(1) Background: The sterile latex surgical glove is an important part of protecting both the patient and the surgical team from infections. However, mechanical stress can damage the integrity of the glove material and thus may lead to infections. (2) Method: A total of 896 gloves from 448 surgeries were tested and evaluated by the water tightening test according to EN455 and ASTM D5151-19. (3) Results: From 448 surgeries, 18.8% of the interventions showed glove damage. In vascular surgery, gloves were damaged in 20.8%, in thoracic surgery 9.1%, in laparoscopic interventions 21.7%, in the subgroup hernia surgeries (TAPP) 17.6% and in open interventions 17.6%. A total of 101 damages were found on 896 gloves; one glove could have several damages. During vascular surgery, 60% of the damages were on the subordinated hand of the surgeon, and 73.3% of the damages had a size of 1 mm. In laparoscopic procedures, the subordinated hand was also more frequently affected (61.3%) than the dominant hand; 64.5% of the damages were 1 mm in size. In the hernia surgery subgroup (TAPP), no damage was larger than 1 mm; 66.7% were in the subordinated hand area. The duration of surgery had no influence on the lesion rate. (4) Conclusion: The damage rate in low impact procedures is high and represents an underestimated problem in soft tissue surgery. The use of single gloving can therefore lead to the risk of infection. EN455 and ASTM D5151-19 does not take into consideration the risk of intraoperative lesions. Double gloving and glove change algorithms should be established.
Background: Esophagectomy for cancer is one of the most complex procedures in visceral surgery. Postoperative complications negatively affect the patient’s overall survival. They are not influenced by the histology type (adenocarcinoma (AC)/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)), or the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted). Among those dreadful complications are anastomotic leak (AL), esophago-respiratory fistula (ERF), and chylothorax (CT). Methods: In this review, we summarize the methods to avoid these complications, the diagnostic approach, and new therapeutic strategies. Results: In the last 20 years, both centralization of the medical care, and the development of endoscopy and radiology have positively influenced the management of postoperative complications. For the purpose of their prevention, perioperative measures have been applied. The treatment includes conservative, endoscopic, and surgical approaches. Conclusions: Post-esophagectomy complications are common. Prevention measures should be known. Early recognition and adequate treatment of these complications save lives and lead to better outcomes.
BackgroundLow anterior resection for rectal cancer is commonly associated with a diverting stoma. In general, the stoma is closed 3 months after the initial operation. The diverting stoma reduces the rate of anastomotic leakage as well as the severeness of a potential leakage itself. Nevertheless, anastomotic leakage is still a life-threatening complication and might reduce the quality of life in the short and long term. In case of leakage, the construction can be converted into a Hartmann situation or it could be treated by endoscopic vacuum therapy or by leaving the drains. In recent years, endoscopic vacuum therapy has become the treatment of choice in many institutions. In this study, the hypothesis is to be evaluated, if a prophylactic endoscopic vacuum therapy reduces the rate of anastomotic leakage after rectal resections.MethodsA multicenter parallel group randomized controlled trial is planned in as many as possible centers in Europe. The study aims to recruit 362 analyzable patients with a resection of the rectum combined with a diverting ileostoma. The anastomosis has to be between 2 and 8 cm off the anal verge. Half of these patients receive a sponge for 5 days, and the control group is treated as usual in the participating hospitals. There will be a check for anastomotic leakage after 30 days. Primary end point is the rate of anastomotic leakages. The study will have 60% power to detect a difference of 10%, at a one-sided alpha significance level of 5%, assuming an anastomosis leakage rate of 10%–15%.DiscussionIf the hypothesis proves to be true, anastomosis leakage could be reduced significantly by placing a vacuum sponge over the anastomosis for 5 days.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at DRKS: DRKS00023436. It has been accredited by Onkocert of the German Society of Cancer: ST-D483. The leading Ethics Committee is the Ethics Committee of Rostock University with the registration ID A 2019–0203.
An acquired esophago-respiratory fistula represents an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the respiratory system. It is usually caused by malignancy and infection, or it occurs as a complication after surgery or radiation therapy. It can be divided according to its anatomical level into esophago-tracheal fistula, esophago-bronchial fistula, and in the rarest case, esophago-pulmonary fistula (EPF). We present a case of EPF aggravating an anastomotic leak (AL) after the Ivor-Lewis operation for esophageal cancer. The leak was treated with endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) using the Eso-Sponge® system (B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany). In the further course of treatment, an EPF was suspected by a new onset of severe cough after oral fluid intake. The suspicion was confirmed by injecting methylene blue dye into the paraesophageal-extraluminal cavity during endoscopy and attesting to its presence in the respiratory tract by simultaneous bronchoscopy. Furthermore, an oral contrast computed tomography scan showed the presence of contrast in the right lower lobe of the lung. This complication was treated conservatively with EVT and antibiotics. Nutrition was administered through the existing jejunostomy. Both fistulas and the paraesophageal cavity were fully healed, oral intake was maintained, and the patient was discharged. This rare life-threatening complication can be treated conservatively. Its management is challenging, controversial, and lacks a general consensus.
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