Dr. Pushkar Galam

Background and objective Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second most deadly cancer worldwide. Powered equipment has transformed modern surgery, revolutionizing the delicacy, precision, and accuracy of many surgeries. The safety and efficacy of tissue dissection and artery sealing in colorectal surgery remain highly debatable. With the increased use of minimally invasive procedures in colon and rectal surgery, energy devices for tissue dissection and vascular sealing have become widely used. In light of this, we aimed at comparing the use of bipolar electrocautery and harmonic scalpel in CRC surgeries. Methods Our study was a hospital-based comparative study conducted at our tertiary care hospital. Fifty patients were divided equally into two groups by block randomization, and bipolar electrocautery was used in one group, and harmonic scalpel was used in the second group during surgery. The mean operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were calculated in both groups. The comparison between bipolar electrocautery and harmonic scalpel was evaluated using independent t-tests. Results The mean operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were significantly lower in the harmonic scalpel group than in the electrocautery group. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion Based on our findings, the harmonic scalpel is a better energy source when compared to bipolar electrocautery in CRC surgeries.

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant source of postoperative morbidity. Triclosan-coated absorbable sutures, such as MITSU AB™ (Meril Endo Surgery Private Limited, Vapi, India), are designed to inhibit early microbial colonization, reducing the risk of SSIs. However, concerns about triclosan resistance highlight the need for real-world clinical evaluation. The present study aims to assess wound healing outcomes, incidence of SSIs, and triclosan resistance in patients treated with MITSU AB™ absorbable triclosan-coated sutures. Methods: A prospective, single-arm, multi-center post-marketing surveillance study was conducted involving 60 patients undergoing general surgical procedures, including laparoscopic appendectomy, episiotomy, and soft tissue repair. Patients were monitored postoperatively at discharge and days 7, 15, and 30. Primary outcomes included SSI occurrence and triclosan resistance. Secondary endpoints were wound healing grade, pain (measured by visual analogue scale (VAS)), and suture handling feedback. Results: The study population had a mean age of 38.5 ± 17.4 years, with 36 (60%) female participants. All patients (100%) achieved complete wound healing (Grade A) by day 30. No SSIs, triclosan-resistant microbial growth, or adverse events were recorded. Pain scores decreased over time, with 59 (98.3%) patients pain-free by day 15 and 100% by day 30. Suture handling was rated excellent in 51 (85%) cases. No re-interventions or re-admissions due to infection occurred during the study. Conclusion: MITSU AB™ triclosan-coated sutures demonstrated excellent infection prevention, complete healing, and favorable handling with no evidence of triclosan resistance. These findings support their safe and effective use in clinical surgery.