P. Sains

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of lightweight versus heavyweight mesh in open inguinal hernia repair

The objective of this study was systematically to analyse published randomized trials comparing lightweight mesh (LWM) with heavyweight mesh (HWM) in open inguinal hernia repair.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of published trials comparing the effectiveness of transanal endoscopic microsurgery and radical resection in the management of early rectal cancer

A systematic analysis was conducted of trials comparing the effectiveness of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) with radical resection (RR) for T1 and T2 rectal cancer.

A meta-analysis examining the use of tacker mesh fixation versus glue mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the randomized trials comparing tacker mesh fixation with glue mesh fixation (GMF) in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR). METHODS Standard electronic database were searched to retrieve relevant randomized trials comparing tacker mesh fixation with GMF in LIHR, which were analyzed systematically using RevMan. RESULTS Five randomized controlled trials encompassing 1,001 patients were retrieved from the electronic databases. In a random-effects model, operating time, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and risk for hernia recurrence were statistically comparable between the 2 techniques of mesh fixation in LIHR. However, GMF was associated with a reduced risk for developing chronic groin pain. CONCLUSIONS GMF in LIHR does not increase the risk for hernia recurrence and reduces the risk for developing chronic groin pain. It is comparable with tacker mesh fixation in terms of operation time, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and risk for hernia recurrence.

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of lightweight mesh against heavyweight mesh in influencing the incidence of chronic groin pain following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND A systematic analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lightweight mesh (LWM) with heavyweight mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. METHODS Data extracted from the included RCTs were analyzed according to the principles of meta-analysis. RESULTS Eleven RCTs encompassing 2,189 patients were analyzed. In a fixed-effects model, operating time, postoperative pain, and recurrence rate were statistically similar between LWM and heavyweight mesh. LWM was associated with fewer perioperative complications and a reduced risk for developing chronic groin pain. There was also a reduced risk for developing other groin symptoms, such as foreign body sensations, but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The use of LWM for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is not associated with an increased risk for hernia recurrence. LWM reduces the incidence of chronic groin pain, groin stiffness, and foreign body sensations. Therefore, LWM may routinely be used in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. However, high-quality RCTs with longer follow-up periods are required to validate these findings.

Systematic review of the use of topical diltiazem compared with glyceryltrinitrate for the nonoperative management of chronic anal fissure

Aim  The study analyzed clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of diltiazem (DTZ) and glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) for the nonsurgical management of chronic anal fissure (CAF).

Carbon dioxide insufflation vs conventional air insufflation for colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials.

Conventional air insufflation (AI) may cause prolonged abdominal bloating, excessive abdominal pain and discomfort during colonoscopy. Carbon dioxide may be an acceptable alternative to avoid these complications. The object of this study was to evaluate systematically the effectiveness of carbon dioxide insufflation (CI) for colonoscopy compared with AI.

Open transinguinal preperitoneal mesh repair of inguinal hernia: a targeted systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials.

Objective: The objective of this article is to systematically analyse the randomized, controlled trials comparing transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) and Lichtenstein repair (LR) for inguinal hernia. Methods: Randomized, controlled trials comparing TIPP vs LR were analysed systematically using RevMan® and combined outcomes were expressed as risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference. Results: Twelve randomized trials evaluating 1437 patients were retrieved from the electronic databases. There were 714 patients in the TIPP repair group and 723 patients in the LR group. There was significant heterogeneity among trials (P < 0.0001). Therefore, in the random effects model, TIPP repair was associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic groin pain (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.89; z = 2.33; P < 0.02) without influencing the incidence of inguinal hernia recurrence (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.36, 1.83; z = 0.51; P = 0.61). Risk of developing postoperative complications and moderate-to-severe postoperative pain was similar following TIPP repair and LR. In addition, duration of operation was statistically similar in both groups. Conclusion: TIPP repair for inguinal hernia is associated with lower risk of developing chronic groin pain. It is comparable with LR in terms of risk of hernia recurrence, postoperative complications, duration of operation and intensity of postoperative pain.

Use of antibacterial sutures for skin closure in controlling surgical site infections: a systematic review of published randomized, controlled trials

Objective: The objective of this article is to systematically analyse the randomized, controlled trials that compare the use of antibacterial sutures (ABS) for skin closure in controlling surgical site infections. Methods: Randomized, controlled trials on surgical patients comparing the use of ABS for skin closure in controlling the surgical site infections were analysed systematically using RevMan® and combined outcomes were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD). Results: Seven randomized, controlled trials evaluating 1631 patients were retrieved from electronic databases. There were 760 patients in the ABS group and 871 patients in the simple suture group. There was moderate heterogeneity among trials (Tau2 = 0.12; chi2 = 8.40, df = 6 [P < 0.01]; I2 = 29%). Therefore in the random-effects model, the use of ABS for skin closure in surgical patients was associated with a reduced risk of developing surgical site infections (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.37, 0.99; z = 2.02; P < 0.04) and postoperative complications (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32, 0.98 z = 2.04; P = 0.04). The durations of operation and lengths of hospital stay were similar following the use of ABS and SS for skin closure in patients undergoing various surgical procedures. Conclusion: Use of ABS for skin closure in surgical patients is effective in reducing the risk of surgical site infection and postoperative complications. ABS is comparable with SS in terms of length of hospital stay and duration of operation.

Specimen retrieval approaches in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections: a literature-based review of published studies

Objective: To review the published studies reporting various specimen retrieval incisions being used by colorectal surgeons in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections (LCR). Methods: Standard medical electronic databases were searched to find relevant articles and a summary conclusion was generated. Results: There were 43 studies reporting various approaches used for the purpose of specimen retrieval in 2388 patients undergoing LCR. The most common approaches were periumbilical midline incision (1260 reported case in the literature), transverse incision (583 reported cases in the literature) in the right- or left iliac fossa, depending on the side of colonic resection, and Pfannensteil incision (293 reported cases in the literature). Periumbilical midline incision was associated with the higher risk of developing incisional hernia (odds ratio 53.72; 95% confidence interval 7.48–386.04; Z = 3.96; P = 0.0001). In terms of surgical site infection (SSI), there was no difference between the three common approaches to specimen retrieval. Transanal and transvaginal approaches were associated with higher risk of SSI. Conclusions: Midline, transverse and Pfannensteil incisions were the most commonly used approaches for specimen retrieval following LCR. Midline incision was associated with higher risk of incisional hernia. Risk of SSI was similar in all three common approaches. The transanal and transvaginal approaches pose a higher risk of SSI. These conclusions are based on the combined outcome of published case series, case reports and comparative studies. Randomized, controlled trials with longer follow-up are required before recommending the routine use of any approach for specimen retrieval in patients undergoing LCR.

Diagnostic laparoscopy through deep inguinal ring: a literature-based review on the forgotten approach to visualize the abdominal cavity during emergency and elective groin hernia repair.

Objective: To systematically review the published literature on the role of diagnostic laparoscopy through deep inguinal ring (DL-DR) during groin hernia repair. Methods: Standard electronic databases were searched reporting article in any language on the role of DL-DR during groin hernia repair regardless of the age and sex of patients. Results: Thirty-one articles on 5745 patients undergoing DL-DR during groin hernia repair were retrieved from the electronic databases. There was 1 randomized, controlled trial, 7 case reports and 2 case series on 58 adult patients mainly targeting assessment of bowel viability following spontaneous reduction of the strangulated groin hernia. Twenty-one articles, either retrospective or prospective case series on 5687 were reported on pediatric patients aiming to detect a contralateral patent processus vaginalis or synchronous groin hernia. Overall, the laparoscopy group had a reduced operative time, reduced length of hospital stay, lower complication rate, and earlier return to normal activity. DL-DR success rates were reported in >95% of patients. Contralateral patent processus vaginalis indicative of inguinal hernia was found in >48% of children. There was no major morbidity reported in any group. Conclusions: DL-DR during groin hernia repair may be performed safely when indicated. The routine use of DL-DR is an established practice in pediatric surgery. There is still insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of DL-DR in adults.