Preventive esophagomyobronchoplasty as a method to prevent the failure of the bronchial stump in pneumonectomy for lung cancer

Aim. Comparative analysis of insufficiency rate of bronchial stump sutures in pneumonectomy for lung cancer, depending on suturing techniques. Methods. A patented technique for bronchial stump suturing has been introduced into the practice of the GOBUZ clinic Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital based on the Department of thoracic surgery since 2015 for pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Before the introduction of the developed technique, various generally accepted methods of bronchial stump forming were used (mechanical suture, manual suture, their combination, bronchial stump coverage with mediastinal pleura, pericardial flap). A retrospective analysis of 173 case histories and operational protocols of patients with lung cancer who underwent pneumonectomy was carried out for the failure of bronchial stump sutures when using conventional suturing techniques between 2010 and 2014 (the first group of patients). We also performed a retrospective and prospective analysis of 204 case histories and operational protocols of patients in a similar clinical group when using a patented suturing technique between 2015 and 2020 (the second group of patients). Statistical analysis was carried out by using Statistica 10.0 software (StatSoft, Inc. 2011). The qualitative and quantitative indicators were analyzed by using the Pearsons 2-test with Yatess correction. Results. A retrospective analysis shows that the failure rate in the use of generally accepted bronchial stump suturing techniques for 20102014 was 10.4%. After the implementation of the method of preventive esophagobronchomyoplasty, complications as bronchial stump suture failure were not detected in any case between 2015 and 2020. Conclusion. The study shows high efficiency, a decrease in the incidence of complications as the failure of bronchial stump sutures in the use of the developed method of preventive esophagomyobronchoplasty in pneumonectomy for lung cancer.

Implementing a protocol to prevent incisional hernia in high-risk patients: a mesh is a powerful tool

Purpose The small bites (SB) technique for closure of elective midline laparotomies (EMLs) and a prophylactic mesh (PM) in high-risk patients are suggested by the guidelines to prevent incisional hernias (IHs) and fascial dehiscence (FD). Our aim was to implement a protocol combining both the techniques and to analyze its outcomes. Methods Prospective data of all EMLs were collected for 2 years. Results were analyzed at 1 month and during follow-up. The incidence of HI and FD was compared by groups (M = Mesh vs. S = suture) and by subgroups depending on using SB. Results A lower number of FD appeared in the M group (OR 0.0692; 95% CI 0.008–0.56; P = 0.01) in 197 operations. After a mean follow-up of 29.23 months (N = 163; min. 6 months), with a lower frequency of IH in M group (OR 0.769; 95% CI 0.65–0.91; P < 0.0001). (33) The observed differences persisted after a propensity matching score: FD (OR 0.355; 95% CI 0.255–0.494; P < 0.0001) and IH (OR 0.394; 95% CI 0.24–0.61; P < 0.0001). On comparing suturing techniques by subgroups, both mesh subgroups had better outcomes. PM was the main factor related to the reduction of IH (HR 11.794; 95% CI 4.29–32.39; P < 0.0001). Conclusion Following the protocol using PM and SB showed a lower rate of FD and HI. A PM is safe and effective for the prevention of both HI and FD after MLE, regardless of the closure technique used.

O03 SMALL BITES AND PROPHYLACTIC MESH TO PREVENT INCISIONAL HERNIA IN HIGH-RISK PATIENTS. A MESH IS THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL

Aim Small bites (SB) technique for closure of elective midline laparotomies (EMLs) and a prophylactic mesh (PM) in high-risk patients are suggested by guidelines to prevent incisional hernias (IHs) and burst abdomen (BA). Our aim was to implement a protocol combining both and to analyze its outcomes. Material and Methods Prospective data collection of all EMLs for one year. Results were analyzed at one month and during follow-up. The incidence of IH and BA was compared by groups depending on the use of a PM (M Group) or not (S Group), and in subgroups related to the closure technique: SB (Subgroups MSB and SSB) or not (Subgroups MLB and MSB). Results A lower number of BA was diagnosed in the M group (OR 0.0692; CI95% 0.008-0.56; P = 0.01) in 197 operations. 163 patients completed a mean follow-up of 29.23 months, with a lower frequency of IH in M group patients (OR = 0.769; CI 95% 0.65 - 0.91; P &lt; 0.0001). Same differences persisted after a propensity matching score: BA (OR = 0.355; CI 95% 0.255 - 0.494; P &lt; 0.0001) and IH (OR = 0.394; CI 95% 0.24 - 0.61; P &lt; 0.0001). Comparing suturing techniques by subgroups any difference in IH and BA appeared. PM was the main factor related to reduction of IH (HR 11.794; CI 95% 4.29 - 32.39; P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions A PM is the most powerful tool for prevention both IH and BA after EMLs, regardless of the closure technique in patients at high-risk for IHs.

Conduction disorders after perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure: continuous versus interrupted suturing techniques

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate postoperative conduction disorder differences between continuous and interrupted suturing techniques for the closure of perimembranous outlet-type ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in both tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and isolated VSD cases. METHODS Patients aged 4 years or younger who underwent VSD closure for ToF (n = 112) or isolated perimembranous outlet-type VSD (n = 73) from April 2010 to December 2018 at 3 centres were reviewed. Patients either received continuous suturing for ToF (C-ToF, n = 58) or isolated VSD (C-VSD, n = 50), or interrupted suturing for ToF (I-ToF, n = 54) or isolated VSD (I-VSD, n = 23). Cohorts did not differ in preoperative characteristics. Postoperative conduction disorder differences upon discharge and postoperative year 1 (POY1) were evaluated by electrocardiography. RESULTS The C-ToF group showed significantly shorter PQ intervals (124.0 vs 133.5 ms; P = 0.042 upon discharge, 125.3 vs 133.5 ms; P = 0.045 at POY1) and QRS durations (98.0 vs 106.2 ms; P = 0.031 upon discharge, 97.3 vs 102.5 ms; P = 0.040 at POY1) than the I-ToF group. Right bundle branch block incidence was significantly lower in the C-ToF versus I-ToF groups (56.8 vs 75.9; P = 0.045 upon discharge, 56.8 vs 75.9; P = 0.045 at POY1). Heart rates were significantly lower in the C-ToF versus I-ToF groups at POY1 (109.2 vs 119.3 bpm; P &lt; 0.001). No parameters significantly differed between C-VSD and I-VSD groups. Multivariable analyses confirmed the group (C-ToF versus I-ToF) as a significant covariate in postoperative heart rate, PQ interval, QRS duration and right bundle branch block outcomes at POY1 (P = 0.013, 0.027, 0.013 and 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A continuous suturing technique for the closure of outlet-type VSD in ToF could reduce the incidence of postoperative right bundle branch block, shorten the PQ interval and lower heart rate. Subject collection 110, 138, 139.

Autologous Posterior Rectus Sheath as a Vascularized Onlay Flap: a Novel Approach to Hiatal Hernia Repair

Introduction Complex and recurrent paraesophageal hernia repairs are a challenge for surgeons due to their high recurrence rates despite the use of various prosthetic and suturing techniques. Methods Here we describe the use of vascularized fascia harvested from the posterior rectus sheath with peritoneum during robotic hiatal hernia repair in two patients with large complex diaphragmatic defects. Results Successful harvesting and onlay of the right posterior rectus sheath based on a falciform vascular pedicle was achieved robotically by rotating and securing the flap to the diaphragmatic hiatus as an onlay flap following cruroplasty of the hiatal defect. Conclusions In patients with difficult to repair large paraesophageal hernias, we demonstrate a promising new technique to restore the dynamic hiatal complex with the tensile strength of autologous vascularized fascia and peritoneum.

828 STITCH And B**** - A Novel Programme Combining Pastoral Support and Surgical Skills

Aim Foundation training can be a challenging time for Junior doctors; though help and support is offered, it is not always taken up. This programme aims to create a safe environment to facilitate discussion and provide pastoral support alongside teaching them new surgical skills. Method Four different sessions were organised over the period of four months (August 2020 – November 2020) and FY1/FY2 doctors working in the Orthopaedic department at the GWH, Swindon were invited to attend. Each session focussed on assorted suturing techniques and knot tying. In addition, the facilitator directed conversation towards opportunities to discuss frustrations, challenges, queries as well as positive occurrences. A questionnaire was distributed at the final session to evaluate participant experience. Results 100% of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that they found their FY1 rotation challenging so far. 100% also scored 9/10 when asked how comfortable they were talking about concerns, worries or issues at these sessions. All the participants recorded ‘yes’ when asked if the session provided them with a listening ear, helpful advice, feeling supported, understanding/empathy and reassurance. 100% of the attendees scored that their confidence at suturing had improved (average: 4 points on a scale of 1-10). Conclusions Through these sessions, practical changes and improvements were achieved in the running of the Trauma and Orthopaedic department. Placement feedback was obtained, suggestions on things to improve or change and key issues were escalated to supervisors. There do not appear to be any similar programmes run that combine directed pastoral support and surgical skills teaching.