Reinforcement of closure of stoma site using a biological mesh

Incisional hernia at the site of stoma closure is an under-reported problem, having been recently shown to occur in up to 30 % of patients. This technical note describes a technique for the placement of intraperitoneal biological mesh to prophylactically reinforce stoma closure sites. Seven consecutive patients underwent mesh placement as part of a pilot study. Following closure of the stoma through a trephine incision, 6 anchoring sutures were placed between the peritoneum/deep fascia and the edges of the mesh circumferentially. The mesh was delivered into the peritoneal cavity and parachuted up against the abdominal wall, and the sutures tied. If closure was performed through a midline laparotomy, the anchoring sutures were placed in a similar fashion through the midline incision. The fascia above the mesh and soft tissues was then closed. The mesh was successfully placed in all 7 patients. Follow-up at 30 days showed one superficial wound infection. An ultrasound scan of this patient revealed that the mesh was still in place and that the infection did not breach the fascia. No other early adverse events occurred. Prophylactic biological mesh reinforcement of stoma closure sites is technically feasible and safe in the short term. Longer-term results from a prospective randomised trial are needed, including clinical and radiological assessment for hernia rates, to establish what if any are the realisable benefits of this technique.

Atypical clinical presentation of internal herniation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

A 60-years old women with history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presented with progressive abdominal pain, mainly at the left loin. Imaging was aspecific. Exploratory laparoscopy showed an internal herniation trough the Petersen space.

Transmesenteric hernia after right nephrectomy: diagnostic and therapeutic management

Internal abdominal hernias are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction (0.2-0.9%). Transmesenteric hernia is a rare type of internal hernia and usually in adult people is acquired. We report the case of a 44 year-old caucasian female with a small bowel occlusion after right nephrectomy for clear cell renal carcinoma caused by an acquired transmesenteric hernia. We emphasize the role of CT scanning for a prompt diagnosis and a quick surgical treatment in order to avoid intestinal gangrene.

Strangulated ileal trans-coloanal-anastomotic hernia: A complication of Altemeier’s procedure previously never reported

A postoperative complication after Altemeier operation, so far never reported, is described in a 42 years old mentally disabled patient with external full thickness rectal prolapse who usually had prolonged straining at defecation. After 6 d from perineal rectosigmoidectomy, the patient, was discharged free of complications. Four days later he was readmitted in emergency for strangulated perineal trans-anastomotic ileal hernia that occurred at home during efforts to defecate. The clinical feature required an emergency operation for repositioning the ileal loops into the abdomen, resection of the necrotic ileum, and end colostomy. The outcome of the second operation was free of complication and the patient was discharged on the 6^th postoperative day. In conclusion, after Altemeier operation prolonged straining at defecation should be carefully avoided

[Severe abdominal pain after colostomy]

A 57-year-old man with a history of laparoscopic loop colostomy presented with acute abdominal pain. An abdominal CT-scan demonstrated a closed-loop bowel obstruction. On exploratory laparotomy, we encountered an ischemic small bowel segment herniating through a mesocolic defect. After reposition, the bowel appeared viable. Internal herniation is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction and has a high mortality rate due to strangulation and bowel ischemia.

Sixty-four-slice multidetector computerized tomography in the evaluation of transmesenteric internal hernias following Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of 64-slice multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) in the detection of transmesenteric internal hernias in patients following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for bariatric surgery patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was performed on post-bariatric RYGB patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of internal hernias at our institution from the period of April 2010 until March 2012. The patients who had symptoms suggestive of internal hernia had undergone 64-slice MDCT. All the patients who on CT examination were found to have features suggestive of internal hernia were subjected to laparoscopic exploration.

RESULTS

Of the 102 patients who had undergone laparoscopic RYGB, 42 (41.2%) were suspected of having internal hernia. Of these, 23 (55%) had CT findings of hernia while the remaining 19 (45%) were considered normal. Of the 23, 21 (91%) patients were confirmed for internal hernia at laparoscopy. The 19 (45%) patients that did not reveal any signs for internal hernia on CT and the 2 patients that were considered normal on laparoscopy were treated conservatively. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for MDCT in the diagnosis of internal hernias were 100, 90.5, 91 and 91.3% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The 64-slice MDCT was accurate in the diagnosis of transmesenteric internal hernias in post-RYGB for bariatric surgery patients. The presence of clustered loops with mesenteric swirl is a reliable indicator of transmesenteric internal hernia.

[Surgical treatment of the defects of the lumbar-lateral region of the abdominal wall in elderly and senile patients]

The results of surgical treatment of 44 patients with defects in the lumbar-lateral abdomen. Age of patients ranged from 60 to 78 years. Causes defects in 32 (72.7%) patients were hernia after surgical interventions on the urinary system using lumbotomic accesses; in 4 (9.1%)--hernias, in 2 (4.5%)--eventration after applying troakar lateral openings during laparoscopic surgery; in 2 (4.5%)--hernias, in 2 (4.5%)--eventration, and in 2 (4.5%)--evisceration through aperture after removing drains for drainage of the abdominal cavity. To prevent the development of the proposed method of drainage of the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic operations (patent for useful model No 51170 from 12.07.10). Autotransplantation own tissues justified by the size of the defect W1. If there is a defect larger aloplastyc shown by the method of sub lay in the proposed original method.

Obesity increases the odds of acquiring and incarcerating noninguinal abdominal wall hernias

The current data available describing the relationship of obesity and abdominal wall hernias is sparse. The objective of this study was to investigate the current prevalence of noninguinal abdominal wall hernias and their correlation with body mass index (BMI) and other demographic risk factors. Patients with umbilical, incisional, ventral, epigastric, or Spigelian hernias with or without incarceration were identified using the regional database for 14 hospitals over a 3-year period. Patients were stratified based on their BMI. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to distinguish other significant risk factors associated with the hernias. Of 2,807,414 patients, 26,268 (0.9%) had one of the specified diagnoses. Average age of the patients was 52 years and 61 per cent were male. The majority of patients had nonincarcerated umbilical hernias (74%). Average BMI was 32 kg/m2. Compared with patients with a normal BMI, the odds of having a hernia increased with BMI: BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 odds ratio (OR) 1.63, BMI of 30 to 39.9 kg/m2 OR 2.62, BMI 40 to 49.9 kg/m2 OR 3.91, BMI 50 to 59.9 kg/m2 OR 4.85, and BMI greater than 60 kg/m2 OR 5.17 (P<0.0001). Age older than 50 years was associated with a higher risk for having a hernia (OR, 2.12; 95% [CI], 2.07 to 2.17), whereas female gender was associated with a lower risk (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.55). Those with incarcerated hernias had a higher average BMI (32 kg/m2 vs 35 kg/m2; P<0.0001). Overall, BMI greater than 40 kg/m2 showed an increased chance of incarceration, and a BMI greater than 60 kg/m2 had the highest chance of incarceration, OR 12.7 (P<0.0001). Age older than 50 years and female gender were also associated with a higher risk of incarceration (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.59 and OR, 1.80; CI, 1.45 to 2.24). Increasing BMI and increasing age are associated with a higher prevalence and an increased risk of incarceration of noninguinal abdominal wall hernias.

Use of a prosthetic mesh to prevent parastomal hernia during laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Prevention of parastomal hernia represents an important aim when a permanent stoma is necessary. The objective of this work is to assess whether implantation of a prophylactic prosthetic mesh during laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection contributed to reduce the incidence of parastomal hernia.

METHODS

Rectal cancer patients undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with permanent colostomy were randomized to placement of a large-pore lightweight mesh in the intraperitoneal/onlay position by the laparoscopic approach (study group) or to the control group (no mesh). Parastomal hernia was defined radiologically by a CT scan performed after 12 months of surgery. The usefulness of subcutaneous fat thickness measured by CT to discriminate patients at risk of parastomal hernia was assessed by ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were randomized, 19 to the mesh group and 17 to the control group. Parastomal hernia was detected in 50 % of patients in the mesh group and in 93.8 % of patients in the control group (P = 0.008). The AUC for thickness of the subcutaneous abdominal was 0.819 (P = 0.004) and the optimal threshold 23 mm. Subcutaneous fat thickness ≥23 mm was a significant predictor of parastomal hernia (odds ratio 15.7, P = 0.010), whereas insertion of a mesh was a protective factor (odds ratio 0.06, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of prophylactic large-pore lightweight mesh in the intraperitoneal/onlay position by a purely laparoscopic approach reduced the incidence of parastomal hernia formation. Subcutaneous fat thickness ≥23 mm measured by CT was an independent predictor of parastomal hernia.

Post-traumatic synchronous twin inter-muscular abdominal and diaphragmatic hernias: a rare presentation

Simultaneous occurrence of traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) and traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is uncommon. Our report documents the rare delayed presentation of simultaneous occurrence of TAWH and TDH in a patient who sustained a bicycle handlebar injury as a consequence of the bicycle he was riding colliding with a motorbike in a road-traffic accident. Excellent outcome could be achieved in this patient with surgical repair without requiring the use of a mesh.

Factors associated with early peritoneal dialysis catheter replacement in Veracruz, Mexico

INTRODUCTION

Catheter-related complications in patients on peritoneal dialysis lead to decreased effectiveness and discontinuation of the technique, conversion to haemodialysis, hospitalisation, and surgical interventions to replace the catheter.

OBJECTIVES

Determine risk factors for early catheter dysfunction that result in the need for replacement.

METHODS

We analysed 235 catheters placed by open surgery using an infra-umbilical midline incision. Possible risk factors included the following: age, sex, body mass index, body surface area, diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, previous surgery, time of surgical procedure, omentectomy, omentopexy, wound infection and postoperative incisional hernia.

RESULTS

During the first year, 47 patients (20%) required a catheter replacement due to poor function. The most common complications were catheter migration and peritonitis (4.3% in both cases), followed by obstruction from omental wrapping (3.7%). Univariate analysis showed that patients with catheter dysfunction or requiring catheter replacement were younger, with a lower body mass index and body surface area (P<.05). There was a significant association of wound infection and post-operative incisional hernia with catheter replacement. Omentectomy was associated with a low incidence rate of catheter dysfunction/replacement in the univariate and logistical regression analyses (odds ratio: 0.275; 95% confidence interval: 0.101-0.751; P<.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Our catheter placement technique offers a low complication rate and good results in the first year after surgery. Except for omentectomy, we did not discover any risk factors for catheter replacement in our study population. Omentectomy had a protective effect in terms of catheter replacement.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of incisional hernia at the site of stoma closure

BACKGROUND

The incidence of incisional hernias at the site of stoma closure is surprisingly unclear. A review of the current literature was undertaken to determine how commonly this complication may occur and to assess the quality of evidence available.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify studies reporting the incidence of incisional hernia after closure of an ileostomy or colostomy. Studies including children (<16 years old) and studies in which >10% of the total number were trauma patients were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies provided outcomes for 2,729 closed stomas. Median follow-up time was 36 months but was only described in seven studies. Closure of loop ileostomies was the most commonly performed procedure (48%). The overall reported hernia rate was 7%, but with a wide range among studies (0-48%). Most studies based their hernia rates on retrospective clinical findings only. A separate analysis of three studies that were specifically designed to assess for stoma site hernias found the clinical hernia rate to be 30% (28/93) and the combined clinical/radiological hernia rate to be 35% (33/93). From 11 studies reporting reoperation rates, 51% of patients who developed a hernia required a surgical repair (34/66). There was a lower risk of hernia following reversal of ileostomy versus colostomy (odds ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

One in three patients may develop a hernia after stoma closure, and around half of hernias that are detected require repair. Risk of hernia is greater after colostomy closure than after ileostomy closure. Clinical measures to reduce the development of these hernias warrant consideration.

[Internal herniation during pregnancy following gastric bypass surgery]

In Denmark, the number of bariatric operations, including gastric bypass surgery, has increased dramatically in recent years. Internal herniation as a possible cause of acute abdominal pain, is a well-known complication after gastric bypass operation. We report two cases of internal herniation during pregnancy following gastric bypass operation. The diagnosis of internal herniation can be difficult as radiologic investigations may be inconclusive. Clinical suspicion alone should lead to surgical exploration due to the risks of morbidity and mortality if patients are not diagnosed properly.

[Prevention of parastomal hernia using laparoscopic introduction of a prosthetic mesh--initial experience]

INTRODUCTION

Parastomal hernia is a very common complication after stoma formation. Current surgical procedures for repairing parastomal hernia have unsatisfactory results. The aim of this study was to evaluate our initial experience with laparoscopic prophylactic mesh placement at the time of stoma formation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four patients underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal rectal cancer resection with prophylactic parastomal mesh placement. A specially designed mesh made of polyvinylidene fluoride with central funnel (Dynamesh IPST) was implanted using an intraperitoneal onlay technique. The surgical data, the frequency of mesh-related complications as well as the rate of parastomal henias were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean operating time for mesh placement was 15 min (10-25 min.). No mesh- related complications or infection was observed and no parastomal hernia could be detected clinically. To this date, the mean follow up time has been six months (4-8 months).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic prophylactic parastomal mesh placement might be a safe and effective procedure with a potential to reduce the risk of parastomal hernia, at least in the short run. However, our experience is limited due to the small number of patients included in the study. Additional large trials with long term follow up are necessary.

[Incarcerated hernia of the inferior ileocecal recess--a rare nephrectomy complication]

INTRODUCTION

Internal hernia results from viscus protrusion into a retroperitoneal fossa or foramen in the abdominal cavity. The condition is rare but when it occurs the patient usually manifests symptoms of alimentary tract obstruction. In this paper we present a very rare case of post-operative incarcerated internal hernia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

On post-operative day four we diagnosed small bowel obstruction in a patient subjected to left side nephroctomy from retroperitoneal access. Emergency surgical procedure followed. The incarcerated intestinal hernia was released from the inferior ileocecal recess and absorbable sutures were applied. The post operative complications (pneumonia in right lung and bacterial wound infection) subsided as result of antibiotic therapy and wound dressing

RESULTS

Following successful medical treatment, the patient was discharged (postoperative day 20).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of incarcerated hernia of the interior ileocecal recess is not easy and often occurs incidentally during exploratory laparoscopy for intestinal occlusion.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: from four wounds to one

OBJECTIVE

To review the initial results and surgical outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

SETTING

A university teaching hospital and a regional hospital in Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

All patients undergoing single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy from August 2009 to March 2011.

RESULTS

Fifty patients underwent single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the study period. The indications for surgery included symptomatic gallstones (n=43) and gallbladder polyps (n=7). The mean operating time was 78 (standard deviation, 24) minutes. Forty-five of the patients successfully underwent single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy, giving a success rate of 90%. In the remaining five patients, additional working ports were constructed to obtain better exposure and dissection around Calot's triangle. On comparing the results of the initial 25 cases to the subsequent 25 cases, in the latter group the operating time was significantly shorter (86 vs 71 minutes; P=0.02), and the success rate was higher (80% vs 100%; P=0.05). During the median follow-up period of 6.8 months, four patients had complications, which included: postoperative urinary retention (n=2), one each with a haematoma and an incisional hernia. No patient endured bile duct injury, postoperative bile leakage, or haemorrhage in our series.

CONCLUSION

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe for treatment of uncomplicated gallbladder diseases. There was a reduction in the operating time and increase in success rate with accumulation of experience. Nevertheless, surgeons should be cautious about the potential risks of this new technique.

Liver herniation in gastroschisis: incidence and prognosis

PURPOSE

Liver herniation is a rare occurrence in gastroschisis. We sought to determine the incidence and prognosis of liver herniation in patients with gastroschisis.

METHODS

From December 1995 to March 2010, 117 patients with gastroschisis received care by our division. Operative reports were reviewed to identify patients with liver herniation. Logistic regression was used to determine the impact of liver herniation on survival, taking into account gestational age and birth weight.

RESULTS

The incidence of liver herniation was 6%. Survival rates were 43% with liver herniation and 97% without liver herniation. Liver herniation was associated with a significantly higher rate of mortality, taking into account estimated gestational age and birth weight (P < .001). Patients who had liver herniation documented by prenatal ultrasound had significant liver herniation at birth and died postnatally. Patients with liver herniation who died required large silos and were noted to have comorbidities including lower birth weight, pulmonary hypoplasia, and sepsis. Biologic patches were necessary for closure in patients with greater extent of liver herniation.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver herniation was found in 6% of patients with gastroschisis and was associated with a high rate of mortality. Liver herniation appears to be a risk factor for poor outcome in gastroschisis. Documentation of liver herniation may be helpful in prenatal consultation for gastroschisis.