing craniotomies. Therefore, it was the intention of this study to evaluate the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) and perioperative complications associated with using an absorbable intradermal barbed suture for skin closure in hair-sparing supratentorial craniotomies for tumor in order to prove non-inferiority to traditional methods.

METHODS

A retrospective review of supratentorial craniotomies for tumor by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2017 was performed. All perioperative adverse events and wound complications, defined as a postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, or CSF leak, were compared between three different groups: (1) hair shaving craniotomies + transdermal polypropylene suture/staples for scalp closure, (2) hair-sparing craniotomies + transdermal polypropylene suture/staples for scalp closure, and (3) hair-sparing craniotomies + absorbable intradermal barbed suture for scalp closure.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-three patients underwent hair shaving + transdermal polypropylene suture/staples, 83 underwent hair sparing + transdermal polypropylene suture/staples, and 100 underwent hair sparing + absorbable intradermal barbed suture. Overall, 2.9% of patients experienced a perioperative complication and 4.3% developed a wound complication. In multivariable analysis, the use of a barbed suture for scalp closure and hair-sparing techniques was not predictive of any complication or 30-day readmission. Furthermore, the absorbable intradermal barbed suture cohort had the lowest overall rate of wound complications (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hair-sparing techniques using absorbable intradermal barbed suture for scalp closure are safe and do not result in higher rates of infection, readmission, or reoperation when compared with traditional methods.

Drainage tube hole suture improvement: Removal-free stitches

Surgical method improvements aim to optimize the patient experience. The problem of healing of the drainage tube hole has not received attention and is of concern because it can plague patient recovery. In this article we report on how we have improved the method of suturing the drainage tube hole and explore the safety and effectiveness of this method. Between December 2017 to August 2018, 102 patients underwent thoracoscopic lung resection (single port or single utility port) using different methods of suturing drainage tube holes. The intervention group received improved methods with subcuticular and intradermal suture and removal-free stitches, whilst the control group received a conventional mattress suture and fixed chest tube. A preset line was left to tie knots and close the hole after the removal of the chest tube. The stitches were removed 7-12 days after surgery. The baseline clinical features of the patients were subsequently analyzed. The objective and subjective conditions of scars were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) at one month after surgery. The intervention group (n = 71) and control group (n = 31) had balanced baseline clinical characteristics. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of three-day postoperative pain and postoperative hospital stay. In the intervention group, three patients (4.23%) had wound splitting that required re-suturing, which was better than five patients (16.13%) in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of pleural fluid outflow, wound infection, post-removal pneumothorax, chest tube prolapse and incisional hernia were not different between the two groups. We conclude that the objective and subjective evaluation results of scars were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05), and the experimental group was superior to the control group. A balanced result between aesthetic appearance and safety as regards video-assisted thoracic surgery can be achieved through the chest tube hole improved suture method. This method also improves the patient's recovery experience.

Biomaterial suture Vicryl Plus reduces wound-related complications

Objective

To compare the wound-related complications following craniotomy in patients with brain gliomas undergoing wound closure using either absorbable antibacterial Vicryl Plus suture or traditional braided silk suture.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and forty-five patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial gliomas from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided the patients into two groups: the Vicryl Plus group (using absorbable antibacterial Vicryl Plus suture) and the control group (using traditional braided silk suture). The clinical data and wound-related complications after surgery between two groups have been summarized.

Results

Patients in the Vicryl Plus suture group had lower incidence of wound-related complications compared with traditional braided silk suture group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of total medical expense.

Conclusion

Incision closure using absorbable antibacterial Vicryl Plus suture had less wound-related complications than using traditional braided silk suture, without increasing medical expense. Vicryl Plus suture could be a better choice for scalp closure in patients undergoing craniotomy surgery.

Retrospective observational cohort study on cosmetic outcome of using Ti-Ni memory alloy wire for intradermal suture following mastectomy in patients with breast cancer

The method of suturing for incisions is crucial for the comprehensive treatment of clinical patients with breast cancer. Suturing is considered a major part of post-surgical recovery and may serve as a marker for evaluation of surgical outcome. The present study aimed to establish an effective means of suturing for patients who received modified radical surgery that helps to improve the cosmetic outcome of the incision. Enrolled patients were divided into an active and a control group. Ti-Ni memory alloy wire for intradermal suture in the active group and silk for interruption suture in the control group were applied to assess the different prognosis-associated factors. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the wound size and the recovery time of the scars. The association between diabetes and the number of days of wound healing was also analyzed. The results indicated that the mean VSS score of the active group was decreased compared with that of the control group (P<0.001). The VSS scores of four main features (vascularity, pigmentation, pliability and height) between the two groups also statistically differed (P<0.001). Furthermore, the mean number of days of wound healing was significantly decreased for the active group compared with that for the control group (P=0.0026) in the patients with diabetes. In addition, the usage of Ti-Ni memory alloy wire was able to decrease the mean number of wound healing days between patients with diabetes and their non-diabetic counterparts (P=0.7009). The present study indicated that intradermal suture offers improved cosmetic outcome for patients undergoing mastectomy with or without axillary surgery. This technique may be useful for preventing scar overgrowth and for facilitating the recovery process in patients with diabetes.

Skin closure in vascular neurosurgery: A prospective study on absorbable intradermal suture versus nonabsorbable suture

Background:

The craniotomy performed with minimal hair removal and closure with intradermal suture alone is an option in neurosurgical procedures, which can help faster psychological recovery of the patient, as it allows a better cosmetic result. This study is aimed at evaluating if such method is safe and effective, compared with continuous skin sutures with 2-0 nylon.

Methods:

We analyzed the sutures in 117 patients undergoing craniotomies for cerebral aneurysm clipping. In the case group (n = 49), closure of the scalp was performed only with intradermal absorbable sutures using wire Monocryl^® 2-0. In the control group (n = 68), closure was performed with continuous suture using 2-0 nylon.

Results:

The case group was composed of 49 patients in whom just intradermal suture was performed. One (2.2%) patient developed wound infection and was given proper medical treatment. No cases of dehiscence or cerebrospinal fluid leaks were observed. The control group was composed of 68 patients in whom the skin was closed with 2-0 nylon continuous suture. Three (5.3%) patients developed wound infection and were given proper medical treatment. There were no cases of wound dehiscence. The overall infection rate in the control group was 4%. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of wound infections between the two groups (P = 0.73).

Conclusion:

The closure with intradermal suture alone in craniotomies is as safe as the traditional skin closure with nylon sutures, besides eliminating the need for suture removal and providing a cosmetic advantage.

Marked reduction in wound complication rates following decompressive hemicraniectomy with an improved operative closure technique

Although decompressive hemicraniectomy with dural expansion and bone flap removal is a potentially life-saving procedure, concerns remain regarding the morbidity associated with this approach. We and others have noted the high rate of wound complications resulting from this technique, often associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption problems. Here, we present our experience with an improved technique for wound closure after unilateral decompressive hemicraniectomy with a wide cruciate durotomy. Data for all patients who underwent a decompressive hemicraniectomy at our institution from October 2005 to October 2009 were gathered prospectively. Starting in mid 2008, we adopted an alternate approach to operative wound closure, which involved skin closure with a running Monocryl absorbable stitch, and prolonged subgaleal drainage. We compared the rates of wound complication using this approach with those obtained with earlier conventional closure techniques. Over a 1year period, we dramatically reduced the rate of wound complications in patients undergoing hemicraniectomy at our hospital using this new (Monocryl technique, 0% (n=29) compared to other techniques, 35% (n=98), chi-squared [χ(2)] p<0.001). Patients closed using our new technique experienced markedly reduced rates of wound infection (p<0.01), and CSF leak (p<0.05), compared to other, more standard, techniques. Thus, attention to closure of hemicraniectomy wounds can markedly reduce the rate of wound complications, thus improving the risk-to-benefit ratio of this procedure.