Intraperitoneal mesh repair of small ventral abdominal wall hernias with a Ventralex hernia patch

BACKGROUND: Various surgical procedures have been described in the treatment of small ventral abdominal wall hernias. Mesh repair is becoming popular because of a low recurrence rate. AIM: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate an open intraperitoneal technique using the Bard Ventralex hernia patch in the treatment of small midline ventral hernias. METHODS: 101 patients were operated on (59 male, 42 female) with a mean age of 54.5 years (range 17-85). Mean operative time was 33 min (range 16-65). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-15). RESULTS: Two patients had a hematoma without wound infection. There were 2 recurrences (2%). Mean postoperative follow-up time was 28.5 months (range 6-55). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results suggest that Ventralex hernia patch repair for ventral hernias can be performed with minimal postoperative morbidity and a low recurrence rate

Self-expanding metal stents in malignant colonic obstruction: experiences from Sweden

<p/> <p>Background</p> <p>Acute surgery in the management of malignant colonic obstruction is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The use of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) is an alternative method of decompressing colonic obstruction. SEMS may allow time to optimize the patient and to perform preoperative staging, converting acute surgery into elective. SEMS is also proposed as palliative treatment in patients with contraindications to open surgery. Aim: To review our experience of SEMS focusing on clinical outcome and complications. The method used was a review of 75 consecutive trials at SEMS on 71 patients based on stent-protocols and patient charts.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>SEMS was used for palliation in 64 (85%) cases and as a bridge to surgery in 11 (15%) cases. The majority of obstructions, 53 (71%) cases, were located in the recto-sigmoid. Technical success was achieved in 65 (87%) cases and clinical decompression was achieved in 60 (80%) cases. Reasons for technical failure were inability to cannulate the stricture in 5 (7%) cases and suboptimal SEMS placement in 3 (4%) cases. Complications included 4 (5%) procedure-related bowel perforations of which 2 (3%) patients died in junction to post operative complications. Three cases of bleeding after SEMS occurred, none of which needed invasive treatment. Five of the SEMS occluded. Two cases of stent erosion were diagnosed at the time of surgery. Average survival after palliative SEMS treatment was 6 months.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results correspond well to previously published data and we conclude that SEMS is a relatively safe and effective method of treating malignant colonic obstruction although the risk of SEMS-related perforations has to be taken into account.</p

The antimicrobial effect of metal substrates on food pathogens.

The development of surfaces as antimicrobial materials is important to the food industry. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of a range of metal coated surfaces including silver, titanium, copper, iron, molybdenum, zinc and silicon (control) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The leaching potential of the metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic adsorption spectroscopy and were compared to the antibacterial activity of the metals using a nitroblue tetrazolium assay and an adapted BS ISO 22196:2011 standard. Leaching into solution from the coatings alone was not related to the antimicrobial activity of the coatings. Copper and zinc showed the greatest propensity to leach from the coatings; silver, titanium, iron and molybdenum leached at lower rates and silicon showed no leaching. Copper demonstrated the greatest antimicrobial potential followed by silver and zinc. Titanium displayed the least antimicrobial potential, however using the standard method in humid conditions resulted in increased growth of Listeria. This study provides evidence of the efficacy of copper and silver as effective antimicrobial metal surface coatings, however use of titanium under humid conditions suggest that surfaces for use in the food industry needs to be given careful consideration before application

Laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in obese and nonobese patients: a prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective comparative study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2000, all patients (n = 77) undergoing an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 29) consisted of healthy, normal-weight patients (BMI, 18-24.9); group 2 (n = 27) consisted of overweight patients (BMI, 25.0-29.9); group 3 (n = 21) consisted of obese patients (BMI, 30.0-39.9). Groups 2 and 3 were compared with group 1. RESULTS: Group 1 was comprised of 13 women and 16 men with a mean age of 58.4 years (range, 37-78); group 2, was comprised of 13 women and 14 men with a mean age of 55.2 years (range, 31-83); group 3, was comprised of 13 women and 14 men with a mean age of 54.1 years (range, 33-86). There was no difference among the three groups in ASA classification, postoperative length of hospital stay, or inpatient rehabilitation. The operating time did not differ for groups 1 and 2 (187 vs 210 min, p = 0.6), but it was shorter in group 1 than in group 3 (187 vs 247 min, p = 0.003). The conversion rate was similar for all three groups: 17.2% in group 1, 14.8% in group 2, and 19% in group 3. The postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (5.7 vs 7.7 days, p = 0.1), but it was longer for group 3 (8.5 days, p = 0.03). The morbidity rate was similar for all three groups: 17.2% in group 7, 14.8% in group 2, and 19% in group 3. There were no perioperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely in overweight and obese patient

Laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis: a prospective study in the elderly.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility and the complications or benefits of laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in patients aged 75 years or more. METHODOLOGY: From January 1993 to December 1999, 85 patients underwent an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis. Twenty-two patients over 75-years old (group 1) were compared to 63 younger patients (group 2). RESULTS: In group 1, there were 12 women and 10 men, with a mean age of 77.2 years (range: 75-82); In group 2, there were 35 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 53.7 years (range: 38-74) (P = 1.10-14). The operative time was shorter in group 2 (183 vs. 234 min). There was no difference between the 2 groups with regard to the postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required (5.4 vs. 5.2 days, P = 0.48) and the postoperative morbidity (18% vs. 14%, P = 0.06). Postoperative length of hospital stay (13.1 vs. 8.8 days, P = 0.003) was shorter in group 2 than in group 1. There was no perioperative mortality. Conversion rate was 9% (group 1) and 6% (group 2) (P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely to older patients with fewer complications, less pain, shorter hospital stay and a rapid return to preoperative activity levels