METHODS: Sixty-six (66) patients with unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia were randomized into 34 patients in the tacker and 32 patients in cyanoacrylate glue mesh fixation in TEP repair. The extent of surgical trauma was evaluated by measuring inflammatory markers of C-reactive protein, white blood cell count at 48 h, and ESR at 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative acute and chronic pain was assessed by recording the visual analogue scale scores and surgical complications were recorded over 3 months of the study period.
RESULTS: The median CRP and WBC levels at postoperative 48 h in both groups raised significantly from the baseline values (p 0.05). The median ESR level increased significantly at 3 months postoperatively from baseline in the glue mesh fixation group only (p 0.05). There was no significant difference for VAS scores at all timelines between the tacker and glue mesh fixation group (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Cyanoacrylate glue mesh fixation technique as an alternative method to mechanical fixation in TEP repair is comparable to tacker and can be considered to be safe and feasible.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blinded RCT enrolled 110 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM from November 2020 to May 2021. Any patients with previous abdominal surgery, chronic kidney disease, or liver disease were excluded. The patients were randomised into two groups: (i) the IPLA group which received ropivacaine intraperitoneal instillation at the dissected left crus and (ii) the placebo group (sterile water instillation). Perioperative analgesia was standardised. The first 24-h postoperative pain was assessed using a VAS. The respiratory effort was assessed using incentive spirometry simultaneously.
RESULTS: Total of 110 patients were recruited. The VAS score was lower with an enhanced recovery of respiratory effort in the local anaesthetic group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05) within the first 24 h postoperatively. In addition, the placebo group required additional postoperative analgesia (P < 0.05). No side effects were reported with the use of intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine.
CONCLUSION: The use of intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is recommended as it is safe, effectively reduces acute postoperative pain, and enhances the recovery of respiratory effort postoperatively.