Barbed sutures versus conventional sutures for uterine closure at cesarean section; a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized control trial was to compare the operative data and the early postoperative outcomes of cesarean sections in which the uterine incision was closed with a barbed suture (STRATAFIX™ Spiral PDO Knotless Tissue Control Device, SXPD2B405, Ethicon Inc.) with those of cesarean sections in which the uterine incision was closed with a conventional smooth suture (VICRYL™; Ethicon Inc.). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred pregnant patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the Stratafix group or the Vicryl group. The uterine incision was closed by two layers of sutures in both groups. In the Vicryl group, the first layer was continuous and the second layer was interrupted. In the Stratafix group, both layers were continuous. RESULTS: The uterine closure time was significantly lower in the Stratafix group (224 ± 46 versus 343 ± 75 s, p < .001). Operative time was comparable between both groups. Twelve patients in the Vicryl group and two patients in the Stratafix group required additional sutures to achieve hemostasis (p value = .009). The mean blood loss during closure of uterine incision and mean hospital stay were lower in the Stratafix group but these differences failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The use of barbed suture for uterine incision closure at cesarean section is associated with shorter uterine closure time and similar early perioperative complications compared with conventional smooth suture. The difference between both groups in the technique of suturing the second layer of the uterine incision may be the cause of the reduction in the uterine closure time and the need for additional sutures to achieve hemostasis during suturing the uterine incision with a barbed suture. Further, well designed randomized controlled trials should be conducted to investigate the association between the type of suture (barbed or conventional smooth) and remote complications of cesarean section (infertility, pelvic pain, abnormal placentation and rupture uterus).

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy of Large Submucous Myomas in a 1-Step Procedure Using Multiple Slicing Sessions Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of our technique for resectoscopic removal of large symptomatic submucous myomas. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: A university teaching hospital and a private hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-nine patients with submucous myomas ≥ 4 cm in diameter complaining of abnormal uterine bleeding. Seventeen patients were also complaining of infertility. INTERVENTIONS: The intrauterine portion of submucous myomas was resected using the slicing technique. Slicing started at the site of the maximum bulge of the myoma and was continued down to the level of the endometrial surface. Each slicing session lasted for 5 to 10 minutes. After each slicing session, saline infusion was discontinued and restarted alternatively several times to induce rapid changes in the intrauterine pressure (hydromassage) to stimulate uterine contractions. The resectoscope was removed, and ovum forceps was used to extract the myoma fragments. Bimanual massage of the uterus was performed to induce extrusion of the intramural portion of the myoma into the uterine cavity. The same steps (slicing session lasting for 5-10 minutes to excise the portion of the myoma extruded into the uterine cavity, hydromassage, and uterine massage) were repeated several times until complete removal of the myoma. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean diameter of the principle myomas was 51.94 ± 5.58 mm. The rate of 1-step complete resection of myomas was 91.84% (45/49). Improvement of bleeding symptoms was observed in all patients with complete resection of myomas. Nine of the 17 infertile women conceived after hysteroscopic myomectomy. One-step complete resection of myomas was more frequent in patients with myomas < 6 cm (43/44 [97.73%] vs 2/5 [40%], risk ratio [RR] = 2.44, p = .002), single myomas (39/40 [97.5%] vs 6/9 [66.67%], RR = 1.46, p = .016), principle myomas with a Lasmar score < 7 (32/32 [100%] vs 13/17 [76.47%], RR = 1.31, p = .011), and myomas with less than 50% extension into the myometrium (26/26 [100%] vs 19/23 [82.61%], RR = 1.21, p = .042). The rate of 1-step complete removal of myomas was 95% (19/20) for type II myomas < 6 cm and 0% (0/3) for type II myomas ≥ 6 cm. CONCLUSION: Our technique of hysteroscopic myomectomy is a safe and effective management for submucous myomas up to 6 cm in diameter.