Our initial experience of three versus two rows circular stapler devices for stapled hemorrhoidopexy: a single institution review of 224 cases

Background: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a non-excisional approach for haemorrhoids as opposed to conventional open Milligan-Morgan and Ferguson closed haemorrhoidectomy techniques. It repositions the prolapsed haemorrhoid tissue and also causes vascular interruption to the haemorrhoids. This causes faster recovery and lesser post-operative pain.Methods: In authors institute, stapled haemorrhoidopexy was being carried out using two rows proximate PPH circular haemorrhoidal stapler. In February 2018, MIRUS three rows circular stapler was introduced. This is a retrospective observational study carried out at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, India. Authors studied records and operative notes of all patients who underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy between February 2018 and September 2019 and compared key parameters.Results: A total of 224 patients underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy between February 2018 and September 2019. 116 using MIRUS three rows circular stapler and 108 using two rows proximate PPH circular haemorrhoidal stapler. Most of the studied parameters were comparable with only significant statistical difference seen in higher use of haemostatic sutures in two rows stapler group compared to three rows stapler group. Haemostatic sutures were needed in three row stapler group for 27 patients and in two rows stapler group for 39 patients.Conclusions: Author’s initial experience shows slightly better haemostasis with three rows stapled haemorrhoidopexy with no significant difference in other parameters.

Concomitant Staple Aneurysmorrhaphy and Flow-Calibrated Arteriovenous Fistula Banding Over a Coronary Dilator to Treat Hand Steal Syndrome

Background: True venous aneurysm formation can occur in patients with arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis but association with steal syndrome is uncommon. Methods: To describe a case of a patient on chronic hemodialysis through a right brachiocephalic fistula, who presents with associated steal syndrome and true arteriovenous access aneurysm. Results: A 34-year-old female with true AVF aneurysm presented with hand steal syndrome confirmed by noninvasive studies. The patient underwent a successful vein aneurysmorrhaphy with a commercially available stapler device and duplex ultrasound flow-calibrated banding. At 1-year follow-up, she remains pain free and the fistula remains functional with no recurrence of venous aneurysmal degeneration. Conclusion: The use of a commercially available surgical stapler devices along with flow-calibrated banding guided by duplex ultrasound over a coronary dilator during the same operation is an elegant, efficacious, and a durable alternative for patients with hand steal syndrome and concomitant AVF aneurysms.

Prognostic Factors in Patients With Spontaneous Pneumothorax Treated With Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy

To analyse the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) and to identify clinical factors associated with outcome after VAT, one hundred and one VATs were performed in 97 patients in this prospective study. Based on thoracoscopic appearance of the visceral pleura three groups were identified, group 1 (n = 23) showing no abnormalities treated with talcage, group 2 (n = 23) showing bullae less than 2 cm treated with talcage and coagulation, and group 3 (n = 51) showing bullae larger than 2 cm treated with bullectomy by staplers, coagulation and pleural scarification. Data were analyzed with regard to clinical factors such as age, smoking behavior, pulmonary function and recurrent pneumothorax at presentation. No perioperative deaths occurred. Overall relapse rate was 4.0% during a follow-up period of 3 to 38 months (median 27.2). Univariate analysis did not show any association of clinical factors with postoperative complications (n = 19). Patients with extensive pulmonary lesions had longer drainage and hospitalization time, probably due to insufficient sealing effects of stapler devices and/or pleural scarification. Using multivariate analysis, none of the clinical factors had any association with complication rate, drainage/hospitalization time or relapses after VAT. Only patients with bullae larger than 2 cm treated with bullectomy by stapler devices were associated with longer drainage and hospitalization time. This study suggests that VAT is effective in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax, although the use of stapler devices and/or pleural scarification was associated with longer drainage and hospitalization time, however, none of the clinical factors were associated with the outcome after VAT.