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Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the results of two different methods of surgical treatment of waist scaphoid nonunions (SNUs). We retrospectively analyzed data from 87 patients referred to our department from January 2010 to December 2017 who were surgically treated for waist SNU. Methods The mean period of time passed from trauma was 11.2 (±5.6) months. Patients were divided into two groups based on surgical treatment received: volar exposure osteosynthesis with shape memory staple (SMS) (group A) and volar exposure osteosynthesis with SMS and gelled platelet-rich plasma (GPRP) application at the bone defect level (group B). A cast (thumb excluded) was maintained for 4 weeks. Healing was checked clinically (pain, QuickDASH [Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand] score, Mayo Wrist Score) and radiologically (standard X-ray). Results Union was achieved in 40 patients in group A (95.2%) and in all patients in group B (45 patients; 100%). A statistically significant difference was observed in the improvement of the Mayo Wrist Score, QuickDASH score, and pain (measured through the visual analog scale) after 3 months from surgery (p = 0.02). Conclusion SMS is effective in treating waist SNU at more than 6 months from trauma. GPRP application can improve bone healing and upper limb function. Level of Evidence This is a retrospective observational Level III study.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is a surgical procedure in which the first metatarsal head is fused to the proximal phalanx of the great toe in order to permanently stiffen the first MTP joint. It was originally proposed as a treatment for severe cases of hallux valgus deformity, but the procedure’s indications and utilization have expanded since its initial development. Despite a wide variety of indications, first MTP arthrodesis has been shown to have reliable, satisfactory outcomes. As a result, the development of a wide array of surgical approaches, joint preparation techniques, and fixation devices used in the procedure has occurred. In this narrative review, we highlight the evolution of fixation constructs used in first MTP arthrodesis in order to provide a frame of reference for the various types of fixation constructs available.

Highlights • Free intraperitoneal staples are usually inert but can have complications. • Early obstructive symptoms after appendectomy should warrant prompt work-up. • Volvulus can occur due to free staples after laparoscopic appendectomy. • Small bowel necrosis due to a free malformed staple required small bowel resection. • We recommend removing free staples when seen in order to prevent complications., Introduction Laparoscopic appendectomies are routinely performed using linear staplers. Few case reports have discussed complications from free intraperitoneal staples after appendectomy. We present the first case of a volvulus caused by a free staple that subsequently required bowel resection. Presentation of case A 27-year-old female underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis. The base of the appendix was divided using a laparoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler and the mesoappendix was divided using a LigaSure device. The patient was discharged the following day. Eight days later, the patient returned to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, emesis, and peritoneal signs. Computed tomography (CT) showed significant pneumoperitoneum and nonspecific small bowel edema. Exploratory laparotomy was performed revealing a necrotic small bowel segment from a malformed, free staple caught on the peritoneum of the small bowel mesentery causing a closed loop obstruction. After reduction and detorsion, the small bowel segment was not viable and required resection. She was discharged on postoperative day four with no additional perioperative complications. Discussion Mechanical staplers are commonly used in laparoscopic appendectomy and free intraperitoneal staples are generally considered inert. A high index of suspicion should be maintained for the early postoperative appendectomy patient with obstructive symptoms. Conclusion Inspection of the staple line, choosing the appropriate staple size and cartridge, and removing free malformed staples if seen should be employed during appendectomy to prevent rare but devastating complications.

Background Evaluation of the Zip surgical skin closure device (Zip) versus metal staples regarding patient satisfaction and cosmesis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Patients undergoing TKA at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery were randomized to receive skin closure using Zip or staples. Patient satisfaction was assessed by surveys at discharge, three weeks and six weeks post-operatively. Cosmesis according to patients and observers was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results Randomization resulted in 21 Zip and 20 staple patients. Two subjects were lost to follow-up and one patient suffered cardiac arrest. Surgeon satisfaction favored Zip over staples on day of surgery and patient discharge. At three weeks, Zip was favored over staples for patient-reported movement and device removal pain. Patient satisfaction results favored Zip for comfort, ease of wound care, and hospital selection based on wound closure. POSAS favored Zip for appearance, pain, itching, color, stiffness, thickness, irregularity, vascularity, pigmentation, relief, pliability, surface area, and observer opinion. Subject opinion resulted in no difference between groups. At six weeks, no differences were found for patient-rated movement pain or ease of wound care. POSAS favored Zip for color, stiffness, thickness, vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, surface area and observer opinion. Conclusion Satisfaction with the closure method and patient and physician assessments of cosmesis were superior with Zip. Orthopedic surgeons strive to optimize TKA patient satisfaction. Skin closure can influence patient satisfaction as the memory of their recovery fades and the scar remains the most visible reminder of their experience.

The aim of this study was to make a comparison between the tissue fusion technique and conventional methods for sealing bowel anastomosis. Eighteen female domestic pigs (Suidae, Sus) were used in our study. Tissue-fused anastomoses (LigaSure groups) were made in 13 animals (5 anastomoses per animal), which were subdivided into 4 groups according to different manufacturing settings: “LigaSure-L-1” and “LigaSure-L-2”, with low energy output level with 1 or 2 device-activated tissue sealing times, and “LigaSure-M” and “LigaSure-H”, with medium or high energy output level. As controls, automatically stapled (GIA group) and hand-sewn (suture group) anastomoses were utilized in 3 and 2 animals, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the overall leakage rate between the GIA group (6.7%) and the LigaSure groups (15%) (P=1.000). There was less proliferating epithelium covering the anastomosis gap in the LigaSure groups compared with the other two groups. The gap between the two extremities of muscular layers of the anastomosis in the LigaSure groups was filled with collagen fibers. More proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were found in the anastomoses of the LigaSure groups compared with the other two groups (P=0.010). Our results showed that the tissue fusion technology was a feasible and safe method for anastomoses.

We herein report a case of life-threatening haemothorax that occurred 40 days after pulmonary segmentectomy in a 60-year-old man. The patient uneventfully underwent resection of the apical and posterior segments of the right upper lobe by video-assisted thoracic surgery for early-stage lung cancer. An emergency operation of haemostat for active bleeding from the intercostal artery was successful via a right thoracotomy. The bleeding point was in the vicinity of the staple line dividing the intersegmental plane. This case reveals that scratch by staples can cause haemothorax through incidental injury of the intercostal artery.

The aim of this study was to determine whether primary repair for intraoperative injury of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) can achieve satisfactory clinical results when compared to the clinical results of patients with no MCL injury. Simultaneously, we sought to determine the differences between 2 methods of primary repair (anchor suture and staple) in terms of their clinical outcomes. In our institute, 3897 total-knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed between 2003 and 2014. Sixty-five patients who suffered an MCL injury during the TKA procedure and in whom the injury was repaired with a suture anchor or staple (suture anchor: 36 vs staple: 29) were studied. A matched group of 65 patients without an MCL injury was selected to serve as the control group. Subjective feelings of instability and functional outcomes were assessed using the knee society (KS) score and the Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Objective stability was evaluated by the measurement of opening angles in extension and at 30° of knee flexion on valgus stress radiographs. The clinical outcomes and stability results were compared between the suture anchor and staple methods. The KS and WOMAC scores in patients who received primary repair of MCL injury during TKA improved from 50.6 ± 13.1 to 87.3 ± 7.3 (P

Background & Objective: Chronic pain occurs in 20–30% of patients after hernia surgery. As a consequence of this chronic pain, almost one third of patients have limitations in daily activities. Frequency and severity of this pain varies with different techniques of hernia repair. The objective of this study was to compare polypropylene suture and skin staples for securing mesh in uncomplicated ventral hernioplasty in terms of acute and chronic postoperative pain and to compare the time taken for mesh fixation between polypropylene sutures and skin stapler in ventral hernioplasty. Methods: This study was conducted in Surgery Department of Dow University Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus and included 53 patients from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016, after taking informed consent. All patients were operated under general anesthesia by the same surgical team. Patients were randomized into two groups; in one group mesh fixed with 2/0 polypropylene suture while in other group mesh stapler was used. Time taken to apply mesh was noted in minutes from laying the mesh over anterior rectus sheath to completion of fixation by either method. The severity of post-operative pain was measured with VAS (1-10) after one week, one month and after one year after surgery. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17. Results: Patient characteristics and operative outcome were similar in the two groups and statistically non-significant in both. Early postoperative pain was more after suture fixation but it was not statistically significant. Mean ± SD pain score was after one week 3.47±2.7 after sutures while 2.91±1.88 after stapler. After four weeks, 0.40±0.49 after suture while 0.35±0.48 after stapler fixation. In both study groups 30–34% of the patients felt some pain in follow-up after one year. Severity of pain was 0.60±0.62 after suture while 1.65±1.94 after stapler fixation which is statistically significant as well (p

Introduction: On a daily basis, dermasurgeons are faced with different kinds of wounds that have to be closed. With a plethora of skin closure materials currently available, choosing a solution that combines excellent and rapid cosmetic results with practicality and cost-effectiveness can be difficult, if not tricky. Objectives: We aimed to review the available skin closure materials over the past 20 years and the scientific claims behind their effectiveness in repairing various kinds of wounds. Materials and Methods: The two authors independently searched and scrutinised the literature. The search was performed electronically using Pub Med, the Cochrane Database, Google Scholar and Ovid as search engines to find articles concerning skin closure materials written since 1990. Conclusion: Many factors are involved in the choice of skin closure material, including the type and place of the wound, available materials, physician expertise and preferences, and patient age and health. Evidence-based main uses of different skin closure materials are provided to help surgeons choose the appropriate material for different wounds.

Background The field of orthopaedics is a constantly evolving discipline. Despite the historical success of plates, pins and screws in fracture reduction and stabilisation, there is a continuing search for more efficient and improved methods of fracture fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate shape-memory staples and to compare them to a currently used implant for internal fracture fixation. Multi-plane bending stability and interfragmentary compression were assessed across a simulated osteotomy using single and double-staple fixation and compared to a bridging plate. Methods Transverse osteotomies were made in polyurethane blocks (20 × 20 × 120 mm) and repairs were performed with one (n = 6), or two (n = 6) 20 mm nitinol staples, or an eight-hole 2.7 mm quarter-tubular plate (n = 6). A pressure film was placed between fragments to determine contact area and compressive forces before and after loading. Loading consisted of multi-planar four-point bending with an actuator displacement of 3 mm. Gapping between segments was recorded to determine loads corresponding to a 2 mm gap and residual post-load gap. Results Staple fixations showed statistically significant higher mean compressive loads and contact areas across the osteotomy compared to plate fixations. Double-staple constructs were superior to single-staple constructs for both parameters (p

Purpose: Mechanical stapler is regarded as a good alternative to the hand sewing technique, when used in gastric reconstruction. The circular stapling method has been widely applied to gastrectomy (open orlaparoscopic), for gastric cancer. We illustrated and compared the hand-sutured method to the circular stapling method, for Billroth-II, in patients who underwent laparoscopy assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Between April 2009 and May 2011, 60 patients who underwent laparoscopy assisted distal gastrectomy, with Billroth-II, were enrolled. Hand-sutured Billroth-II was performed in 40 patients (manual group) and circular stapler Billroth-II was performed in 20 patients (stapler group). Clinicopathological features and post-operative outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results: Nosignificant differences were observed in clinicopathologic parameters and post-operative outcomes, except in the operation times. Operation times and anastomosis times were significantly shorter in the stapler group (P=0.004 and P

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion fracture is commonly associated with knee injuries and its management is controversial ranging from conservative treatment to arthroscopic fixation. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic staple fixation in the management of ACL avulsion fractures. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients (17 males and 5 females) who underwent arthroscopic staple fixation for displaced ACL avulsion fractures were analysed. The mean age was 32.2 years (15-55 years) with a mean followup of 21 months (6-36 months). All patients were assessed clinically by calculating their Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and the radiological union was assessed in the followup radiographs. Results: The mean Lysholm score was 95.4(83-100) and the mean IKDC score was 91.1(77-100) at the final followup. In 20 patients anterior drawer's test was negative at the end of final followup while two patients had grade I laxity. Associated knee injuries were found in seven cases. The final outcome was not greatly influenced by the presence of associated injuries when treated simultaneously. At final followup all the patients were able to return to their pre-injury occupation Conclusion: Arthroscopic staple fixation is a safe and reliable method for producing clinical and radiological outcome in displaced ACL avulsion fractures.

The purpose of this report is to describe the T-staple tenodesis of biceps brachii in three client-owned dogs and long-term ultrasonographic follow-ups. The orthopaedic examination revealed grade 2/4 (n = 2) and 3/4 (n = 1) lameness, moderate pain on passive movement and positivity to the tendon biceps test with a complete extension of the elbow during the flexion of the shoulder (Cases 1 and 2). Ultrasound examination was crucial for diagnosis of partial or complete rupture and tenosynovitis of biceps tendon. Surgical tenodesis was carried out with a metal T-staple. One-year ultrasound follow-up was performed, confirming the correct integration of the staple on the bicipital fibres and the absence of macroscopic tendon injury or degenerative disease. The results suggest that the metal T-staple could be a good alternative for bicipital tenodesis in dogs.

While the Lapidus procedure is a widely accepted technique for treatment of hallux valgus, the optimal fixation method to maintain joint stability remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical properties of new shape memory alloy (SMA) staples arranged in different configurations in a repeatable first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis model. Ten sawbones models of the whole foot (n = 5 per group) were reconstructed using a single dorsal staple or two staples in a delta configuration. Each construct was mechanically tested non-destructively in dorsal four-point bending, medial four-point bending, dorsal three-point bending, and plantar cantilever bending with the staples activated at 37°C. The peak load (newton), stiffness (newton per millimeter), and plantar gapping (millimeter) were determined for each test. Pressure sensors were used to measure the contact force and area of the joint footprint in each group. There was a statistically significant increase in peak load in the two staple constructs compared to the single staple constructs for all testing modalities with P values range from 0.016 to 0.000. Stiffness also increased significantly in all tests except dorsal four-point bending. Pressure sensor readings showed a significantly higher contact force at time zero (P = 0.037) and contact area following loading in the two staple constructs (P = 0.045). Both groups completely recovered any plantar gapping following unloading and restored their initial contact footprint. The biomechanical integrity and repeatability of the models was demonstrated with no construct failures due to hardware or model breakdown. SMA staples provide fixation with the ability to dynamically apply and maintain compression across a simulated arthrodesis following a range of loading conditions.

A 66-year-old man with postsigmoidectomy status for colon cancer received laparoscopic partial hepatectomy due to a hepatic mass with employing titanium clips were for a vascular clamp. Histological examination showed liver metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer. Twenty-nine months after the partial hepatectomy, a mass developed on the stump at the hepatic resection. Laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy was conducted under suspicion of cancer recurrence and an automatic titanium stapling device was used. The macroscopically cut surface of the liver showed a grey-white solid nodule measuring 23 x 20 mm and involving metal clips. The nodule was consistent with granuloma microscopically. Twenty-three months after the segmentectomy, a mass reappeared on the hepatic radial margin and an open left lateral hepatic lobectomy was performed because of its growth tendency. Histopathological examination revealed granuloma similar to the previous instance. Since these nodules formed a granulomatous lesion surrounding metal staples/clips and evidence of caseous necrosis was lacking, granuloma due to surgical staples/clips was suspected. Sporadic case reports of postoperative pulmonary granuloma at the staple line have been published previously, but there are no articles detailing a case involving hepatic granuloma. We present our case as the first report of postoperative staple-line hepatic granuloma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of consensus algorithms on segmentation results when applied to clinical PET images. In particular, whether the use of the majority vote or STAPLE algorithm could improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the segmentation provided by the combination of three semiautomatic segmentation algorithms was investigated. Three published segmentation methods (contrast-oriented, possibility theory and adaptive thresholding) and two consensus algorithms (majority vote and STAPLE) were implemented in a single software platform (Artiview®). Four clinical datasets including different locations (thorax, breast, abdomen) or pathologies (primary NSCLC tumours, metastasis, lymphoma) were used to evaluate accuracy and reproducibility of the consensus approach in comparison with pathology as the ground truth or CT as a ground truth surrogate. Variability in the performance of the individual segmentation algorithms for lesions of different tumour entities reflected the variability in PET images in terms of resolution, contrast and noise. Independent of location and pathology of the lesion, however, the consensus method resulted in improved accuracy in volume segmentation compared with the worst-performing individual method in the majority of cases and was close to the best-performing method in many cases. In addition, the implementation revealed high reproducibility in the segmentation results with small changes in the respective starting conditions. There were no significant differences in the results with the STAPLE algorithm and the majority vote algorithm. This study showed that combining different PET segmentation methods by the use of a consensus algorithm offers robustness against the variable performance of individual segmentation methods and this approach would therefore be useful in radiation oncology. It might also be relevant for other scenarios such as the merging of expert recommendations in clinical routine and trials or the multiobserver generation of contours for standardization of automatic contouring.

Background: In open anterior inguinal mesh hernioplasty, the commonly used method for mesh fixation is by polypropylene sutures which involves extensive mesh fixation and placement of sutures into periosteum of pubic symphysis, thereby increasing the operative time with attendant risk of infection of the prosthetic material. An alternative to sutures is the use of staples which are easy to use and quick to apply. We explored the use of staples in securing the mesh in inguinal hernioplasty. Methodology: A prospective comparative study of 400 patients who underwent inguinal mesh hernioplasty with 200 patients selected randomly each in polypropylene suture (PPSG) and staple group (SG) was performed. Postoperatively patients were made ambulatory on the same day of surgery and discharged from hospital on 1st or 2nd day in both the groups. Follow-up was carried out in 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years and the patients were assessed for wound infection, hematomas, local pain, return to work, recurrence if any, and other miscellaneous complications if any. Results: The mean age of patients in our study in polypropylene suture group and staple group was 46.75 years and 46 years, respectively. 80% (160 patients) in polypropylene suture group and 75% (150 patients) in stapler group had indirect hernia. The mean operative time in PPSG and SG group was 59.25 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively (p value0.05). Overall the complication rate was the same in the two groups with no statistically significant differences observed (P value >0.05). There was 0% recurrence rate in 6 months and 1 year of follow-up in both groups. However, in 3-year follow-up 20 patients (10%) in PPSG and 2 patients (1%) in SG had recurrence (P value=0.0001). Conclusion: The technique of mesh fixation with skin staples is as effective as conventional fixation with polypropylene sutures, with an important added advantage of a significant reduction in the operative time and an early return to work. At the same time this technique does not have any additional complications compared to traditional Lichtenstein method. Good tissue penetrance and effective mesh anchorage are achieved when staples are utilized to secure the mesh. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2018; 7(1.000): 7-12]

Background A new sutureless technique has been introduced clinically to facilitate the process of vascular reconstruction and improve patency. The Vessel Closure System (VCS) is nonpenetrating, creates an elastomeric everted anastomosis, and is easily and reproducibly applied. The objective of this report is to review the published world experience that has accrued regarding these clips with attention to the assets, liabilities, and pitfalls associated with the new technology. Data sources Medline search and manual cross-referencing were performed, after which 61 original articles were identified on the use of VCS clips for vascular anastomoses. Results Advantages of the clips compared with sutures include the technical ease of application, the reduced anastomotic time, the superior hemodynamics, and the improved healing pattern of the anastomosis. Disadvantages include the potential problems in atherosclerotic vessels, lack of prospective randomized long-term follow-up, and initial costs. The best clinical results have been achieved in microvascular repair, as well as with vascular access and transplantation surgery. Conclusions The VCS clip technology has become an accepted vascular anastomosing technique, which in future could lead to the use of clips as a standard approach and the use of sutures only in case of severe atherosclerosis and other circumstances in which vessel edges are difficult to evert.

There has been dramatic resurgence of interest in surgical treatment of emphysema, particularly "lung volume reduction" procedures. Recent studies have demonstrated improvements in pulmonary function, lung mechanics, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in selected patients following volume reduction procedures. However, considerable uncertainty remains regarding overall benefit, optimal patient selection, operative techniques, and duration of response. This summarizes current approaches to lung volume reduction surgery, available clinical outcome information, selection criteria, and physiologic mechanisms of response, and discusses the potential role for surgical volume reduction in treatment of emphysema. Recent data appear to support the efficacy of bilateral staple lung volume reduction surgery in patients with severe symptomatic heterogeneously distributed emphysema. Further studies will be needed to determine relative value of different operative techniques and benefit in patients with other clinical presentations.