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Expression of high-affinity receptors for TGF-beta during rat cranial suture fusion.

The etiology of craniosynostosis is unknown. The elucidation of the biological pathways responsible for this disorder has been hampered by an inability to evaluate cranial sutures before, during, and after cranial suture fusion. The programmed fusion of the rat posterofrontal (PF) suture postnatally provides an excellent model to study the molecular events that occur during cranial suture fusion. Previous experiments have implicated transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) growth factors in the regulation of PF suture fusion. The purpose of these experiments was to localize the expression of high-affinity receptors for these growth factors during cranial suture fusion. Four rats were sacrificed on postnatal days 8, 12, 17, and 40 (N = 16). The PF and sagittal sutures were harvested and prepared for immunohistochemical localization of TGF-beta receptor 1 and receptor 2 (Tbeta-RI, Tbeta-RII) protein. Results indicate that immunostaining for Tbeta-RI and Tbeta-RII is markedly increased in the dura mater and osteoblasts of the sutural margin of the PF suture during active suture fusion (on postnatal days 12, 17, and 40) compared with the osteoblasts and dura mater underlying the patent sagittal suture. These results, in combination with the authors' previous findings as well as studies supporting a role for TGF-beta molecules in the regulation of osteogenesis, implicate TGF-beta signaling in the regulation of suture fusion. The possible mechanisms of ligand-receptor interaction are discussed.

Animals↗

An in vitro evaluation of the stability of mechanical properties of surgical suture materials in various pH conditions.

The effects of pH on the tensile properties of eight commonly used 2-0 suture materials--plain catgut, Dexon, Vicryl, silk, Nurolon, Ethilon, Mersilene, and Prolene--were examined. The pH level ranged from 3.0 to 10.0. In general, absorbable suture materials were more sensitive to pH than non-absorbable suture materials; within the same suture materials, a strong alkaline condition would have a more adverse effect on the strength of suture materials than physiologic and acidic pHs. Plain catgut sutures lost relatively significant amounts of strength at both acidic and alkaline conditions when compared with Dexon and Vicryl sutures; hence, precaution should be taken when they are used in closing tissues in contact with acidic environment like the stomach. Among the non-absorbable suture materials, silk and Nurolon exhibited the largest loss of strength in both alkaline and acidic environments after one month, while other sutures retained almost all of their original strength. Physical configuration of the suture materials seemed also to contribute to the sensitivity of suture materials toward pH. A comparison of Nurolon and Ethilon sutures demonstrated this point of view.

Absorption↗

Iron-induced rat coronal suture fusion in vitro: the role of redox regulation.

The presumptive coronal sutures of rat fetuses at gestation days 19 and 20 have been shown to fuse prematurely when grown in the absence of dura mater in culture. In the present study, the representative enzymes of glucose metabolism and the antioxidative pathway were assayed during the process of suture fusion. The coronal sutures of fetal day 19.5 (F19) and neonatal day 1 rats were grown in the presence or absence of dura mater in serum-free culture. The enzymes assayed were hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) of glycolysis, and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and glutathione reductase (GR) of the antioxidative pathway. F19 sutures cultured without dura mater, which fused, showed significant increases in enzyme activities over the preculture levels. HK increased by 200% to 300% of the preculture levels, G6PD by 400% to 500%, GR by 200%, and PK by 400% to 500%. The fetal sutures cultured with dura mater, which did not fuse, showed little alterations of HK, G6PD, and GR activities, but showed a significant 200% to 400% increase in PK activity. Neonatal sutures showed significant increases in enzyme activities during culture, but the presence of dura mater did not significantly affect enzyme activities. High activity levels of enzymes of the antioxidative pathway in F19 sutures coincided with the period of premature suture fusion. Treatment of fetal calvaria with prooxidant (induced by ferrous iron and ascorbic acid) produced suture fusion even in the presence of dura mater. Treatment with deferoxamine (an iron chelator and antioxidant) during the culture prevented suture fusion. The results suggest that fusing sutures experience increased biosynthetic demands and are placed under oxidative stress. When oxidative stress overwhelms the dural influence, the sutures undergo premature fusion.

Animals↗

Development of in vitro performance tests and evaluation of nonabsorbable monofilament sutures for cardiovascular surgery.

There have been reports suggesting that polypropylene (PP) monofilament sutures are associated with mechanical failure. To overcome this problem, a new monofilament suture made from polyvinylidene fluoride, under the trade name of Teflene, has been developed. Few studies have measured the in vitro properties of Teflene sutures, and those that have, have been limited to a few tensile properties of the straight suture such as tensile strength, elongation, and creep behavior. The in vitro performance properties of Teflene sutures were evaluated and compared with those of commercial sutures made from PP such as Prolene and Surgilene in four sizes, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, and 5-0. The performance properties of sutures included both the physical properties of straight sutures, such as suture diameter, tensile strength, elongation, surface roughness, coefficient of friction, bending stiffness, and tissue drag, and the knot characteristics, such as knot pull strength, knot run-down, and knot security. Existing standard test methods and testing instruments were used if available to measure certain suture properties such as diameter, tensile strength, knot pull strength, and some physical properties. The other novel test methods and unique accessory devices needed to perform the tests for measuring tissue drag, knot run-down, coefficient of friction, and knot security were developed in the authors' laboratories, and the comparative results are reported for the first time. From the test results, Teflene sutures were found in general to possess equivalent characteristics to those of existing PP commercial sutures, but some differences also were observed, such as greater elongation and less knot run-down. These differences may give them a unique feel and handling performance, especially in terms of making a knot, sliding it into position, and causing less damage to adjacent tissue.

Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures↗

Suture-related complications following keratoplasty: a 5-year retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To study the incidence of suture-related complications following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and their effect on the success of corneal grafting. METHODS: The records of 332 patients receiving 361 grafts in 1993 and 1994 were reviewed, and suture-related complications were recorded. These complications were divided into five groups: suture erosions, infiltrates at the suture sites, infectious keratitis, loose sutures with imminent wound dehiscence, and wound dehiscence after suture removal. RESULTS: Occurrence rates were suture erosions, 10.8%; infiltrates, 9.4%; infectious keratitis related to sutures, 3.3%; loose sutures with imminent wound separation in need of surgical repair, 8.3%; and wound dehiscence following suture removal, 2.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Suture-related complications frequently occur after PK. Infectious keratitis and wound separations needing surgical repair may lead to loss of best-corrected visual acuity due to scarring, induced allograft reactions, and/or increased astigmatism. Recommendations for post-PK suture management are proposed.

Cataract Extraction↗

Covalent linking of proteins and cytokines to suture: enhancing the immune response of head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The immune system of advanced stage head and neck cancer patients is frequently suppressed. Poor immune function has been correlated with poor clinical outcome. Immunotherapeutic strategies have been previously attempted in an effort to enhance immune function and improve survival. Previous studies have shown surgical suture can be transformed into an immune stimulant capable of activating the T lymphocytes of cancer patients. The development of a process for covalently linking proteins and cytokines to suture could have enormous potential for the in vivo manipulation of the immune system. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize proteins and cytokines can be covalently linked to surgical suture while preserving their functional properties. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study testing normal donor and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patient lymphocytes. METHOD: Polyester suture was acid hydrolyzed followed by reacting with 1-ethyl-3(-3-dimethylamino propyl carbodiimide) (EDAC) to create a suture-EDAC intermediate. Next, selected proteins (horseradish peroxidase [HRP] or bovine serum albumin [BSA]) or cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2 or interferon [IFN]-gamma) were reacted with the suture-EDAC intermediate to test the covalent linkage of the selected protein or cytokine to suture. Functional activity of the linked proteins was measured spectrophotometrically. The linking of cytokines to suture was tested by stimulating normal donor peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) or HNSCC patients' lymphocytes. The functional activity was confirmed by proliferation, enzyme linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA), and phenotype expression of T cells. RESULTS The conditions for optimally linking a protein to polyester suture were defined using HRP as a model protein. HRP retained its enzymatic activity. The optimal conditions for linking IL-2 or IFN-gamma were defined. The covalently linked cytokines retained their immune enhancing properties for stimulating PBL and lymph node lymphocytes (LNL) from HNSCC patients to proliferate, generate a TH1 immunologic profile of cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, IFN-gamma), and stimulate T lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: This is the first report to demonstrate that cytokines can be covalently linked to surgical sutures and retain their immune-stimulating properties. Proteins linked to suture also retained their enzymatic activity. The clinical implications of functionally active cytokines or proteins linked to surgical suture may be very significant in the future for manipulating the immune system in vivo or enhancing wound healing.

Adult↗

Episiotomy repair: chromic versus polyglycolic acid suture.

The use of an episiotomy for vaginal delivery is a controversial topic in modern obstetrics. If one is done, however, correct technique and appropriate suture material are important. On the LSU Obstetrics Service, the usual midline episiotomy has traditionally been closed with 2-0 chromic suture. Theoretically, the use of a less reactive material, eg, polyglycolic acid (Dexon), may be beneficial in terms of acute postpartum discomfort and healing. As a comparison of healing and patient comfort parameters between 2-0 chromic and 2-0 polyglycolic acid suture used for episiotomy repair after delivery, two consecutive months' worth of parturients at Medical Center of Louisiana/Charity Hospital had episiotomy repair, with either chromic or polyglycolic acid suture, by junior house officers routinely attending delivery. Patients had follow-up during hospital stay, and when examined at 6 weeks for evidence of suture line healing, they were also asked about comfort and resumption of sexual activity. Of 48 patients who had repair with 2-0 chromic suture, 6 were lost to follow-up. Of 44 gravidas who had repair with 2-0 polyglycolic acid suture, 7 were lost to follow-up. At the 6-week postpartum examination, patients with polyglycolic acid sutures had significantly better healing. A noticeable scar was present in 42 of 42 patients with chromic sutures versus 21 of 37 in the polyglycolic acid group, a scar with granulation tissue in 16 of 42 versus 3 of 37, and a gaping scar in 9 of 42 and 0 of 37, respectively. Recovery of function, measured by resumption of sexual activity by 6 weeks, was demonstrated in 1 of 42 patients who had chromic sutures versus 19 of 37 patients who had polyglycolic acid sutures. Episiotomy repair with 2-0 polyglycolic acid (Dexon) offers significant advantages over traditional 2-0 chromic suture, both in terms of wound healing and resumption of normal patient activity, including sexual activity.

Catgut↗

Comparison of the effect of three suturing techniques on postkeratoplasty astigmatism in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of 3 common suturing techniques on postkeratoplasty astigmatism and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 103 eyes of 103 patients with advanced keratoconus, who were contact lens intolerant, or with contact lens-corrected visual acuity less than 20/80, underwent penetrating keratoplasty with 3 suturing techniques: interrupted (IR), single running (SR), and combined interrupted and running (CIR). Postkeratoplasty astigmatism and BCVA were evaluated during regular examinations 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and 2 months after complete suture removal. Suture adjustment and selective suture removal were performed 2 to 6 weeks and after 3 months in eyes with more than 4 D of corneal astigmatism in the SR and IR/CIR groups, respectively. RESULTS: Of 87 patients who completed follow-up, 26 eyes underwent PK with interrupted suturing technique (IR), 26 eyes had single running sutures (SR), and in 35 eyes, the suturing technique was combined (interrupted + running sutures; CIR). Mean age was 27.2 +/- 8.4, 28.9 +/- 8.7, and 30.3 +/- 8.7 years, and postoperative astigmatism 1.5 months after surgery was 3.77 +/- 1.68, 5.48 +/- 2.09, and 4.10 +/- 1.79 D in the 3 groups, respectively (P = 0.015). However, 2 months after complete suture removal, final postoperative astigmatism was 3.83 +/- 1.65, 3.37 +/- 1.9, and 3.88 +/- 2.79 D (P = 0.851) and BCVA (log MAR) was 0.08 +/- 0.14, 0.13 +/- 0.23, and 0.09 +/- 0.16, respectively (P = 0.53). Immunologic endothelial rejection reactions were seen in 5 eyes (19.2%) in the IR group, 3 eyes (11.72%) in the SR group, and 6 eyes (17.64%) in the CIR group (P = 0.44). There was no case of graft failure during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Postkeratoplasty astigmatism and BCVA are comparable with the 3 common suturing techniques (IR, SR, and CIR) in patients with keratoconus, provided that regular postoperative examinations and topography-guided suture adjustment and/or removal are performed.

Adult↗

Suture algorithm for the broad or bulbous nasal tip.

The history and current status of suture techniques to correct a broad or bulbous nasal tip are reviewed. General principles for suture techniques to control tip shape are discussed; they include leaving an approximately 6-mm-wide lateral crus. The algorithm presented includes four sutures, all of which are not necessary in every case. These sutures include (1) the transdomal suture (to narrow the individual domes), (2) the interdomal suture (to provide symmetry and tip strength and sometimes to narrow the tip complex), (3) the lateral crural mattress suture (to reduce lateral crural convexity), and (4) the columella-septal suture (to prevent tip drop and adjust tip projection). The lateral crural mattress suture is the newest of these sutures. It specifically controls undesirable convexity of the lateral crus. The four-suture algorithm is principally designed for primary open rhinoplasties. However, it is also recommended for secondary rhinoplasties. A minor modification is suggested for use in closed rhinoplasties. The algorithm is intended to reduce the difficulty of determining which of the currently available rhinoplasty sutures are useful and in what order they should be used. Illustrative cases are provided. The advantages and disadvantages of this particular algorithm, compared with others that have been proposed, are also reviewed.

Algorithms↗

Gene expression profiling in the rat cranial suture.

Although many theories have attempted to explain the etiopathogenesis of premature cranial suture fusion, which results in craniosynostosis, recent studies have focused on the role of growth factors and receptors. Using a well-established model of cranial suture biology, the authors developed a novel approach to quantitatively analyze the gene expression profiles of candidate cranial suture growth factors and their receptors. We collected suture mesenchyme and adjacent osteogenic fronts from Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal days 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 35. RNA was extracted from posterior frontal (PF) and sagittal (SAG) sutures, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for cranial suture candidate cytokines BMP2, BMP3, BMP4, FGF-2, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR4, TGF-betaRI, TGF-betaRII, and TGF-betaRIII. The authors confirmed quantitative RT-PCR results with Southern and dot blot analyses. Suture growth factor and receptor expression levels changed significantly with time. Expression levels decreased toward baseline in the SAG suture by day 35. There was a marked difference in FGFR1, FGF-2, TGF-betaRI, and TGF-betaRII expression levels when comparing the fusing PF and nonfusing SAG sutures. Although FGF-2 ligand expression was low, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) levels were markedly elevated with a bimodal expression pattern in both PF and SAG similar to that of BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4. Although there were statistically significant differences in TGF-betaRI and TGF-betaRII expression in the PF and SAG sutures, TGF-betaRIII levels were unchanged. The authors report a novel approach to cranial suture growth factor/receptor profiling and confirm their results with standard analytic tools. The data confirm, quantify, and extend the results of previously published studies. By quantifying the gene expression profiles of normal cranial suture biology, we may begin to understand the aberrant growth factor cascades of craniosynostosis and devise targeted therapeutic interventions that can alter the course of this malady.

Animals↗

Scanning electron microscope and micro-CT evaluation of cranial sutures in health and disease.

Current knowledge of suture biology has been ascertained as a result of morphological studies of normal cranial sutures (and rarely those undergoing craniosynostosis). These were initially undertaken often using histological investigations, or more recently using CT scans, as investigative tools, but have often used animal models. However, recent technological advances have provided the potential to refine our understanding of the ultrastructure by the use of new advanced scanning technology, which offers the possibility of more detailed resolution. Our aim was to undertake detailed scans of normal, fusing and fused sutures from patients with craniosynosotosis affecting different sutures, to study the detailed structure at different stages of the fusion process using a modern micro-CT scanner and a microanalytical scanning electron microscope. We wished to include in our study all the human sutures because previous studies have mostly been undertaken using the sagittal suture. Ten sutures from seven patients have revealed a complex ultra-structural arrangement. The different patterns of bone ridging seen on the ectocranial and endocranial surfaces of the fused sagittal suture were not repeated on closer inspection of either fused coronal or lambdoid sutures. Elemental analysis confirmed that the amount of calcium increased and the amount of carbon decreased as sampled areas moved away from the suture margin. We conclude that scanning allowed detailed assessment and revealed the complex arrangement of the structure of the human cranial sutures and those undergoing the process of craniosynostosis, with some differences in final structure depending on the affected suture.

Child, Preschool↗

Enhanced cosmetic outcome with running horizontal mattress sutures.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous sutures should provide good wound eversion, firm closure, and cosmetically elegant results. Simple running sutures are commonly employed in cutaneous surgery but may not always be effective in achieving wound eversion. OBJECTIVE: We compared the cosmetic results of simple running nonabsorbable sutures with running horizontal mattress sutures in primary closures of facial defects. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with facial Mohs surgery defects appropriate for primary multilayer repair were randomized into one of two arms. Either the superior or the inferior half of the wound was closed with a running horizontal mattress suture. The other half of the wound was closed with a traditional simple running suture. At 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months, the cosmetically superior half of the wound, if any, was blindly determined by the investigators. RESULTS: The running horizontal mattress suture was significantly more cosmetically pleasing than the simple running suture. Forty-seven patients completed the study. At the 6-month follow-up, 25 patients did better with the horizontal suture and 5 did worse, and with 17 patients, there was no clinically perceptible difference. The 6-week scores predicted the outcome at 6 months, but the 1-week scores did not. CONCLUSIONS: In primary closures of the face, the running horizontal mattress suture is a cosmetically elegant alternative to a traditional running cutaneous suture. The final scar appears smoother and flatter than those produced by traditional simple running sutures.

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures↗

Effect of disagreement between refractive, keratometric, and topographic determination of astigmatic axis on suture removal after penetrating keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Post-keratoplasty astigmatism can be managed by selective suture removal in the steep axis. Corneal topography, keratometry, and refraction are used to determine the steep axis for suture removal. However, often there is a disagreement between the topographically determined steep axis and sutures to be removed and that determined by keratometry and refraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate any difference in the effect of suture removal, on visual acuity and astigmatism, in patients where such a disagreement existed. METHODS: 37 cases (from 37 patients) of selective suture removal after penetrating keratoplasty, were included. In the first group "the disagreement group" (n=15) there was disagreement between corneal topography, keratometry, and refraction regarding the axis of astigmatism and sutures to be removed. In the second group "the agreement group" (n=22) there was agreement between corneal topography, keratometry, and refraction in the determination of the astigmatic axis and sutures to be removed. Sutures were removed according to the corneal topography, at least 5 months postoperatively. Vector analysis for change in astigmatism and visual acuity after suture removal was compared between groups. RESULTS: In the disagreement group, the amount of vector corrected change in refractive, keratometric, and topographic astigmatism after suture removal was 3.45 (SD 2.34), 3.57 (1.63), and 2.83 (1. 68) dioptres, respectively. In the agreement group, the amount of vector corrected change in refractive, keratometric, and topographic astigmatism was 5.95 (3.52), 5.37 (3.29), and 4.71 (2.69) dioptres respectively. This difference in the vector corrected change in astigmatism between groups was statistically significant, p values of 0.02, 0.03, and 0.03 respectively. Visual acuity changes were more favourable in the agreement group. Improvement or no change in visual acuity occurred in 90.9% in the agreement group compared with 73.3% of the disagreement group. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement between refraction, keratometry, and topography was associated with greater change in vector corrected astigmatism and was an indicator of good prognosis. Disagreement between refraction, keratometry, and topography was associated with less vector corrected change in astigmatism, a greater probability of decrease in visual acuity, and a relatively poor outcome following suture removal. However, patients in the disagreement group still have a greater chance of improvement than worsening, following suture removal.

Astigmatism↗

Fatigue testing of suture anchors.

In a porcine tibia model, we subjected widely used anchor-suture combinations to a fatigue-testing protocol. The Ethibond No. 2 suture was the weakest part of the anchor-suture combinations when they were loaded to failure by a single pull. Under cyclic-loading conditions, fixation strength was decreased compared with single-pull tests. The suture/anchor interface was identified as the weakest link in the Mitek GII/No. 2 combination and in the Zimmer Statak 3.5/No. 2 combination. In most cases the suture was worn through at the eyelet. Threading the GII anchor with a No. 5 suture and use of larger anchors in combination with No. 2 sutures increased the fatigue strength. Suture breakage at the knot was the predominant failure mode for biodegradable anchors inserted into cortical bone. The highest fatigue strength was seen for the Super Anchor/No. 5 combination when the anchor was inserted in cortical bone. Fatigue testing is crucial for evaluation of suture anchors and should be performed along with single-pull testing. The mechanical performance of a suture anchor threaded with a defined suture depends on several key factors: the pullout strength of the anchor, the tensile strength of the suture, and the interaction of anchor and suture at the eyelet (suture/anchor interface).

Animals↗

Compensatory growth following premature closure of the coronal suture in rabbits.

Premature closure of a cranial suture results in skull deformation characterized by inhibited skull growth in a direction perpendicular to the course of the affected suture. Early surgical release of the closed suture results in a "normal" skull morphology. The present experimental study measured alterations in growth at the transverse cranial sutures that occurred following induced premature closure of the coronal suture and its subsequent release in New Zealand White rabbits. Using roentgenocephalometric methods, growth and morphometric changes were monitored at the frontonasal, coronal, and anterior lambdoid sutures following premature closure of the coronal suture at 9 days of age. The results indicated that premature closure of the coronal suture did not result in compensatory (increased) growth at the other transverse sutures of the vault. In fact, growth at these sutures was significantly reduced. This reduced growth at adjacent transverse sutures was not ameliorated by early surgical release of the fused suture.

Animals↗

Effect of suturing on latrogenic keratectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of corneal suturing on the clinical course of iatrogenic keratectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), in order to improve quality of vision and to avoid progressive deterioration of visual acuity. METHODS: Three patients (four eyes) who had a perforation during LASIK or became keratectatic after LASIK received corneal suturing with 10-0 nylon immediately or up to 11 days after LASIK. Sutures were left in place for 1 to 4 months. Patients were followed for 20 to 23 months after suturing. RESULTS: All eyes had a significant improvement in uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity after suturing. The improvements in visual acuity for all patients remained unchanged after suture removal. In patient 1, keratectatic changes were not detected in the sutured eye although they were detected in the contralateral unsutured eye. In patient 2, both eyes were sutured, one immediately and the other 11 days after LASIK; no keratectatic changes were noted in either eye. Slight progression of corneal protrusion was observed in patient 3, who had corneal suturing after development of prominent keratectasia 2 weeks after LASIK. This eye showed stable but moderate keratectatic change 9 months after suture removal. CONCLUSIONS: Flap suturing in patients during the course of keratectasia after LASIK improved both aided and unaided visual acuity. Prompt suturing seemed to provide a means of preventive management for iatrogenic keratectasia in anticipation of keratoplasty.

Adult↗

[Mechanical suture in colorectal surgery].

THE OBJECT: Of this work was the study of using, as well as the utility of the mechanical sutures in colorectal surgery; because of the special caution needed to be taken for any colonic or rectal suture, more than any other digestive segment. The frequency of the postoperative fistulas after the suture and anastomosis is higher at this level and so it increases the period and costs of the hospitalization. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied the possibilities of performing and evolution of 64 mechanical sutures for 19 patients, with colorectal pathology, hospitalized in our department from july 1999 to december 2000. RESULTS: We performed 64 mechanical sutures, as followed: 47 in open surgery and 17 in laparoscopic. From all these, 56 was bowel sutures, 8 of them were vascular (in laparoscopic, for cutting the most important vascular pedicles). We did 18 anastomosis: 15 in open and 3 in laparoscopic surgery. It was 2 postoperative fistulas from all 56 intestinal sutures (3.57%). We haven't any intra or postoperative bleeding from the vascular anastomosis. It was 3 intraoperative bleeding from the intestinal anastomosis, and only 1 case of postoperative bleeding (5.26% of the cases: 1.56% of all mechanical sutures). In only one case, the mechanical suture couldn't be initially done, but it succeeded after the removing of the segment of the bowel involved. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical sutures offers a high level of safety to the colorectal anastomosis. It provides a very good vascularization to the anastomosis and decreases the time needed for performing the suture or anastomosis, versus manual sature. Also, for the patients with rectal ampular neoplasm, it creates the possibility of anal sphincter preservation by making a low colorectal anastomoses--which is difficult by manual suture.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Reduction of astigmatism after perforating keratoplasty by adjustment of single running sutures and its influence on visual acuity].

The authors assess the outcomes of postkeratoplasty single running suture adjustment in 14 eyes (16 adjustments) of 14 patients (4 women, 10 men). The average age of patients was 39.68 year (ranging from 19 to 70 years). The suture adjustment was done in time span 2 to 39 weeks following after perforating keratoplasty (PKP), average 7.5 weeks. Follow up time was from 1 to 12 months, average 10.8 months. The value of keratometric and topographic astigmatism before suture adjustment were compared to the value of keratometric and topographic astigmatism 1, 6 and 12 months after suture adjustment. The changes of corneal refractive power and changes of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity were noticed as well. The mean value of keratometric astigmatism 7.47 +/- 2.69 D and mean topographic astigmatism 7.75 +/- 3.25 D before suture adjustment was decreased to 4.92 +/- 2.41 D and 4.83 +/- 1.46 D respectively one month after suture adjustment. These reductions of keratometric and topographic astigmatism (2.55 D and 2.92 D respectively) were statistically significant (p = 0.0416, and p = 0.0211 respectively). The mean keratometric astigmatism was still significantly lower (p < 0.05) after 6 and 12 months after suture adjustment in comparison to status before suture adjustment. In assessment of topographic changes we noticed small continuous increasing of astigmatism (1.27 D after 6 months and 0.2 D after 12 months after suture adjustment). These changes of topographic astigmatism were not statistically significant. The changes of mean corneal refractive power were not statistically significant as well. The mean uncorrected visual acuity increased significantly (from 0.13 to 0.34, p < 0.05) 1 month after suture adjustment. This improvement of uncorrected visual acuity was not significant after 6 and 12 months after suture adjustment. The best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.37 to 0.61 after one month after suture adjustment but was not statistically significant and stayed still at the same level with minimal changes during follow up time.

Adult↗