MELD-Na score and postoperative complications in hernia repair

Improved immediate postoperative pain following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy using self-adhering mesh: the importance of clinical practice guidelines

A study of contralateral persistent processus vaginalis in laparoscopic hernia repair in children Abstract Purpose The introduction of laparoscopy for hernia repair permits intra-abdominal observation of a hernia and contralateral persistent processus vaginalis (CPPV). The current study’s aim was to investigate the diameter of opening of an inguinal hernia and CPPV in patients with unilateral inguinal hernia, and to evaluate their correlation with age. Methods From September 2012 to August 2017, 569 pediatric patients underwent laparoscopic repair of unilateral inguinal hernia. We retrospectively evaluated the size of the hernia and CPPV by measuring the diameter of opening. Pearson correlation analysis and linear-by-linear association were used in the statistical analysis. Results The median age at operation was 32.4 months (range 0.2–219 months). CPPV was observed in 330 patients (58.0%), and its incidence was significantly higher in patients with left inguinal hernias than in those with right inguinal hernias (62.8 versus 54.0%, p < 0.001). The mean diameter of opening for the hernias was significantly larger than that for CPPV (11.2 ± 3.1 vs. 6.1 ± 2.5 mm, p < 0.001). The incidence of CPPV gradually decreased from 77.2% in infants to 46.6% in the oldest age group (≥ 6 years) (p trend < 0.001). The diameter of the opening of a hernia was not correlated with increasing age, and the diameter of the opening of a CPPV was not correlated with increasing age, as well. Conclusion The diameters of a hernia and CPPV were identified in the current study, and the diameter was not correlated with increasing age. The incidence of CPPV was more common in patients with left inguinal hernias than in those with right inguinal hernias, and it gradually decreased with increasing age.

A survey on practices for parastomal hernia prevention and repair among ESCP surgeons

Spontaneous evisceration of small bowel in Amyand's hernia: a case report

Incidence of and risk factors for incisional hernia after closure of temporary ileostomy for colorectal malignancy Abstract Purpose Incisional hernia is a major complication after stoma closure and can cause uncomfortable symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the risk factors for hernia formation with the aim of reducing the incidence of incisional hernia. Methods A total of 134 oncology patients underwent closure of a temporary loop ileostomy between May 2004 and December 2013. The incidence of incisional hernia was determined by routine follow-up computed tomography scanning every 6 months. The relationships between patients’ characteristics, including age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, surgical site infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, hypoalbuminemia, smoking, and presence of a midline hernia and the occurrence of incisional hernia were retrospectively evaluated. Results The median follow-up time was 47 months (range 8–130). Hernias occurred in 23.9% of patients (32/134). The median time to detection of hernias was 8 months (range 2–39). The Chi-squared test revealed significant differences in obesity (P = 0.0003), hypertension (P = 0.0057), and incisional hernia history (P = 0.0000) between patients with and without incisional hernia. Multivariable analysis and univariate analysis revealed that hypertension and the presence of midline incisional hernia were risk factors for incisional hernia. Conclusions Hypertension and the presence of a midline incisional hernia were the major risk factors for incisional hernia after loop ileostomy closure. These risk factors can be addressed before planning surgery.

Tentacle-shaped mesh for fixation-free repair of umbilical hernias Abstract Purpose Mesh fixation and broad overlap represent an open issue in umbilical hernia repair. A proprietary-designed implant with tentacle straps at its boundary has been developed to ensure a suture-free repair and a broader coverage of the abdominal wall. The study describes the results of umbilical hernia procedures carried out with the tentacle-shaped implant and the related surgical technique. Methods A proprietary tentacle-shaped flat mesh having a central body with integrated radiating arms at its edge was used to repair large umbilical hernias in 62 patients. The implant was placed in preperitoneal sublay. The friction of the straps, crossing the abdominal wall thanks to a special needle passer, was intended to assure adequate grip to hold the implant in place assuring a fixation-free procedure and broad overlap of the hernia defect. Results In a mean follow-up of 48 months (range 10–62 months), 4 seromas and 2 ischemia of the navel skin occurred. No infections, hematomas, chronic pain, mesh dislocation, or recurrence has been reported. Conclusions The tentacle strap system of the prosthesis effectively ensured an easier implant placement avoiding the need for suturing the mesh. The arms of the implant ensured a proper orientation and stabilization of the mesh in association with a broad defect overlap. The specifically developed surgical procedure showed a quick postoperative recovery, a very low complication rate, and no recurrences even in the long term.

Using quilting sutures in decreasing seroma formation after managing large ventral hernias: a comparative study Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate using quilting sutures in a prospective randomized controlled manner the decrease in the incidence of seroma formation among patients subjected to ventral hernia repair. Methods The study was a prospective randomized controlled study. 370 patients with large ventral hernias were randomly distributed among two groups. Group A (control group) included 180 patients in whom the repair was done without quilting sutures. Group B (quilting group) included 190 patients, all performed with quilting. Method of dissection was unified as far as possible. All cases had an attached closed suction drain that was removed after two successive days of output ≤ 50 cc. The output of the suction drain was recorded; accumulation of clinically detected seroma after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of removal of the drain was monitored. Results There was no statistical difference between both groups as regards the demographic data and the hernia characteristics. There was significantly smaller amount of output of the drains in every day of the first five postoperative days as well as the total amount of the output before drain removal in favor of the quilting group. Drains were removed earlier in group B. The incidence of clinically detected seroma was less in group B as well. Conclusions Quilting sutures is an effective and easy technique to reduce post-ventral hernia seroma accumulation.

Could long-term follow-up modify the outcomes after laparoscopic TAPP? A 5-year retrospective cohort study Abstract Purpose Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) has demonstrated multiple benefits. However, long-term results regarding recurrence and quality of life (QoL) are still on debate. We aimed to analyze postoperative outcomes with long-term follow-up after LIHR. Methods A consecutive series from December 2012 to May 2017 of laparoscopic TAPP was included. A minimum of 6 months of follow-up was required for inclusion. The sample was divided into two groups, G1: patients with recurrence and G2: patients without recurrence. Patient’s characteristics, operative variables and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. A QoL survey (Eura-HS QoL) was performed in the pre- and postoperative period. Results A total of 717 laparoscopic TAPP were performed in 443 patients. On univariate analysis, smoking, previous recurrence, mesh size smaller than 12 × 15 cm and surgical teams with less than 30 cases/year showed an increased recurrence rate (p < 0.05). But only smoking and less experienced teams were statistically significant on multivariate analysis (p < 0.01). After a 2-year follow-up, recurrence rate was 1.5%, while it increased to 2.6% (n = 19) at 5-year follow-up. Sixty percent of patients answered QoL survey. Average preoperative scores of pain, activities restriction and aesthetic dissatisfaction improved significantly after 6 months of follow-up in patients without recurrence. Conclusions After LIHR, quality of life shows a significant improvement in all parameters. Extending follow-up beyond 2 years after laparoscopic TAPP allows a more accurate assessment of recurrence rate. Smoking and inexperienced teams were significant risk factors for its development.