Gastrointestinal anastomosis with histoacryl glue in rats.

Technical difficulties in creating gastrointestinal anastomosis in infants and young children, because of the small lumen, are well known and may be complicated by a narrow passage, anastomotic obstruction, gastric stasis, recurrent vomiting, and failure to gain weight. The search for alternative easier technique was the basis for this study. The primary aim was to evaluate the safety of anastomosis between the stomach and a loop of the jejunum performed by using the tissue adhesive Histoacryl glue in comparison with the same anastomosis performed conventionally with absorbable sutures. We compared the results of gastrojejunal anastomosis in rats using either Histoacryl (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) glue or continuous, absorbable sutures. Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of 16 rats each. Gastroenterostomy was performed with either type of anastomosis with and without truncal vagotomy. The criteria ofgastroenterostomy investigated included anastomotic leakage, stricture formation, adhesion formation, and histological examination. The pH of gastric secretion was measured with intact gastric innervation and after vagotmy in all rats. The time to complete each type of anastomosis was measured in minutes. Anastomotic stricture, leak, peritonitis, and death happened in three rats in each group with intact vagal innervation, in two rats after vagotomy and anastomosis with Histoacryl, and in one rat after vagotomy and anastomosis with sutures. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the various groups, except the shorter time for performing the glued anastomosis (5-7 min) compared to the conventional anastomosis (16-21 min). In conclusion, gastroenterostomy with Histoacryl in rats appears to be as safe as conventional suture anastomosis, saves operating time, and is not affected by gastric acidity.     

Reinforcement of saphenous vein graft with ePTFE graft for axillocoronary bypass grafting

Arteriosclerosis in the ascending aorta is widely accepted as a strong risk factor for the occurrence of stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aortic no-touch technique, with a variety of modifications, has been used to reduce the risk of post-CABG stroke. Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) have been used for axillocoronary bypass grafting, a modification of the aortic no-touch technique. However, kinking or compression often occurs with SVGs. We report here the successful application of an 8-mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft, of the external bead support type, that was used to cover an SVG during axillocoronary bypass grafting.     

Re-endothelialization of punctured ePTFE graft: an in vitro study under pulsed perfusion conditions.

BACKGROUND: When used as arteriovenous (AV) shunts for haemodialysis, small diameter expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts have a high failure rate in vivo. Attempts to improve graft patency are various, and focus on either improvement of implantation techniques or graft tissue engineering. The tissue engineering approach attempts to reproduce in grafts the properties of pristine vasculature. As shown in previous experiments, it is possible to grow on ePTFE grafts under shear stress in vitro an autologous endothelial cell layer, which will withstand physiological stress under in vivo conditions of blood flow. The aim of this study was to investigate in an in vitro model the regenerative potency of a tissue-engineered prosthetic vascular graft after repeated cannulation with a haemodialysis cannula. METHODS: Pig endothelial cells were harvested from an external jugular vein. Following processing of the endothelial cells, seven ePTFE grafts were coated with an inner cell layer and were kept under pulsed perfusion. Each graft was then cannulated three times with a standard shunt needle. The endothelium was then left to regenerate for a maximum of 48 h. The grafts were stained with haematoxylin/eosin before histological study. RESULTS: All grafts were endothelialized over the puncture sites within 48 h. Histological analysis revealed a confluent endothelial cell lining at each puncture site. Cell morphology and cell pattern over puncture sites were not different from randomly picked locations over the graft lumen. CONCLUSION: Our results underline the potential of endothelial tissue engineering in vascular shunt surgery. Vascular bio-hybrids that have the properties of pristine vascular endothelium may be a key step forward in maintaining angio-access in patients who require haemodialysis.     

Cyanoacrylate glue versus suture in peripheral nerve reanastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue compared with microsuturing technique in peripheral nerve reanastomosis in rats. STUDY DESIGN: Fourteen young adult white rats were used. Bilateral sciatic neurotomies were performed in 12 of them and then reanastomosed with 3 epineural microsutures in the right side (study group G1) and with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue in the left side (study group G2). On the remaining 2 rats (control group G3), sham surgery was done on both sides. Biopsies were harvested 12 weeks after surgery and examined under light microscope using Osmic acid stains. The number of nerve fibers was counted in the distal and proximal nerve segments, and the results were analyzed and compared in all groups. RESULTS: Adequate regeneration with no anastomotic ruptures was seen 12 weeks after surgery in G1 and G2. The histomorphometric assessment showed no statistically significant difference (P = .960) in the neurotization index of G1 (89.01%) compared with G2 (88.97%). There was a significant (P = .001) reduction in the mean number of axon counts distal to the repair in G1 (271.3) and G2 (272.8) compared with that of the proximal segments of each study group (304.6 and 303, respectively, as well as to that of G3 (348.5). CONCLUSION: Both n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive and 3-microsuture techniques showed comparable neurotization indices and were equally adequate to stabilize the nerve during regeneration period.     

Infrainguinal ePTFE vascular graft with bioactive surface heparin bonding. First clinical results

AIM: The ultimate aim of improved expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular graft design is to achieve patency rates in femoropopliteal bypass grafting comparable with autologous saphenous vein grafts. Enhanced thromboresistance of the ePTFE material by bioactive surface heparin bonding is one conceivable path toward this goal. This retrospective study was performed to collect the first clinical data for a new ePTFE graft with bioactive surface heparin immobilization. METHODS: Between March 2003 and February 2004, 43 femoropopliteal or femorocrural ePTFE vascular prostheses with bioactive end-point immobilized heparin (Gore-Tex Propaten Vascular Graft), using the Car-meda BioActive Surface technology, were implanted in 40 patients. Twelve prostheses were implanted in above-knee and 31 in below-knee position. The indication for bypass grafting was limb-threatening ischemia in 88% of the patients. The mean follow-up was 16.6 months. RESULTS: The primary 1-year patency was 91% for above-knee bypass grafts and 92% for below-knee bypass grafts. The 2-year primary patency rate for above-knee bypass grafts was 68% and 81% for below-knee bypass grafts. Limb salvage was achieved in 98%. The perioperative mortality was 0%, but during follow-up 22% of the patients died with patent bypass grafts. CONCLUSIONS: While conventional ePTFE grafts, particularly in the below-knee position, have shown poor results even in the short-term, the bioactive heparinized ePTFE graft evaluated in this study provides patency rates comparable with autologous vein grafts. Because the influence of luminal heparin bonding is not only limited to thromboresistance but has impact on, amongst other elements, protein adsorption (thereby improving hemocompatibility), a continuous effect for long-term patency could also be expected.     

Use of autologous fibrin glue in the treatment of splenic trauma: an experimental study.

There is little doubt that preserving the spleen will contribute to a much more favourable outcome in patients undergoing splenic surgery, as a result of avoiding the well known risks of splenectomy. Among many operative methods described for splenic salvage, application of autologous fibrin glue (AFG) is particularly promising because of its unique characteristics. The use of AFG has been evaluated and its efficacy and tissue compatibility assessed in the treatment of splenic trauma in 15 partially splenectomized New Zealand White rabbits. The application of the AFG to the resected splenic surface achieved complete haemostasis in all animals. The animals were divided into four groups and were killed at varying intervals ranging from 24 h to 10 weeks. During re-exploration there was no evidence of recurrent bleeding and histopathological examination revealed progressive absorption of the AFG with a minimal inflammatory response. It is concluded that AFG is an effective haemostatic agent with good systemic and local compatibility and can be used in splenic salvage, which thereby avoids the use of non-autologous products with their risks of disease transmission.     

Dermal graft for protection of the pharyngeal suture line in cancer surgery of the head and neck

We studied the effect of free buried dermal grafts to primary pharyngeal closures among 24 nonirradiated patients undergoing radical head and neck surgery to determine if this technique would reduce the incidence of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula. For a control group we selected 23 patients who had undergone similar operations as the patients in the study group, but who did not have dermis used for pharyngeal protection. Our results indicate that dermal grafts do not alter the incidence of fistulization following cancer surgery of the head and neck.     

Complex prevention of suture incompetence of the duodenal stump in penetrating duodenal ulcers

Data on 323 patients operated upon for penetrating duodenal ulcers (resection of the stomach) are presented. New procedures are described which elevate hermeticity of the duodenal stump as well as prophylactic measures against incompetence of sutures of the duodenum stump. Six patients had incompetent sutures of the duodenum stump which was of limited character and was completed by the formation of a duodenal fistula. Lethality from this complication was not noted.     

闭合性十二指肠损伤的早期诊断

目的 探讨闭合性十二指肠损伤的早期诊断原则：方法 回顾分析了本院自1962年至今29例闭合性十二指肠损伤的诊断过程,包括腹部X线、腹腔穿刺、腹腔灌洗、超声和CT检查。受伤后24小时以内获诊治25例,24小时后获诊治4例。结果 术前正确诊断5例,其余均为对闭合性十二指肠合并伤行剖腹探查时获诊。24小时内诊断并手术25例,死亡2例,死亡率8％,而24小时后再行诊治4例中3例死亡,死亡率75％。结论 早期诊断对闭合性十二指肠损伤有重要意义：高度警惕是早期诊断的前提,仔细探查是早期诊断的关键。联合运用多种辅助诊断方法,必要时重复使用,有助于早期正确诊断。     

Collagen patch coated with fibrin glue components. Treatment of suture hole bleedings in vascular reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Bleeding from suture holes during vascular reconstruction, particularly when polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prostheses are used, is still a problem which can lead to intraoperative delay and increased blood loss. The aim of this prospective, randomised, open, controlled multicentre study was to evaluate whether the use of a new local haemostyptic would reduce intraoperative blood loss and the time to haemostasis. METHODS: Thirty patients received a new haemostyptic (TachoComb H, Nycomed Pharma AG), whereas another 30 patients were treated with compresses. The vascular reconstructions were either anastomoses or patch angioplasties and were performed using PTFE vascular prostheses. RESULTS: The mean time to haemostasis of suture hole bleeding in the haemostyptic group (326.0 sec) was significantly shorter compared to the control group (514.3 sec) (p=0.006). The median intraoperative blood loss was 24.5 g in the treatment group and 57.3 g in the control group (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that collagen patches coated with components of fibrin glue significantly reduce the time to haemostasis as well as blood loss at the operation site in patients undergoing vascular reconstruction with PTFE grafts.     

Use of fibrin glue in hepatic trauma

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of fibrin glue (FG) made with highly concentrated human fibrinogen and clotting factors in achieving hemostasis of superficial and deep hepatic injuries. Experimentally produced hepatic injuries were produced in 12 adult mongrel dogs and hemostatically sealed with FG. Half of the dogs each received two penetrating hepatic injuries consisting of a large laceration and a deep stab wound through the liver; the remaining dogs underwent resection of a large segment of the left lobe of the liver. Hemostasis was achieved by applying FG into and over the bleeding wounds; hepatic arterial occlusion was not used. Complete hemostasis was achieved in all animals before skin closure. One dog from each group was re-explored and the liver specimens harvested for gross and microscopic examination at postoperative intervals of 12 hours, 24 hours, and 2, 3, 6, and 8 weeks. There were no cases of intra-abdominal infection, abscess formation, or bile fistulae. Histologic examination demonstrated a thickened capsule containing fibrous connective tissue and neovascular proliferation; there were no signs of local or systemic toxicity. One dog died on postoperative day 1 from rebleeding from the hepatic injury; all other dogs survived without complications. We conclude that FG provides effective hemostasis of superficial and deep hepatic injuries, and has good systemic and local compatibility. Its use in surgery for hepatic trauma may lead to less intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements, as well as a reduced need for major hepatic resection to control hemorrhage.     

Minimal suture blepharoplasty: Closure of incisions with autologous fibrin glue

Blepharoplasty incisions can be closed safely with autologous fibrin glue. The fibrinogen, prepared either from a whole-blood or plasmapheresis source, is mixed with commercially available thrombin to form a seal that is both hemostatic and adhesive. The complication rate is low and primarily due to technical factors in the initial cases. 'When compared with standard suture techniques, the incidence of minor problems such as milia formation was much lower. In select cases, the technique of using fibrin glue and a minimal number of sutures may be useful as an alternative method of would closure in blepharoplasty patients.Presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, April 30, 1990, New York, NY, USA     

Survival of adult rat retinal ganglion cells with regrown axons in peripheral nerve grafts: a comparison of graft attachment with suture of fibrin glue

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to examine whether the method of attachment of a peripheral nerve graft would have an effect on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) regeneration. METHODS: The number of adult rat RGCs with regrown axons in a peripheral nerve graft was compared under two grafting conditions: 1) attachment of the graft to the optic nerve stump made using a suture; and 2) attachment made using fibrin glue. Counts of RGCs retrogradely labeled with FluoroGold from the grafts 1 month after attachment revealed approximately seven times the number of RGCs in the fibrin-glue group compared with the suture group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fibrin glue may be a useful tool for enhancing the regrowth of central nervous system neuron axons into peripheral nervous system grafts.     

Fibrin glue with gentamicin as an alternative to conventional surgery in experimental treatment of duodenal fistula in rats

Duodenal fistula is a significant ongoing surgical problem. Minimal invasive treatment might be an alternative to conventional open surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether addition of gentamicin to fibrin adhesive can augment current surgical methods. Having established a fistula, the defect was closed using the following: simple suturing, suturing covered with fibrin sealant only, or suturing with fibrin sealant mixed with gentamicin. Bursting pressure and macroscopic and microscopic examination were evaluated on the second and sixth day after surgery. The study demonstrated there was no significant difference in overall outcome between the 3 groups. However, on macroscopic examination, the mixture of antibiotic and fibrin adhesive decreased formation of adhesions and abscesses. Microscopically, there was decreased inflammation, improved granulation, and earlier onset of fibrin filament deposition, possibly leading to enhanced wound healing. The addition of gentamicin to fibrin sealant can be a useful adjunct to standard surgical closure in duodenal fistula management.