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Introduction The risk of developing an incisional hernia after primary elective median laparotomy is reported in the literature as being between 5 and 20 percent. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate different closure techniques for midline laparotomies and the use of additional prophylactic mesh augmentation for midline closure in high risk patients. Method A systematic literature search was performed until September 2017. The quality of the RCTs was evaluated and analysed. The data are reported in accordance with the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results In the systematic review for closure techniques a total of 23 RCTs and 9 RCTs for the use of prophylactic mesh were included. In elective midline closure the use of a slowly absorbable suture material for continuous closure using the small bites technique results in significantly less incisional hernias than a large bites technique (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19, 0.86). The use of prophylactic mesh versus the suture closure of the midline achieved a significant reduction of the incisional hernia rate [OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.07–0.27)]. Conclusions Based on the currently evidence in midline closure after elective laparotomy in the small bites technique can be recommended to reduce significantly the rate of incisional hernia. The additional use of a prophylactic mesh in high risk patients can significantly reduce the occurrence of incisional hernia.

To evaluate if gestational age (GA), mode of delivery and abdominal wall closure method influence outcomes in uncomplicated gastroschisis (GTC). Retrospective review of NICU admissions for gastroschisis, August 2008–July 2016. Primary outcomes were: time to start enteral feeds (on-EF), time to discontinue parenteral nutrition (off-PN), and length of stay (LOS). A total of 200 patients with GTC were admitted to our NICU. Patients initially operated elsewhere (n = 13) were excluded. Patients with medical/surgical complications (n = 62) were analyzed separately. The study included 125 cases of uncomplicated GTC. There were no statistically significant differences in the outcomes of patients born late preterm (34 0/7–36 6/7; n = 70) and term (n = 40): on-EF 19 (5–54) versus 17 (7–34) days (p = 0.29), off-PN 32 (12–101) versus 30 (16–52) days (p = 0.46) and LOS 40 (18–137) versus 37 (21–67) days (p = 0.29), respectively. Patients born before 34 weeks GA (n = 15) had significantly longer on-EF, off-PN and LOS times compared to late preterm patients: 26 (12–50) days (p = 0.01), 41 (20–105) days (p = 0.04) and 62 (34–150) days (p

Temporary abdominal closure is a critical treatment modality in select abdominal surgery patients. Although this technique can be lifesaving and morbidity reducing, it is also associated with specific risks. These risks can be mitigated via appropriate understanding of technical treatment options while maintaining a high index of suspicion for common complications. The following chapter will review contemporary technical options inclusive of available materials and commercial devices. It will also review adjuncts of care that should reduce morbidity.

PURPOSE: The aim of study is to compare Continuous technique with non - absorbable sutures, Interrupted technique with non - absorbable sutures and Continuous technique with slowly absorbable sutures Focusing mainly on incidence of incisional hernias, burst abdomen, wound infections, chronic wound pain, suture sinus, stitch granuloma, time for rectus closure. METHODOLOGY : Study was conducted for a period of one year on 271 randomized patients with primary elective midline laparotomy in our hospital . patients are divided into group I includes 102 patients with continuous technique using non absorbable polypropylene, group II includes 91 patients with interrupted technique using non absorbable polypropylene and group III includes 78 patients with continuous slowly absorbable polyhydroxybutyrate. RESULTS: No significant difference observed in incidence of wound infections and burst abdomen in all the 3 groups but relatively higher incidence of wound infections in noted our hospital. Incidence of stich granuloma suture sinus and chronic wound pain is more with interrupted technique than continuous technique and are more with non - absor bable suture material. CONCLUSION: Incidence of incisional hernias, suture complications like suture sinus, stitch granuloma can be more effectively reduced with slowly absorbable continuous sutures.

Omphaloceles present an ongoing challenge due to significant variations in presentation and associated co-morbidities. Diverse management strategies have been described to tackle many of the fundamental challenges of closure and reconstruction of the abdominal wall – this fact demonstrates a need for increasingly individualized management options for this complex disease. We describe a novel method of rapid staged abdominal wall closure using Gore-Tex ® mesh as a bridge to primary omphalocele closure in an infant with partial Pentalogy of Cantrell and giant ruptured omphalocele. This strategy can be used in management of some of the most complex abdominal wall defects.

Background Surgical site infection is one of the most common postoperative complications after gastroenterologic surgery. This study investigated the effect of triclosan-coated sutures in decreasing the incidence of surgical site infections after abdominal wall closure in gastroenterologic surgery. Methods A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled parallel adaptive group-sequential superiority trial was conducted from March 2014 to March 2017 in a single center. Eligible patients were those who underwent gastroenterologic surgery. Patients were allocated randomly to receive either abdominal wall closure with triclosan-coated sutures (the study group) or sutures without triclosan (the control group). The primary end point was the incidence of superficial or deep surgical site infections within 30 days after operation. This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ ), identification number UMIN000013054. Results A total of 1,013 patients (study group, 508 patients; control group, 505 patients) were analyzed by a modified intention-to-treat approach. The wounds in 990 (97.7%) of the 1,013 patients were classified as clean-contaminated. The primary end point (incidence of superficial or deep surgical site infections) was 35 (6.9%) of 508 patients in the study group and 30 (5.9%) of 505 in the control group. The incidence of surgical site infections did not differ markedly between the 2 groups (95% confidence interval: 0.686–2.010, P = .609). Of the 65 infections, 42 (64.6%) were superficial surgical site infections, with similar frequencies in the 2 groups, and 23 (35.4%) were deep surgical site infections, again with similar frequencies in the 2 groups. Conclusion Triclosan-coated sutures did not decrease the incidence of surgical site infections after abdominal wall closure in gastroenterologic surgery.

Incisional hernias are a very common problem, with an estimated incidence around 15-20% of all laparotomies. Evisceration is another important problem, with a lower rate (2.5-3%) but severe consequences for patients. Prevention of both complications is an essential objective of correct patient treatment due to the improved quality of life and cost savings. This narrative review intends to provide an update on incisional hernia and evisceration prevention. We analyze the current criteria for proper abdominal wall closure and the possibility to add prosthetic reinforcement in certain cases requiring it. Parastomal, trocar-site hernias and hernias developed after stoma closure are included in this review.

To evaluate abdominal wall closure knowledge base and technical skills in surgical and OB/GYN residents. Residents consented to participate in a skills laboratory and quiz. The skills portion involved closure of a 10-cm incision on a simulated abdominal wall. Participants were timed, filmed, and graded using a standardized grading system. Thirty surgical and OB/GYN residents participated. All residents reported closing the abdominal wall continuously, 97% preferred slowly absorbing sutures (28/29), 97% preferred taking 1-cm bites (29/30), and 93% spaced bites 1 cm apart (27/29). However, 77% (10/13) of surgery residents identified 4:1 as the ideal suture to wound length ratio; 47% (7/15) of OB/GYN residents believed it to be 2:1, and another 40% (6/15) indicated 3:1 (p

To perform an abdominal-wall closure, a continuous suture is the preferred method. The suture materials that are most commonly employed in abdominal surgery are polypropylene and polydioxanone. However, in recent times, new products have been marketed, such as non-absorbable polyurethane with elastic properties ( Assuplus ® , Assut Europe, Italy) and absorbable barbed polydioxanone ( Filbloc ® , Assut Europe, Italy). The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of those against the standard polypropylene (SurgiproTM, Covidien, USA) and polydioxanone ( Assufil ® , Assut Europe, Italy) to mimic the biomechanical behavior of the abdominal wall closure. Comparison of the sutures was made first with the materials alone and later in a laparotomy closure of a rabbit abdomen, used as an animal model. The biomechanical analysis consisted of uniaxial tensile tests of threads and sutured samples of the animal abdomen. In the latter case, results were analyzed at short- (21 days) and long- (180 days) term intervals after the surgery. The morphology studies and collagen expression of the samples were also investigated. The results determined that polydioxanone and polypropylene sutures showed a linear elastic behavior, with barbed polydioxanone as the most compliant suture and polyurethane as the stiffest. The sutured samples showed a statistically significant loss of resistance, measured as the load needed to perform a certain stretch, when compared with the corresponding control tissue. Analysis of the stress–stretch curves showed that elastic polyurethane was the only suture able to reproduce the mechanical behavior of healthy tissue in the short term, while the rest of the sutures remained less stiff. This coincides with the expression of type I collagen observed in this group at this point in the study. In the long term, there was no difference among the sutures, and none was able to mimic control behavior.

The aim of this study is to improve treatment results and SSI prevention by differential usage of the contemporary suture materials and choice of proper suturing technique. To simulate suturing process and compared two suturing techniques, two FE models were developed. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was based on experimental data of contemporary commercial sutures and soft tissue properties. We applied obtained results for abdominal wall closure in rats and compared non-absorbable suture (capron) with absorbable suture (PDS Plus) for chosen technique. Cross-sections were examined by lighting electron microscope. Afterwards, the results of patients’ treatment are also presented. It was shown that running sew was more appropriate for aponeurosis suturing compared to interrupted sew. The optimal parameters of suturing techniques were computed. Single-row running sew by PDS Plus was proved to hold wound edges for 90 days with less inflammatory response compared to other suture in the result of histological analysis. Application of contemporary synthetic absorbable suture materials with antibacterial coating for laparotomic wounds closure and anastomosis decreases local inflammatory reaction and provides the successful tissue regeneration. Application of advanced SSI prophylactics algorithm was shown to decrease risk of post-operative suppurative complications from 14.2 to 1.6 %.

Children are one of the groups with the highest mortality rate on the waiting list for LT. Primary closure of the abdominal wall is often impossible in the pediatric population, due to a size mismatch between a large graft and a small recipient. We present a retrospective cohort study of six pediatric patients, who underwent delayed abdominal wall closure with a biological mesh after LT, and in whom early closure was impossible. A non-cross-linked porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (Strattice(™) Reconstructive Tissue Matrix; LifeCell Corp, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) was used in all of the cases of the series. After a mean follow-up of 26 months (21-32 months), all patients were asymptomatic, with a functional abdominal wall after physical examination. Non-cross-linked porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (Strattice(™) ) is a good alternative for delayed abdominal wall closure after pediatric LT. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the best moment and the best technique for abdominal wall closure.

Both authors contributed equally to this work.Primary abdominal wall closure following small boweltransplantation is frequently impossible due to con-traction of the abdominal domain. Although abdomi-nalwalltransplantationwasreported10yearsago,thistechnique has not been widely adopted, partly due toits complexity, but largely because of concerns thatstoring the abdominal allograft until the end of aprolongedintestinaltransplantprocedurewouldcausesevereischemia-reperfusioninjury.Wereportsixcasesof combined small bowel and abdominal wall trans-plantation where the ischemic time was minimized byremotely revascularizing the abdominal wall on theforearm vessels, synchronous to the intestinal proce-dure. When the visceral transplant was complete, theabdominal wall was removed from the forearm andrevascularizedontheabdomen(n¼4),orusedtoclosethe abdomen while still vascularized on the forearm(n¼2). Primary abdominal wall closure was achievedin all. Mean cold ischemia was 305min (300–330min),and revascularization on the arm was 50min (30–60min). Three patients had proven abdominal wallrejection, all treated successfully. Immediate revascu-larization of the abdominal wall allograft substantiallyreduces cold ischemia without imposing constraintson the intestinal transplant. Reducing storage timemay also have benefits with respect to ischemia-reperfusion-related graft immunogenicity.Keywords: Abdominal wall, composite vascularizedallograft, ischemiaAbbreviations: CVA, composite vascularized allograft;LAD, loss of abdominal domain; UW, University ofWisconsinReceived 18 November 2013, revised 11 February 2014and accepted for publication 23 February 2014

INTRODUCTIONPrimary closure of the abdominal wall following intestinal transplantation or multivisceral transplantation could become a challenging problem in a significant number of patients.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 38-year-old woman with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) underwent a multi-visceral transplantation for short gut syndrome. She subsequently developed acute graft rejection that proved resistant to conventional treatment. She was relisted and underwent re-transplantation along with kidney transplantation. Abdominal wall closure could not be achieved because of the large size of the graft and bowel oedema. The wound was initially managed with laparostomy followed by insertion of the delayed dynamic abdominal closure (DDAC) device (Abdominal Retraction Anchor – ABRA® system). Continuous dynamic traction to the wound edges resulted in gradual approximation and complete closure of the abdominal wound was achieved within 3 weeks.DISCUSSIONSuccessful abdominal closure after multivisceral transplantation or isolated intestinal transplantation often requires biological mesh, vascularised flaps or abdominal wall transplantation. DDAC eliminated the need for a prosthetic mesh or skin graft and provided an excellent cosmetic result. Adjustment of the dynamic traction at the bedside minimised the need for multiple returns to the operating theatre. It resulted in a well-healed linear scar without a hernia.CONCLUSIONDynamic traction allows delayed closure of laparotomy resulting in strong and cosmetically sound wound healing with native tissue.

A range of corrective surgical procedures may be required in adult renal transplant recipients who sustain loss of integrity of the abdominal wall in the first month postoperatively. Where this involves the fascia, such as in acute fascial dehiscence or in renal allograft compartment syndrome, more sophisticated reconstructive procedures may also be required, particularly in the setting of surgical site infection. There is limited data on the use of prosthetic or biologic mesh for this type of scenario, where urgent reoperative surgery is required. Three cases are described where placement of prosthetic mesh was combined with negative pressure wound therapy in order to achieve complete healing of the abdominal wall.

Background: Despite advances in surgical techniques and material, abdominal wound closure remains challenging. Most abdominal wall incisions are either midline or paramedian. The value of a particular method of closing is determined by the incidence of early and late wound complications. The best abdominal wound closure technique should be, fast, easy, safe and cost effective. It should also prevent or minimize the early and late complications. This study addresses the midline single-layer closure of the abdominal wound.Methods: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the single layer midline abdominal wound closure. The early and late complications associated with this method are studied, and relevant literature reviewed. The study period is from May 2016 to May 2018, i.e. 24 months. The study group comprises of 52 patients, admitted in the department of surgery SBRKM Government medical college Jagdalpur. In all of them, the midline incisions closed in a single layer by a non-absorbable continuous suture. The skin closed separately. The mean age of the patient is 46.5 years. The male to female ratio is 3:1. Emergency laparotomy done in 35 cases and 17 (38.4%) underwent elective surgeries.Results: In this series 20 (38.4%) patients had wound infection. 10 (19.2%) patients had wound gaping. There was no incisional hernia in six months follow-up.Conclusions: Single layer abdominal wall closure has a definite advantage. It is fast, easy and cost-effective. Continuous running suture with non-absorbable material provides enough strength during healing and is better than interrupted sutures. The incidence of early and late complications is also significantly less. The results are comparable to many meta-analyses and RCT did in this field.

BACKGROUND: Wound infections after abdominal surgery are still frequent types of nosocomial infections. Suture materials might serve as a vehicle for mechanical transport of bacteria into the surgical wound. To prevent the contamination of suture material in surgical wounds, triclosan-coated suture materials with antibacterial activity was developed. We here report a prospective randomized pathway controlled trial investigating the effect of triclosan impregnation of polydioxanone sutures used for abdominal wall closure on the rate of surgical-site infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 856 patients included in this trial underwent a standardized clinical pathway documented abdominal wall closure after abdominal surgery. Patients were randomized to have the fascia closed with either a 2-0 polydioxanone loop or a triclosan impregnated 2-0 polydioxanone loop. The primary outcome was the number of wound infections. Risk factors for poor wound healing were collected prospectively to compare the two groups. RESULTS: When a PDS loop suture for abdominal wall closure was used, 42 (11.3%) patients with wound infections were detected. The number of patients with wound infections decreased significantly to 31 when the PDS plus for abdominal wall closure was used (6.4%, P < .05). Other risk factors for the development of side infections were comparably in the two groups. CONCLUSION: This clinical pathway facilitated trial shows that triclosan impregnation of a 2-0 polydioxanone closing suture can decrease wound infections in patients having a laparotomy for general and abdominal vascular procedures. peerReviewed

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: A new closure technique is introduced, which uses strips of macroporous polypropylene mesh as a suture for closure of abdominal wall defects due to failures of standard sutures and difficulties with planar meshes. Methods: Strips of macroporous polypropylene mesh of 2 cm width were passed through the abdominal wall and tied as simple interrupted sutures. The surgical technique and surgical outcomes are presented. Results: One hundred and seven patients underwent a mesh sutured abdominal wall closure. Seventy-six patients had preoperative hernias, and the mean hernia width by CT scan for those with scans was 9.1 cm. Forty-nine surgical fields were clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty. Five patients had infections within the first 30 days. Only one knot was removed as an office procedure. Mean follow-up at 234 days revealed 4 recurrent hernias. Conclusions: Mesh sutured repairs reliably appose tissue under tension using concepts of force distribution and resistance to suture pull-through. The technique reduces the amount of foreign material required in comparison to sheet meshes, and avoids the shortcomings of monofilament sutures. Mesh sutured closures seem to be tolerant of bacterial contamination with low hernia recurrence rates and have replaced our routine use of mesh sheets and bioprosthetic grafts.

Purpose: Eventration is a rare complication after laparotomy and its treatment is actually not standardized. We retrospectively analyzed 12 patients with early postoperative eventration; 8 of 12 were treated with use of biological mesh (non-cross-linked porcine derma). Materials and Methods: We observed, from January 2009 to January 2014, 12 patients with eventration. In 4/12 patients we performed a direct abdominal wall closure and these patients were excluded from the study; remaining 8 patients encountered inclusion criteria and were enrolled on study. Study population was composed by 8 patients (6 male, 2 female). Mean age was 53 years (range 35-70). Direct abdominal wall closure was not performed because of the risk of “abdominal compartment syndrome” (ACS). In six of eight patients early post-operative eventration occurred after urgent surgery Surgical technique: in 4 patients we performed direct wall closure with biological prosthesis (porcine derma) (one-step procedure). In 2 patients wall closure with similar technique was delayed after 9 and 12 days of intra-abdominal VAC (vacuum assisted closure) Therapy (two-step procedure). In 2 cases, because of large skin defect, we applied biological prosthesis and a surface VAC Therapy system on the prosthesis after intra-abdominal VAC Therapy (three-step procedure). Results: We observed immediate complications in four cases (seroma). No patients underwent re-eventration. One year after surgery one patient manifested laparocele. Conclusions: In our opinion, in these cases biological prosthesis can be used as valid device. However, our study is limited by number of patients and other studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) represents the most common vascular complication occurring after liver transplantation (LT). Herein, we report the results of a prospective study of hepatic artery flow (HAF) measurement during abdominal wall closure after LT along with the results of an international survey of procedures adopted, in order to avoid the arterial kinking (AK) in case of long artery.Sixty-four surgeons were asked regarding the different procedures used to avoid AK in the presence of long artery. We prospectively assessed the HAF during three phases of LT in 26 consecutive LT performed in patients with a long HA: after completion of the biliary anastomosis (M0), and partial abdominal wall closure with (M1w) or without (M1w/o) hepatic artery anti-kinking method (HAAK).Sixty (93.7 %) surgeons replied to the survey: 44 (73.3 %) surgeons cut the artery as short as possible, of whom 38 (86.3 %) interposed an oxidized polymer or the omentum, and six (13.7 %) used other systems. Fourteen (23.3 %) surgeons did not use any interposition methods. The remaining two (3.3 %) surgeons left a long artery without HAAK. In our cohort we obtained the following HAF measures: M0 152 mL/min (89-205), M1 without HAAK 114 (66-168) and M1 with HAAK procedure 158 (91-219) (p = 0.002).Our survey confirms that no consensus is currently available regarding the most effective method for avoiding AK. Kinking occurs most probably when the liver is released in its final position. The utilization of an interposition method could ensure the maintenance of a correct HAF.

BACKGROUND: The therapy for open abdomen remains challenging. Abdominal vacuum therapy seems to simplify the treatment and to enable a direct fascial closure in a high percentage of the patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 82 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal vacuum therapy between January 2005 and December 2007 was undertaken. Indications, -duration of treatment, complications as well as rate and type of abdominal wall closure were eval-uated. RESULTS: The 82 consecutive patients consisted of 46 % female and 54 % male patients with a median age of 65.5 years. The most frequent diagnoses were colorectal carcinoma (24 %, n = 28, colon n = 18 and rectum n = 10), inflammatory bowel dis-ease (13 %), perforated peptic ulcer (9 %), necrotising pancreatitis (7 %), peritoneal carcinosis (5 %), ileus (5 %) and mesenteric ischaemia (4 %). The predominant indication for vacuum therapy was peritonitis (88 %). Vacuum therapy treatment was applied for a median of 6 days (range: 1-73 days). 18 patients (22 %) received intraabdominal foam dressings without the fenestrated polyurethane layer. In 70 % of all cases the abdominal vacuum therapy was performed without complications. 16 patients (19.5 %) developed intestinal fistulas. However, fistulas were not observed among the patients who were treated with foam dressings without a polyurethane layer. Abdominal bleeding was observed in 8 patients (10 %) and a persistent abdominal compartment syn-drome was seen in one patient. Nine patients (11 %) died during hospitalisation. After comple-tion of the intraabdom-inal vacuum therapy, -direct fascial closure was feasible in 35 patients (43 %). In 47 patients (57 %) an absorbable syn-thetic mesh was required for fascial closure. Symptomatic incisional hernias -occurred in 22 % of the patients. CONCLUSION: Abdominal vacuum therapy simplifies the treatment of patients with abdominal catastrophes such as peritonitis or necrotising pancreatitis. The cost-effective intraperitoneal use of a foam dressing without a fenestrated polyurethane layer was possible without an increased rate of fistulas. This retrospective analysis demonstrates that abdominal vacuum therapy can be performed without complications in the majority of patients. Furthermore, direct fascial closure is possible in almost half of the -patients.

Background: An efficient technique for abdominal wall closure should provide strength and be a barrier against infection. Method of closure and type of suture material are critical aspects of an effective abdominal wall closure after midline laparotomy. Dehiscence of abdominal wounds after closure is a serious complication especially in emergency laparotomies. Our study was done to know whether our method of abdominal closure was helpful in reducing incidence of wound dehiscence.Methods: Present study was carried out as a retrospective randomized clinical study in the department of general surgery, Menoufia University Hospitals for one year starting from March 2017 to March 2018. 168 patients had midline laparotomies (either elective or emergent) for inflammatory, traumatic or neoplastic indications.Results: In present study for this new technique of abdominal wall closure after midline laparotomies, wound infection was noticed in 12/168 (7.2%) cases and 2/168 (1.2%) patients developed wound dehiscence.Conclusions: Present study demonstrates that our new technique (Moharam Repair) of abdominal wall closure after midline laparotomies) is efficient in reducing post-operative wound dehiscence (burst abdomen). So, this technique is applicable, safe, and can minimize morbidities and mortalities related to wound dehiscence (as a short-term complication) after midline exploratory laparotomies (MEL).

Background: With the aims of getting evidence-based guidelines and decision making, well supported by strong, high quality data. We have developed an easy surgeon friendly mobile app which can be customized to the need by just decoding it.Methods: We have use this app to analyze the outcomes of midline rectus sheath closure with different techniques and different sutures in terms of SSI, wound dehiscence, suture knot granuloma, burst abdomen and incisional hernia(IH). All the details regarding patient’s demographic status, surgical technique, suture used and follow up were recorded in the form of EDC (Electronic Data Collection) with the mobile app.Results: Total 595 cases with mean age 48 years underwent midline closure. The most preferred technique was continuous running technique with polypropylene suture (54.1%) followed by herringbone technique with polypropylene suture (27.7%), continuous running technique with polyglactin suture (18. 2%).The incidence of IH was 4.05% with continuous running technique with polypropylene suture. The data of desired variables can be accessed easily just by few clicks.Conclusions: This mobile app is reliable, fast, cost effective, and generates a credible and valid data along with the basic statistical analysis.

Secure abdominal wall closure for laparotomy incisions is paramount in prevention of hernia formation. Despite the importance, abdominal closure is often delegated to the resident surgeon. The purpose of this study was to assess residents' formal training, knowledge, and technique in abdominal wall closure.All surgical residents in our training program participated in a skills laboratory and completed a questionnaire. The skills portion involved closure of a 10-cm incision on a simulated abdominal wall. Participants were timed, videotaped, and graded using a standardized grading system. Lengths of the suture bites were measured. Regression analysis was used to compare results based on number of closures. A P-value of0.05 was considered significant.Ten surgical residents participated. The average time for closure was 4:23 min (range 3:08-5:65 min). The average distance between the bite and the incision was 0.9 cm and between bites was 0.8 cm. All knots were satisfactory and intact following closure. Participants' experience varied with a range from 0 to 230 previous abdominal closures. All residents chose to perform closure in a continuous fashion using a slowly absorbing suture. All but one resident stated that sutures should be placed 1 cm from the incision with 1 cm advances. Only one resident knew the correct suture-to-wound length ratio for closure, and only four residents were familiar with the literature about abdominal wall closure. With increasing closure experience, there was significant improvement in time and motion of suturing (P = 0.02), respect of tissue (P = 0.0002), instrument handling (P = 0.004), orientation of needle (P = 0.0076), and flow of closure (P = 0.046). Residents who had performed more closures took significantly larger suture bites (P = 0.03) with larger distances between bites (P = 0.03).Surgical technique improves with increased experience with abdominal closures; however, residents at all levels have the physical ability to adequately perform this task. Education regarding closure appears to be lacking, and further study warranted.

Background: To compare and find out the best method of abdominal wall closure in cases peritonitis between subcutaneous negative suction drainage tube and conventional primary skin and subcutaneous closure.Methods: From September 2015 to September 2017, 100 patients who presented at the emergency department with acute abdominal pain and operated for the same, with features s/o peritonitis were enrolled into the study. 50 of them were managed with subcutaneous negative suction drainage tube during abdominal wall closure (Group A). 50 other patients underwent conventional method of abdominal wall closure (Group B). On table pus c/s was sent for all 100 cases. The surgical wound was observed for signs of infection. Any seropurulent collection from the drain or any discharge from the wound was sent for c/s and the results of which were compared with the results of on table pus c/s. If wound dehiscence was noted, secondary suturing was done after the wound healed. The duration of suction drain placement and stay in the hospital were noted in all cases. The results were analyzed with Chi-square test and Student t test (unpaired) and p values were calculated. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The incidence of SSI was significantly less in Group A (20%) than in Group B (64%). Similarly, wound dehiscence occurred in 30% of SSI cases in Group A as against 87.1% of SSI cases in Group B, the difference of which was statistically significant. The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly less when subcutaneous suction drain was placed (8 days).Conclusions: Subcutaneous suction drainage tube is an effective method of abdominal wall closure in cases of peritonitis when compared to conventional primary skin closure as it significantly reduces the incidence of SSI, wound dehiscence, wound secondary suturing and duration of hospital stay.

Background: Gastroschisis (GS) is a congenital full-thickness defect of the anterior abdominal wall, whose incidence is increasing. Traditional postnatal management options include primary reduction and closure under general anaesthetic or operative silo construction for defects judged to be unsuitable for immediate repair. The cot-side application of the preformed silo (PFS) with delayed abdominal wall closure has recently been advocated as the management method of choice for infants with GS. We report a novel trainer designed to facilitate acquisition and refinement of the skills to apply the PFS. Materials and Methods: A model of an infant with GS was constructed to allow application of a PFS. Each step of the clinical application of a PFS could be simulated. Paediatric surgeons at a regional meeting participated in evaluating the model. This cohort was surveyed with regards to previous clinical experience applying the PFS, invited to apply the silo on the model and then resurveyed with regard to the technique, ease of the application of the PFS on the model, its robustness and potential use as a training tool. Results: Seventeen paediatric surgeons completed the surveys and applications of the PFS on the model. Under supervision, each step of the procedure was completed by all participants. Feedback was enthusiastic and positive and participants judged the model to be realistic and potentially very useful as a training tool (median score 8 out of 10). Conclusions: We have developed and evaluated a reproducible, low-cost model of an infant with GS. This ex vivo trainer may be a useful adjunct in the acquisition and refinement of the skills of surgeons who manage GS using a PFS.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to critically evaluate elective preterm delivery and immediate abdominal wall closure and other techniques for the management of gastroschisis, hypothesizing that the advantages of an elective preterm delivery outweigh possible complications related to prematurity at birth. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 13 gastroschisis patients were enrolled in the elective preterm delivery program (Group 1) since 1999. Patients were delivered by cesarean section in the 34th gestational week, with immediate primary closure of the defect. Data regarding parameters at and after birth were compared with a historical control group of 10 patients conventionally managed for gastroschisis in a similar period (1994 - 1999) (Group 2). The primary endpoints of this study were the initiation of oral feeding and the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: There was a significantly faster initiation of oral feeding (p = 0.0012) and a shorter hospital stay (p = 0.0160) in Group 1. The postoperative outcome was excellent in all patients. Acute and late complications were fewer and less severe in Group 1 and none were related to prematurity. CONCLUSIONS: Elective preterm delivery appears to be an effective method for the management of gastroschisis, and a method whose advantages thus far have outweighed the possible complications due to prematurity.

Background: We report our experience with the treatment of classic exstrophy of the bladder in a small series of seven adult males. There are very few documented cases of adults presenting with exstrophy of bladder in literature. Materials and Methods: Adult males presenting with classic exstrophy of the bladder and complete epispadias underwent detailed evaluation including psychological assessment and counseling. All were explained regarding the surgical procedure and informed about the need for self-catheterization. Prior to 2002 all patients underwent cystectomy of the existing bladder plate, with creation of catheterizable modified Mainz pouch. Since 2002 patients were assessed for bladder reconstruction with augmentation ileocystoplasty, bladder neck reconstruction, and abdominal wall closure. Results: Seven adult males with classic exstrophy of the bladder and complete epispadias who had not received any previous treatment presented to us during the period 1991-2006. Five of these underwent cystectomy with continent pouch and the remaining two underwent bladder reconstruction. All have been doing well with improved self-esteem and social interaction. Two of these have married and leading a satisfactory sexual relationship. Conclusions: Surgical correction in adults with exstrophy of the bladder greatly improves self-esteem, confidence, and social relationship.

BACKGROUND: The unacceptably high rates of incisional hernia after midline laparotomy and recurrent hernia after hernia operations led us to design a new suture technique of abdominal wall closure. METHODS: During 38 autopsies we opened the linea alba exactly at the midline. On one side we inserted a suture thread in the fascia, parallel to the fascial margin. Above this, one interrupted suture each was made in the epigastrium, the umbilical region and the hypogastrium. On the contralateral side we introduced suitable interrupted sutures without a longitudinal thread. All interrupted sutures were loaded with a tensiometer until the thread tore out of the tissue. The data were evaluated statistically by means of the Mann–Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The median rupture strength on the non-reinforced side was 67.5 N and on the reinforced side, 113.3 N (p < 0.0001). With the interrupted suture the rupture was caused by the suture cutting through the tissue in 77.2% of cases, while this could be avoided in all cases on the side treated with the reinforced tension line (RTL). CONCLUSIONS: The RTL suture technique reinforces the suture base to withstand an additional tensile load of 40 N. This simple technique can be used for primary abdominal wall closure as well as for incisional hernias and should be compared in the clinical setting in prospective randomized studies with conventional techniques.

Open abdomen (OA) has been an effective treatment for abdominal catastrophes in traumatic and general surgery. However, management of patients with OA remains a formidable task for surgeons. The central goal of OA is closure of fascial defect as early as is clinically feasible without precipitating abdominal compartment syndrome. Historically, techniques such as packing, mesh, and vacuum-assisted closure have been developed to assist temporary abdominal closure, and techniques such as components separation, mesh-mediated traction, bridging fascial defect with permanent synthetic mesh, or biologic mesh have also been attempted to achieve early primary fascial closure, either alone or in combined use. The objective of this review is to present the challenges of these techniques for OA with a goal of early primary fascial closure, when the patient’s physiological condition allows.

A factor that may influence the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) is the suture used for closure of the abdominal wall because bacteria may adhere to the suture material. Sutures can be coated with antibacterial substances that may reduce the bacterial load in the incision.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of triclosan-coated sutures used in abdominal wall closure in patients with fecal peritonitis.A randomized study was performed. Inclusion criteria were intra-operative diagnosis of fecal peritonitis secondary to acute diverticulitis perforation, neoplastic tumor perforation, or colorectal anastomotic leak of previous elective colorectal resection. The patients were randomly assigned to either abdominal wall closure with triclosan-coated sutures (group 1) or sutures without triclosan (group 2).Fifty patients were included in group 1 and 51 in group 2. The incisional SSI rate was 10% in group 1 and 35.3% in group 2 (p=0.004; odds ratio [OR]=0.204; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.069-0.605). A significant reduction in SSIs caused by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis was observed in group 2.The use of triclosan-coated sutures in fecal peritonitis surgery reduces the incidence of incisional SSI.

Ample evidence obtained in vitro indicates that the thin filament linked protein, caldesmon (CaD) is involved in regulation of smooth muscle contraction. Homozygous h-CaD deficient mice were report...

Based on a recent meta-analysis, a continuous suture technique with a suture to wound length ratio of at least 4:1, using a slowly absorbable monofilament suture material, is recommended for primary median laparotomy closure. Incisional hernia, which develops in 9 to 20% of patients, remains the major complication of abdominal wall closure. Current clinical data indicate that the incidence of incisional hernias increases by 60% between the first and the third year after median laparotomy, implicating that a follow-up period of 1 year postoperatively is too short with regard to this common complication. Trauma to the abdominal wall can be reduced by improvements in suture technique as well as suture material. Several factors, such as stitch length, suture tension, elasticity, and tensile strength of the suture material are discussed and currently under investigation. A Swedish randomized controlled trial showed a significant reduction in the incisional hernia rate by shortening the stitch length. However, a non-elastic thread was used and follow-up ended after 12 months. Therefore, we designed a multicenter, international, double-blinded, randomized trial to analyze the influence of stitch length, using an elastic, extra-long term absorbable monofilament suture, on the long term clinical outcome of abdominal wall closure. In total, 468 patients undergoing an elective, median laparotomy will be randomly allocated to either the short stitch or the long stitch suture technique for abdominal wall closure in a 1:1 ratio. Centers located in Germany and Austria will participate. The primary endpoint measure is the incisional hernia rate 1 year postoperatively, as verified by ultrasound. The frequency of short term and long term complications as well as costs, length of hospital stay and patients’ quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L) will be considered as secondary parameters. Following hospital discharge, patients will be examined after 30 days and 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery. This study will provide further evidence on whether a short stitch suture technique in combination with an elastic, extra-long term absorbable monofilament suture can prevent incisional hernias in the long term, compared with the long stitch suture technique. NCT01965249 .

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: The authors present a novel mesh suture design aimed at minimizing the early laparotomy dehiscence that drives ventral hernia formation. The authors hypothesized that modulation of the suture-tissue interface through use of a macroporous structure and increased aspect ratio (width-to-height ratio) would decrease the suture pull-through that leads to laparotomy dehiscence. Methods: Incisional hernias were produced in 30 rats according to an established hernia model. The rat hernias were randomized to repair with either two 5-0 polypropylene sutures or two midweight polypropylene mesh sutures. Standardized photographs were taken before repair and 1 month after repair. Edge-detection software was used to define the border of the hernia defect and calculate the defect area. Histologic analysis was performed on all mesh suture specimens. Results: Seventeen hernias were repaired with mesh sutures and 13 were repaired with conventional sutures. The mean area of the recurrent defects following repair with mesh suture was 177.8 ± 27.1 mm2, compared with 267.3 ± 34.1 mm2 following conventional suture repair. This correlated to a 57.4 percent reduction in defect area after mesh suture repair, compared with a 10.1 percent increase in defect area following conventional suture repair (p < 0.0007). None (zero of 34) of the mesh sutures pulled through the surrounding tissue, whereas 65 percent (17 of 26) of the conventional sutures demonstrated complete pull-through. Excellent fibrocollagenous ingrowth was observed in 13 of 17 mesh suture specimens. Conclusions: Mesh sutures better resisted suture pull-through than conventional polypropylene sutures. The design elements of mesh sutures may prevent early laparotomy dehiscence by more evenly distributing distracting forces at the suture-tissue interface and permitting tissue incorporation of the suture itself.

The material and the surgical technique used to close an abdominal wall incision are important determinants of the risk of developing an incisional hernia. Optimising closure of abdominal wall incisions holds a potential to prevent patients suffering from incisional hernias and for important costs savings in health care. The European Hernia Society formed a Guidelines Development Group to provide guidelines for all surgical specialists who perform abdominal incisions in adult patients on the materials and methods used to close the abdominal wall. The guidelines were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and methodological guidance was taken from Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). The literature search included publications up to April 2014. The guidelines were written using the AGREE II instrument. An update of these guidelines is planned for 2017. For many of the Key Questions that were studied no high quality data was detected. Therefore, some strong recommendations could be made but, for many Key Questions only weak recommendations or no recommendation could be made due to lack of sufficient evidence. To decrease the incidence of incisional hernias it is strongly recommended to utilise a non-midline approach to a laparotomy whenever possible. For elective midline incisions, it is strongly recommended to perform a continuous suturing technique and to avoid the use of rapidly absorbable sutures. It is suggested using a slowly absorbable monofilament suture in a single layer aponeurotic closure technique without separate closure of the peritoneum. A small bites technique with a suture to wound length (SL/WL) ratio at least 4/1 is the current recommended method of fascial closure. Currently, no recommendations can be given on the optimal technique to close emergency laparotomy incisions. Prophylactic mesh augmentation appears effective and safe and can be suggested in high-risk patients, like aortic aneurysm surgery and obese patients. For laparoscopic surgery, it is suggested using the smallest trocar size adequate for the procedure and closure of the fascial defect if trocars larger or equal to 10 mm are used. For single incision laparoscopic surgery, we suggest meticulous closure of the fascial incision to avoid an increased risk of incisional hernias.

Resumen La laparotomia media sigue siendo uno de los abordajes de la cavidad peritoneal realizado con mas frecuencia. Esta apertura de la cavidad peritoneal es utilizada no solo por la cirugia de aparato digestivo, sino por otras especialidades quirurgicas, como la cirugia vascular, la ginecologia y la urologia. En algunos casos, el procedimiento quirurgico se realiza con urgencia y, dependiendo del tipo de intervencion practicada (limpia y/o contaminada), la incidencia de complicaciones a veces alcanza tasas importantes, sobre todo cuando se produce dehiscencia aguda de la pared (evisceracion). El indice de eventracion despues de la laparotomia media sigue siendo muy alto y puede llegar al 16% de los casos. A pesar de las multiples tecnicas de sutura empleadas, los diferentes tipos de sutura (reabsorbible y no reabsorbible) y los factores generales que pueden interferir en el proceso cicatrizal, todavia no se ha podido reducir el indice de complicaciones de este abordaje. Los distintos estudios llevados a cabo, algunos de ellos metaanalisis, no han revelado mejoras en los resultados de estos cierres laparotomicos. Por ello, seria necesario que, en pacientes seleccionados, se pusieran en marcha metodos nuevos que de alguna forma reforzaran estos cierres y redujeran drasticamente el indice de complicaciones a corto y medio plazo. La inclusion de algun biomaterial como soporte de la sutura convencional podria ser, quiza, uno de ellos.

ObjectivesIncisional hernias are common complications of midline abdominal closure. The ‘Hughes Repair’ combines a standard mass closure with a series of horizontal and two vertical mattress sutures within a single suture. There is evidence to suggest this technique is as effective as mesh repair for the operative management of incisional hernias; however, no trials have compared Hughes repair with standard mass closure for the prevention of incisional hernia formation. This paper aims to test the feasibility of running a randomised controlled trial of a comparison of abdominal wall closure methods following midline incisional surgery for colorectal cancer, in preparation to a definitive randomised controlled trial.Design and settingA feasibility trial (with 1:1 randomisation) conducted perioperatively during colorectal cancer surgery.ParticipantsPatients undergoing midline incisional surgery for resection of colorectal cancer.InterventionsComparison of two suture techniques (Hughes repair or standard mass closure) for the closure of the midline abdominal wound following surgery for colorectal cancer.Primary and secondary outcomesA 30-patient feasibility trial assessed recruitment, randomisation, deliverability and early safety of the surgical techniques used.ResultsA total of 30 patients were randomised from 43 patients recruited and consented, over a 5-month period. 14 and 16 patients were randomised to arms A and B, respectively. There was one superficial surgical site infection (SSI) and two organ space SSIs reported in arm A, and two superficial SSIs and one complete wound dehiscence in arm B. There were no suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions reported in either arm. Independent data monitoring committee found no early safety concerns.ConclusionsThe feasibility trial found no early safety concerns and demonstrated that the trial was acceptable to patients. Progression to the pilot and main phases of the trial has now commenced following approval by the independent data monitoring committee.Trial registration numberISRCTN 25616490.