Incidence of re-surgery after manual small-incision cataract surgery at a tertiary eye-care center in South India

Purpose: To study the incidence of re-surgery after manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) at a tertiary eye-care center in South India and to compare the re-surgery rate between trainees and experts. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary eye-care center in Andhra Pradesh state of South India, which included 19,515 patients who underwent MSICS between 2012 and 2022 with 369 eyes of 369 patients who underwent re-surgery within 1 week of primary surgery. Factors included demographic data, type of re-surgery, that is, wound re-suturing, IOL repositioning, cortical wash, as well as anterior chamber (AC) wash. Results: 19,515 eyes from the year 2012�22 were analyzed. Most of the patients undergoing re-surgery belonged to the age group of 61� years (40.3%). Wound re-suturing was the more frequently performed re-surgery (47.6%). Wound re-suturing rates were comparable between the trainees and experts, whereas IOL repositioning, cortical wash, and AC wash were higher in the cases performed by trainees though statistically not significant. Conclusion: Careful pre-operative assessment, training under supervision, and other measures can be taken to reduce the re-surgery rates. Timely diagnosis and early treatment can give better outcomes and prevent devastating complications like endophthalmitis

Reverse graft suturing to avoid Descemet’s membrane detachment of glycerol-preserved donor cornea used for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty during COVID-19 to overcome the tissue shortage – A novel surgical technique

To overcome tissue shortage during pandemic, we switched to 100% glycerol preservation of the donor cornea, which is economical and provides longer duration of storage than the short and intermediate storage mediums we normally use like McCAREY Kaufman (MK) or cornisol. During our initial few cases of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty using glycerol preserved donor cornea, we faced spontaneous Descemet’s detachments resistant to air tamponade. We tried reverse graft suturing and successfully reinforced Descemet’s attachment along with air tamponade, in one of the cases after multiple failed air injections. In the subsequent two cases of infective keratitis needing therapeutic penetrating Keratoplasty, we took eight reverse sutures in between the eight cardinals, to anchor the Descemet’s membrane of the graft. Both the grafts showed attached Descemet’s and maintained good graft clarity. The reverse corneal suturing technique has not been described to the best of our knowledge and hope this helps our corneal fraternity.

Effect of sequential suture and adhesion on craniomaxillofacial skin contusion and laceration / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of sequential suture and adhesion on craniomaxillofacial skin contusion and laceration.Methods:A total of 189 patients with craniomaxillofacial skin contusion and laceration (CMFSCL) were randomly divided into three groups: 66 cases in SSA group, 63 cases in CS group and 60 cases in TS group. Operation time, visual analogue scale (VAS), Vancouver scar scale (VSS) and adverse reactions incidence were compared and analyzed between the three groups. Effect and satisfactory scale were evaluated.Results:Operation time in SSA group (10.67±1.26) min was significantly less than that in CS (18.91±1.38) min and TS group (17.96±1.43) min ( P<0.05). VAS in SSA group 24 h post-operation (3.11±1.01) was significantly lower than that in CS and TS group ( P<0.05). VSS in SSA group 6 months post-operation (1.18±0.21) was significantly lower than that in CS (3.78±1.01) ( P<0.05) and TS group (5.98±1.06) ( P<0.01). Total effective rate of SSA group (96.5%) was significantly higher than that in CS (85.7%) ( P<0.05) and TS group (56.1%) ( P<0.01); total effective rate in CS group was significantly higher than that in TS group ( P<0.05). Infection and dehiscence rates in SSA group were lower than those in CS and TS group ( P<0.01). Satisfactory rate of SSA group (99%) was significantly higher than that of CS (89.1%) and TS group (71.3%) ( P<0.05); the satisfactory rate of CS group was significantly higher than that of TS group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Sequential suture and adhesion technique is simple and effective for craniomaxillofacial skin contusion and laceration, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Reconstituição cirúrgica do períneo após o parto: um estudo qualitativo de uma prática pedagógica / Surgical reconstitution of the perineum after delivery: a qualitative study of a pedagogical practice

Resumo Descreve-se uma atividade pedagógica com estudantes do Mestrado e Pós-Licenciatura em Enfermagem de Saúde Materna e Obstetrícia, aplicando princípios da prática simulada na realização da sutura perineal após o parto. Este procedimento causa muita insegurança e gera grande ansiedade nos estudantes, quando iniciam estágio em bloco de partos. Os objetivos deste artigo são desenvolver competências psicomotoras nos estudantes para a reconstituição cirúrgica perineal; aumentar a autoconfiança dos estudantes para o procedimento. Metodologia qualitativa, com 2 momentos de recolha de dados aplicados a dois cursos. Questionário com perguntas abertas, sessão de "focus group" e filmagem. Análise de conteúdo das respostas às perguntas abertas e verbatim do "focus group". Como Resultados destaca-se uma estreita relação entre a simulação e o desenvolvimento de competências. Os estudantes salientaram a importância da atividade pedagógica na aquisição de competências de sutura, reforço da autoconfiança e na diminuição da ansiedade inicial. O uso da investigação qualitativa permitiu identificar o impacto da prática simulada no desenvolvimento de competências dos estudantes, identificar aspetos a aperfeiçoar na metodologia, contribuindo para a melhoria das práticas pedagógicas.

Abstract A pedagogical activity with Master's Degree and Postgraduate students in Maternal Health and Obstetrics Nursing is described, applying principles of simulated practice in perineal suturing after delivery. This procedure causes a lot of insecurity and generates great anxiety in the students, when they start the internship in a delivery room. Objectives: to develop the psychomotor skills in students for perineal surgical reconstruction; increase students' self-confidence to perform the procedure. Methodology: qualitative, with 2 moments of data collection applied to two courses. Questionnaire with open questions, focus group session and filming. Content analysis of the answers to the questions and verbatim of the focus group. Results: a close relationship was observed between simulation and skills development. Conclusion: the students emphasized the importance of the pedagogical activity in the acquisition of suturing skills, improving their self-confidence and reducing the initial anxiety. The use of the qualitative research allowed identifying the impact of the simulated practice on the development of the students' skills and to identify aspects to be improved, contributing to the progress of pedagogical practices.

Rapid and sutureless anastomosis of artificial vascular replacement of abdominal aorta in dog models using magnetic compression anastomosis technique / 器官移植

Objective To explore the feasibility of rapid and sutureless anastomosis of artificial vascular replacement of abdominal aorta in dog models using magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) technique. Methods Twelve healthy adult crossbred dogs were evenly divided into the MCA and hand suturing (HS) groups according to the anastomosis method between abdominal aorta and artificial blood vessels. The intraoperative duration of abdominal aorta occlusion, intraoperative condition of anastomotic stoma and postoperative imaging examination of anastomotic stoma were compared between two groups. Results The intraoperative duration of abdominal aorta occlusion in the MCA group was significantly shorter than that in the HS group [(5.2±2.3) min vs. (24.4±4.3) min, P < 0.001]. No anastomotic leakage of blood or anastomotic stenosis occurred in the MCA group during the operation. Intraoperative anastomotic leakage of blood occurred in all of the 6 dogs in the HS group. Among them, 1 dog died of excessive blood loss, and 2 dogs experienced mild anastomotic stenosis due to repeated repair. Postoperative color Doppler ultrasound and angiography showed smooth blood flow at the anastomotic stoma without stenosis or thrombosis in the MCA group. In the HS group, 4 dogs presented with anastomotic stenosis on angiography at postoperative 4 weeks. Conclusions MCA technique may achieve rapid and sutureless anastomosis of artificial vascular replacement of abdominal aorta in dog models, which reduces the incidence of anastomotic complications and accelerates postoperative recovery.

Estimation of time utilized in suturing of oral flaps post-surgical wisdom teeth removal using Negus knot pusher instrument (a comparative study) / Estimativa do tempo utilizado na sutura de retalhos orais após exodontia de terceiros molares utilizando o instrumental Empurrador de nó Negus: um estudo comparativo

Objective: Wisdom teeth were the most common teeth affected among the rest of the teeth, these teeth need accurate evaluation and diagnosis, surgical removal of impacted wisdom needs time for incision, bone removal and suture, so the use of any instrument helps to reduce this time is essential. The objectives of this study were to estimate the time needed for the suture of oral flaps post-surgical removal of the lower wisdom teeth by using Negus knot pusher and compare it with the time used for stitching in conventional manual holding single stitching. Material and Methods: Data had been collected from thirty patients through history, clinical examination and radiographic assessment, followed by classical surgical removal performed on the same principles for all patients, at the suture level patients divided arbitrarily into two groups, control group 15 patients and 15 patients Negus pusher group, using Negus knot pusher, which is usually used to hold the stitch and stop bleeding post tonsillectomy operations by ligation, time elapsed for suturing with knot tying is calculated for both groups. Results: Among the 30 patients incorporated in the clinical study, control group mean was (1 minutes and 11 seconds and 70 milliseconds) while for the pusher group was (1 minutes and 32 seconds and 57 milliseconds), the comparison by means of T-test was not significant with the (0.424) value. Conclusion: the Negus pusher instrument can be used for the knotting stiches post wisdom teeth removal as an auxiliary tool and the time can be shortened by the use of a modified handling technique and more satisfaction for patients. (AU)

Objetivo: Os terceiros molares são os dentes mais afetados entre o resto dos dentes e necessitam de avaliação e diagnóstico precisos. A exodontia desses elementos impactados requer tempo para incisão, remoção óssea e sutura, portanto, é essencial o uso de instrumentos que ajudem a reduzir o tempo de procedimento. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram estimar o tempo necessário para a sutura de retalhos orais após a exodontia de terceiros molares inferiores utilizando o instrumental Empurrador de nó Negus (Negus Knot pusher) e compará-lo com o tempo necessário para a realização de sutura única convencional. Material e Métodos: Os dados foram coletados de 30 pacientes através da história, exame clínico e avaliação radiográfica, seguidos pela remoção cirúrgica clássica realizada através do mesmo princípio para todos os pacientes. Considerando o nível da sutura, os pacientes foram divididos arbitrariamente em dois grupos, grupo controle (n=15) e grupo Empurrador de nó Negus (n=15), o qual é geralmente utilizado para segurar o ponto e estancar o sangramento após cirurgia de tonsilectomia por ligadura. O tempo decorrido para sutura foi calculado para ambos os grupos. Resultados: Entre os 30 pacientes incluídos no estudo, a média do grupo controle foi de 1 minuto e 11 segundos e 70 milissegundos, enquanto para o grupo Empurrador de nó Negus foi de 1 minuto e 32 segundos e 57 milissegundos. A comparação intergrupo por meio do teste T não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,424). Conclusão: O instrumental Empurrador de nó Negus pode ser usado para sutura após a extração de terceiros molares como ferramenta auxiliar e o tempo pode ser reduzido pelo uso de uma técnica de manuseio modificada. Ademais, pode estar associado a maior satisfação dos pacientes. (AU)

Absorbable versus Non-Absorbable Sutures in Paediatric Facial Trauma - A Cosmetic Assessment

Paediatric age group is most vulnerable to trauma. Children often suffer facial injuries. Though many topical skin adhesives and strips are available in the market which have given excellent cosmetic results, deeper injuries especially along the lines of high tension need suturing both with buried and skin sutures. Different variety of sutures are available in the market which are used as per the choice of the surgeon. Children are more apprehensive when it comes to suture removal. So use of absorbable sutures in place of non-absorbable sutures in skin can save the children from this fear factor. MethodsA prospective study was done in the department of plastic surgery from May 2012 to Dec. 2013 with an objective of studying the outcome of plain catgut suture as skin sutures versus non-absorbable skin suture Nylon in facial trauma in the paediatric age group. Chromic catgut was used as buried suture in both groups. All the patients presenting in emergency department with facial trauma with age 10 years or less were included in the study. Skin sutures, where needed removal, were removed on 5th post-operative day followed by follow up on 7th post-operative day, 3rd month and 8th month during which cosmetic assessment of scar was done. 25 patients who presented first in emergency and fulfilled the study criteria were sutured with 5 - 0 chromic catgut buried sutures and skin suture used was 6 - 0 Nylon and this group was labelled group A. Next 25 patients who presented in emergency for suturing were sutured with 5 - 0 chromic catgut as buried and plain catgut as skin suture. This group was labelled as Group B. Cosmetic outcome was assessed on 7th post-operative day, 3rd month and 8th month by using Beusang E cosmetic scar assessment scale based on two parameters which included colour and texture of scar.1 Statistical analysis was done with continuous variables expressed as Mean ± S.D. and categorical variables were expressed as count (percentage). Chi-square was used to compare the categorical variables between groups or Fisher exact test was used. ResultsOn 7th post-operative day follow up, out of 50 patients, 25 patients (50 %) in whom nylon was used as skin suture, 4 patients (16 %) had mismatch of colour. All scars were smooth in texture. In rest 25 patients (50 %) in whom plain catgut was used as a skin suture, 1 (4 %) patient had mismatch of the colour. None of the patients had frank pus in both groups & hypertrophic scar was seen in one patient. On 3rd month follow up, Group A patients with nylon as skin suture, 1 (4 %) patient showed hypertrophic scar whereas in Group B (8 %) patients had hypertrophic scar. On 8th month follow up, both group A & B had colour mismatch of 12% with firm texture of scar in 8% patients. ConclusionsThere is no long-term differences in cosmetic outcomes and complication rates between absorbable catgut suture and commonly used nylon sutures in the repair of facial trauma in paediatric age groups. So, absorbable sutures are acceptable alternative to non-absorbable suture especially in paediatric age group, keeping in mind their apprehensive nature and fear of suture removal.

Polydioxanone as Buried Suture in Facial Trauma - A Prospective Study.

Irrespective of cause of injury, facial scars are always considered as a stigma causing both mental and social disgrace to the victim. The principle aim of any suturing is to produce aesthetically pleasing scar. Besides surgical skills, the choice of suture material also plays a very important role in getting a good scar. Though suture material used for suturing is mostly Nylon everywhere, it’s the buried sutures which obliterate the dead space and reduce wound tension which make the real difference in the appearance of scar. Sutures of different types are today available & the operating surgeon uses the best suture material for the patient in a given circumstance based on his personal experience, scientific observations, & manufacturer’s advice.1 METHODSThis is a prospective study conducted in the department of plastic surgery at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana from May 2012 to April 2013. The study included all the patients of facial trauma registered during that period of one year. Demographic profile was noted along with the cause of trauma. A well-informed consent was taken. In our study skin approximation was done by either 5-0 or 6-0 Nylon suture. Buried suture used in all was Polydioxanone (PDS) 5-0. Skin sutures were removed on 5th POD. Beusang Clinical Scar assessment scale2 was used in the study to assess scar appearance. Patients were followed every month for 5 months after removal of skin sutures. The parameters noted included, colour, contour, matte/shine, and texture of scar. Photographic record of the patients was maintained. Statistical analysis was done using McNemar test. RESULTSOut of the 40 patients in our study, road traffic accidents constituted 85 percent of facial trauma, rest included fall on floor. M:F ratio was 3:1. With Polydioxanone as buried suture, 35 patients (87.5%) had normal texture, 30 patients (75%) had Matte appearance of the scar, 20 patients (50%) had no distortion of scar, 25 patients (62.5%) had perfect match of colour with hypertrophic scar noticed in 4 patients (0.1%). CONCLUSIONSPolydioxanone as buried suture gave aesthetically pleasing scar which improved in appearance during the follow up periods. There was significant statistical improvement in scar appearance starting from 5th day of suture removal to assessment at 5 months. No discharge from the wound site was noted in any of the patients. Hypertrophic scars noticed were later treated with steroid injection

Comparative study of delayed primary closure by shoelace technique versus conventional secondary suturing method in closure of fasciotomy wounds, done for spreading cellulitis with compartment syndrome

Background: Fasciotomy is a standard treatment for acute compartment syndrome. Historically, fasciotomy incisions were usually left open till oedema settles down. In literature, there is a wide range of wound closure techniques published, but none of them is deemed to be the best. In this study, focus is laid on whether delayed primary closure (DPC) by shoelace technique, is as effective as conventional secondary suturing, in closure of fasciotomy wounds, done for spreading cellulitis.Methods: All those patients who met below mentioned inclusion criteria and underwent fasciotomy, were allocated into 2 groups (A and B) where Group A consists of 30 patients undergoing conventional secondary suturing, whereas Group B consists of 30 patients undergoing DPC by shoelace technique for closure of fasciotomy wounds. Parameters such as duration of hospital stay, time taken for complete wound closure, local wound complications, hospital expenses, anaesthesia related complications between the two groups were compared.Results: Patients who underwent DPC for fasciotomy wound closure achieved wound closure ~7 days earlier with 5 days lesser hospital stay than that of those who underwent conventional secondary suturing. Average health care cost of Group B was significantly lower compared to Group A, but there was no statistically significant difference in incidence of wound infections between the two groups.Conclusions: DPC by shoelace technique, takes less time for wound closure and hence the need for nursing care and hospital stay is significantly reduced in comparison to the conventional secondary suturing method.

Post-operative bleeding in tonsillectomy versus tonsillectomy with fossa closure in a tertiary military hospital: A cohort study

Objective@#To determine the incidence of post-operative bleeding among patients who underwent tonsillectomy alone versus tonsillectomy with fossa closure at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center from January 2015 to December 2017. @*Methods@#Design: Retrospective Cohort Study. Setting: Tertiary Military Hospital. Patients: Medical records of 83 patients that underwent tonsillectomy under the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery between January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for data regarding sex, age, tonsillectomy with or without fossa closure and post-operative bleeding. Cases of tonsillectomy alone versus tonsillectomy with fossa closure were compared (particularly with respect to post-operative bleeding), tabulated and statistically analyzed using risk ratio and t-test.@*Results@#There were 57 cases of tonsillectomy alone versus 26 cases of tonsillectomy with fossa closure. The incidence of bleeding in all cases of tonsillectomy whether tonsillectomy alone or with fossa closure was 4.8%. The incidence of bleeding was higher in cases of tonsillectomy with fossa closure at 11.5% (versus 1.8% in tonsillectomy alone). Post-operative bleeding was 0.1 times more likely to occur in patients who underwent tonsillectomy alone than those who underwent tonsillectomy with fossa closure but there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of post-operative bleeding between the two. @*Conclusion@#Although the incidence of bleeding was higher in cases of tonsillectomy with fossa closure, our results suggest that there is no statistically significant difference in risk for postoperative bleeding between tonsillectomy alone or tonsillectomy with fossa closure.

Modified mattress sutures vs running sutures in uterine closure: which is better?

Background: Conventional closure of uterus has been known to bear risk of scar dehiscence and scar rupture in subsequent pregnancies and thus, a study was conducted to compare the outcome of uterine closure with modified mattress manner and running manner and to establish a better method of uterine closure during caesarean section. Objective was to compare the conventional single layer running sutures and single layer modified mattress sutures for closure of uterus in caesarean section and find out which method is superior.Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out in Dhiraj Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Vadodara. 60 pregnant women in the study criteria were equally divided randomly into 2 groups. Uterine closure was done in single layered sutures, one by running sutures and other group by modified mattress sutures.Results: Uterine scar thickness on 8th day and 6 months post-operatively was significantly more in single layered suturing by modified mattress suture compared to running suture (p <0.05).Conclusions: Uterine closure by single layered modified mattress suture is better in comparison to conventional single layer running suture.

Evolving a System of Classification for Scalp Defects and Methods of Reconstruction

Background: Scalp wound closure requires good understanding of scalp anatomy, knowledge of a algorithm for reconstruction ofscalp defects, good planning, adequate debridement, proper execution and proper post-operative care. Aim and objective: Theaim of the study was to use a simple algorithm to reconstruct scalp defects of various sizes and to study the efficacy of thealgorithm in reconstruction of scalp defects. Materials and Methods: All patients with scalp defect who presented to theDepartment of Burns Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at Kilpauk government medical college were studied. Reconstructionof scalp defect was planned based on the algorithm. All patients were followed up for a period of 1 year post operatively.Results: The scalp defects were reconstructed based on the algorithm. Smaller defects were managed with primary closureand SSG. Larger size defects and defects without periosteum were given local or distant flap. All patients recovered well withlesser rate of complications. Conclusion: Reconstruction of scalp defect is made easy with the use of the algorithm for choiceof treatment based on the defect size.

A detailed description and 16-year validation of a new suturing method for stabilizing connective tissue grafts at recipient sites for root coverage and gingival augmentation

Background: Which are the different ways of stabilizing connective tissue grafts (CTGs) for root coverage and gingival augmentation by means of placement of sutures? There are various defined and undefined ways of stabilizing CTGs depending on experience and personal preferences. Most of the techniques profess use of absorbable sutures in separate interrupted fashion (sutures at the corners of the graft wherever possible). Aim: This paper describes a new suturing method, “the lingually-tied horizontal mattress contouring suture,” for stabilization of CTGs with or without epithelialized collar at the recipient site, for use with papilla retention and sparing techniques to treat marginal tissue recessions. Methods and Material: The suturing technique is described in detail. It can be indicated for good number of root coverage cases, with additional objectives of gingival augmentation, specifically developed for papilla sparing and papillary buccal de-epithelialization recipient site preparations. Results: Over a period of last 16 years this suturing technique showed promising results in terms of graft stabilization and survival. The main advantage of this technique lies in the use of cost-effective nonabsorbable sutures that usually retain some amount of tension on the soft tissues longer. Conclusion: The primary objective of the suturing technique, per se, is to stabilize the CTG firmly along the contours of the root surface and to expedite a very close adaptation to the interdental soft tissues as well. The secondary objective of the article or publication is to disseminate the knowledge acquired through long periods of performance and observation for the benefit of the periodontal community as whole. Further validation is advocated.

Effect of laparoscopic salpingotomy with suturing on prognosis of patients / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the effect of laparoscopic salpingotomy with suturing on prognosis of patients.Methods One hundred and thirty two cases patients of laparoscopic salpingotomy and embryo extraction in our hospital from October 2015 to Febrary 2017 were were divided into observation group (68 cases) with suturing and control group (64 cases) without suturing according to the operation procedure.The patency of fallopian tube was observed at 3 months after operation and the intrauterine gestation rate and recurrent ectopic pregnancy rate were observed 1 years after operation in two groups.Results The fallopian tube patency in the observation group and the control group was 58 cases (85.3％) and 39 cases (60.9％) respectively at 3 months after operation.7 cases (10.3％) and 12 cases(18.8％) of the fallopian tube were not smooth in the observation group and the control group respectively at 3 months after operation.The fallopian tube obstruction in the observation group and the control group was 3 cases (4.4％) and 13 cases (20.3％) respectively at 3 months after operation.The patency rate of fallopian tube in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (Z =6.215,P ＜ 0.05).The intrauterine gestation rate (69.1％ (47/68)) in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (37.5％(24/64)) 1 years after operation and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (x2 =5.41,P ＜0.05).The rate of recurrent ectopic pregnancy in the observation group (10.3％(7/68)) was significantly lower than that in the control group (26.6％(17/64)) and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (x2 =4.826,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The laparoscopic salpingotomy with suturing can improve the patency rate of the fallopian tube and the rate of intrauterine gestation and reduce the rate of recurrent ectopic pregnancy in the patients after the operation.

An expert-led and artificial intelligence system-assisted tutoring course to improve the confidence of Chinese medical interns in suturing and ligature skills: a prospective pilot study / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: Lack of confidence in suturing/ligature skills due to insufficient practice and assessments is common among novice Chinese medical interns. This study aimed to improve the skill acquisition of medical interns through a new intervention program. METHODS: In addition to regular clinical training, expert-led or expert-led plus artificial intelligence (AI) system tutoring courses were implemented during the first 2 weeks of the surgical block. Interns could voluntarily join the regular (no additional tutoring), expert-led tutoring, or expert-led+AI tutoring groups freely. In the regular group, interns (n=25) did not receive additional tutoring. The expert-led group received 3-hour expert-led tutoring and in-training formative assessments after 2 practice sessions. After a similar expert-led course, the expert-led+AI group (n=23) practiced and assessed their skills on an AI system. Through a comparison with the internal standard, the system automatically recorded and evaluated every intern's suturing/ligature skills. In the expert-led+AI group, performance and confidence were compared between interns who participated in 1, 2, or 3 AI practice sessions. RESULTS: The end-of-surgical block objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) performance and self-assessed confidence in suturing/ligature skills were highest in the expert-led+AI group. In comparison with the expert-led group, the expert-led+AI group showed similar performance in the in-training assessment and greater improvement in the end-of-surgical block OSCE. In the expert-led+AI group, the best performance and highest post-OSCE confidence were noted in those who engaged in 3 AI practice sessions. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated the potential value of incorporating an additional expert-led+AI system–assisted tutoring course into the regular surgical curriculum.

Omental Patching and Purse-String Endosuture Closure after Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection in Patients with Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily arising from the stomach. With the widespread utilization of and technical advancements in endoscopy, gastric GISTs are being increasingly detected at an early stage, enabling complete endoscopic resection. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is an advanced technique that has been recognized as a treatment tool for neoplasms in the digestive tract in selected patients. Although a number of methods are available, closing large iatrogenic defects after EFTR can be a concern in clinical practice. If this potential problem is appropriately solved, patients with gastric GISTs would be suitable candidates for resection utilizing this technique. To our knowledge, this is the first study to propose omental patching and purse-string endosuture closure following EFTR as a feasible endoscopic option in patients with gastric GISTs.

Finite element analysis of cornea deformation and curvature change during the keratoplasty suturing process

Keratoplasty, which is cornea transplant surgery, is one of the treatment methods for patients with turbidity or keratitis. Recently, keratoplasty using a surgical robot was studied to increase precision. In this study, the effect of surgical factors on the deformation and curvature of the cornea were analyzed in order to improve the accuracy of keratoplasty and derive the optimal surgical factors using finite element method (FEM). Suturing tension and depth were selected as surgical factors. An FEM model, a constitutive equation, and boundary conditions were determined using experiments and reference data. Suturing tension significantly impacted deformation and curvature change, and suturing depth affected the position of the thread-cornea contact point. Both factors have a significant impact on a focal point in the retina and the patient's visual acuity after keratoplasty.

Influence of orientation of the external linear incision created by the 25-gauge trocar and related factors on sclerotomy closure: A clinical and optical coherence tomographic study

Purpose: To assess the influence of orientation of the external linear incision created by the trocar and related factors on sclerotomy closure in 25-gauge (25G) transconjunctival vitreous surgery (TVS). Methods: A total of 46 eyes of 46 patients who underwent 25G TVS (23 circumferential incisions and 23 radial incisions) were studied. Clinical and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)-based comparison of self-sealed and sutured sclerotomies was done. The influence of age, ocular surgeries and injections, axial length, cannula type, sclerotomy quadrant, surgery duration, vitreous base excision, and tamponade on suture rates was analyzed. Results: Of the 46 eyes, 23 eyes required suturing [circumferential: 17 (74%) and radial: 6 (26%); P = 0.003]. A significantly lesser proportion of superonasal quadrant and inferotemporal quadrant sclerotomies needed suturing [9 (24%) and 12 (27%)] when compared with superotemporal quadrant [17 (37%)]. Sclerotomies to the left of the surgeon and the infusion port required significantly lesser suturing [10 (25%) and 13 (28%), respectively] when compared with that of surgeon's right [15 (35%)]. Suturing was significantly lesser when gas or oil tamponade was used [5 (36%) and 2 (20%), respectively] when compared with no tamponade [16 (73%)]. In eyes without tamponade, suturing was lesser with radial sclerotomies (P = 0.003). The odds of having an open sclerotomy tract on AS-OCT were ?5 when circumferential sclerotomies were used. Conclusion: Self-sealing was more common with radial external incisions. Tamponade was associated with less suturing. Superotemporal sclerotomies and sclerotomies toward the surgeon's dominant hand were often sutured. In this cohort, other factors did not influence sclerotomy closure.

Closing the Gaps: Endoscopic Suturing for Large Submucosal and Full-Thickness Defects

This article is a systematic review of relevant literature on endoscopic suturing as a primary closure technique for large submucosal and full-thickness defects after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). A comprehensive literature search was conducted through 2016 by using PubMed, to find peer-reviewed original articles. The specific factors considered were the procedural indications and details, success rates, clinical outcomes including complications, and study limitations. Six original articles were included in the final review: two with non-human subjects and four with human subjects. The mean success rate of endoscopic suturing was 97.4% (100% for human subjects and 95.4% for non-human subjects). The procedural time ranged from 7 to 89 min. The average size and depth of lesions were 2.71 cm (3.74 cm [human] and 1.96 cm [non-human]) and 1.52 cm, respectively. The technique itself had no reported impact on mortality. In conclusion, endoscopic suturing is a minimally invasive technique for the primary closure of defects caused by EMR, ESD, and EFTR, with a high success and low complication rate.

In situ suturing technique for severe amputation of facial composite tissues in 14 cases / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To report the method and effect of in situ suturing technique for severe amputation of facial composite tissues.@*Methods@#We in situ sutured severely amputated composite tissues of facial region in 14 cases in emergency by vessels and nerves anastomosis from May 2004 to December 2017.@*Results@#All replanted composite tissues survived in 13 cases. Edge necrosis of auricle occurred in 1 case because of serious contusion and it was cured after dressing changed. The color and appearance of the replanted composite tissues were close to normal after 3 to 48 months′ follow-up.@*Conclusions@#In situ suturing technique in emergency is the ideal treatment for severe amputation of composite tissues of facial region.