Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) versus Lichtenstein operation for primary inguinal hernia repair - A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Surg. 2017;17:55. [PMID: 28490321 PMCID: PMC5424320 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-017-0253-7]

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Transabdominal Preperitoneal, Open Mesh Plug and Open Tissue Inguinal Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

There have been few comparisons of the postoperative outcomes of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP), open mesh plug (mesh plug) and open tissue (tissue) hernia repair. The objectives of this study were to compare these repair methods.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 1813 inguinal hernia patients between January 2008 and December 2016. Of these patients, 474 underwent TAPP repair, 1293 underwent mesh plug repair, and 46 underwent tissue repair. The short-term and long-term outcomes determined by questionnaire were compared among the three groups. In addition, risk factors for patient dissatisfaction were assessed.

RESULTS

In the TAPP group, the postoperative complications rate was the lowest at 4.6% (7.4% and 6.5% in the mesh plug and the tissue groups, respectively, P = 0.07), and recurrence rate was lower compared to the mesh plug group (0.8% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.002). As long-term outcomes, 92%, 88% and 75% of patients were satisfied in the TAPP, mesh plug and tissue groups, respectively (P = 0.03). The rate of patients with numbness was 3.1% in the TAPP group, 5.2% in the mesh plug group and 14% in the tissue group (P = 0.04). Predictive independent risk factors for patient dissatisfaction were complications (OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.35-11.8, P = 0.012) and infection (OR: 16.9, 95% CI: 1.25-229, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

TAPP repair is superior to mesh plug and tissue repairs in terms of complications, satisfaction and numbness, as determined by questionnaire. Complications and infection were independently associated with the patient dissatisfaction.

Laparoscopic versus open mesh repair of bilateral primary inguinal hernia: A three-armed Randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The best approach for simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernia is controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes after laparoscopic versus open mesh repair of bilateral primary inguinal hernia.

METHODS

this prospective study included 180 patients with bilateral primary inguinal hernia; randomized by sealed envelopes into 3 groups; each includes 60 patients. Group I treated by laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair using 2 separate meshes, Group II treated by open pre-peritoneal (PP) single mesh repair, while Group III treated by bilateral Lichtenstein repair.

RESULTS

In comparison to open PP and bilateral Lichtenstein repair, Laparoscopic TAPP repair had significantly longer operative time and superior early postoperative outcomes including significantly less postoperative pain, hospital stay, time till return to normal activity and to work. Chronic groin pain and mesh sensation was lower in Laparoscopic TAPP group with significantly higher satisfaction rate compared to open groups. No significant difference between study groups in 3 years recurrence rate.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous laparoscopic TAPP repair of uncomplicated primary bilateral inguinal hernia has superior early postoperative outcome, less chronic pain and higher patients' satisfaction rate compared to open approaches with similar low recurrence rate.

Eight-fold path to attain laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair Nirvana - a standardized technique to reduce the learning curve of surgical residents

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair remains technically challenging due to the steep learning curve and unfamiliar territory. This paper describes an eight-step standardized technique of laparoscopic TEP hernia repair that is easily reproducible, thus reducing the learning curve.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

The eight steps are as follows: (a) creation of the pneumo pre-peritoneal space; (b) identify the pubis symphysis; (c) identify the inferior epigastric vessels; (d) lateral to medial dissection of the hernia sac; (e) identification of cord structures and triangle of doom/pain; (f) herniotomy; (g) parietalization of the hernia sac; (h) placement and fixation of the mesh.

DISCUSSION

The learning curve of laparoscopic TEP can be decreased by proctoring, standardization of the procedure and having a formal set of operative steps that residents can follow and easily repeat.

The Gauze technique: a simple method of dissection in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Hernia repair is one of the most frequent operation in general surgery. The aim of this is study is to present a new preperitoneal atraumatic dissection of peritoneal flap during laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

From January 2019 to December 2019, 30 patients (19 male, 11 female) attended TAPP inguinal hernia repairs. The inclusion's criteria were: patients from 32 to 88 years; male and woman; bilateral inguinal hernia.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 46,46 (32-88). The median time of operation was 63,8 (45-100) minutes. All procedures were performed without complications and convertions.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience the soft technique is a safe and feasible way to create a preperitoneal flap. Operating time is drastically reduced and the learning curve is reduced even for less experienced surgeons.

Educational value of surgical videos on transabdominal pre-peritoneal hernia repair (TAPP) on YouTube

PURPOSE

Transabdominal pre-peritoneal hernia repair (TAPP) is a worldwide performed surgery. Surgical videos about TAPP uploaded on the web, with YouTube being the most frequently used platform, may have an educational purpose, which, however, remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the 20 most viewed YouTube videos on TAPP through the examination of four experienced surgeons and assess their conformity to the guidelines on how to report laparoscopic surgery videos.

METHODS

On April 1st 2019, we searched for the 20 most viewed videos on TAPP on YouTube. Selected videos were evaluated on their overall utility and quality according to the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills-Groin Hernia (GOALS-GH) and the Laparoscopic surgery Video Educational Guidelines (LAP-VEGaS).

RESULTS

Image quality was poor for 13 videos (65%), good for 6 (30%) and in high definition for 1 (5%). Audio and written commentary were present in 55% of cases, while no video presented a detailed preoperative case description. Only 35% of the videos had a GOALS-GH score > 15, indicating good laparoscopic skills. Overall video conformity to the LAP-VEGaS guidelines was weak, with a median value of 12.5% (5.4-18.9%). Concordance between the examiners was acceptable for both the overall video quality (Cronbach's Alpha 0.685) and utility (0.732).

CONCLUSIONS

The most viewed TAPP videos available on YouTube in 2019 are not conformed to the LAP-VEGaS guidelines. Their quality and utility as a surgical learning tool are questionable. It is of upmost importance to improve the overall quality of free-access surgical videos due to their potential educational value.

Comparison of endoscopic surgery and Lichtenstein repair for treatment of inguinal hernias: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify the best procedure for addressing inguinal hernias by comparing results after transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP), totally extraperitoneal (TEP), and Lichtenstein repairs using a network meta-analysis.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to September 1, 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the TAPP, TEP, and Lichtenstein procedures. The study outcome were the hernia recurrence, chronic pain, hematoma, seroma, wound infection, operation time, hospital stay, and return-to-work days.

RESULTS

Altogether, 31 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The results of this network meta-analysis showed there were no significantly differences among the 3 procedures in terms of hernia recurrence, chronic pain, hematoma, seroma, hospital stays. Lichtenstein had a shorter operation time than TAPP+TEP [MD (95%Crl)]: 12 (0.51-25.0) vs 18 (6.11-29.0) minutes, respectively) but was associated with more wound infections than TEP: OR 0.33 (95%Crl 0.090-0.81). Our network meta-analysis suggests that TAPP and TEP require fewer return-to-work days [MD (95%CI)]: - 3.7 (-6.3 to 1.3) vs -4.8 (-7.11 to 2.8) days.

CONCLUSION

Our network meta-analysis showed that there were no differences among the TAPP, TEP, and Lichtenstein procedures in terms of safety or effectiveness for treating inguinal hernias. However, TAPP and TEP could decrease the number of return-to-work days. A further study with more focus on this topic for inguinal hernia is suggested.

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional high-definition laparoscopy in transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy improves technical efficacy in laboratory environment, but evidence for clinical benefit is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether the 3D laparoscopy is beneficial in transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP).

METHOD

In this prospective, single-blinded, single-center, superior randomized trial, patients scheduled for TAPP were randomly allocated to either 3D or two-dimensional (2D) TAPP laparoscopic approaches. Patients were excluded if secondary operation was planned, the risk of conversion was high, or the surgeon had less than five previous 3D laparoscopic procedures. Patients were operated on by 13 residents and 3 attendings. The primary endpoint was operation time. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02367573).

RESULTS

Total 278 patients were randomized between 5th February 2015 and 23rd October 2017. Median operation time was shorter in the 3D group (56.0 min vs. 68.0 min, p < 0.001). 10 (8%) patients in 3D group and 6 (5%) patients in 2D group had clinically significant complications (Clavien-Dindo 2 or higher) (p = 0.440). Rate of hernia recurrence was similar between groups at 1-year follow-up. In the subgroup analyses, operation time was shorter in 3D laparoscopy among attendings, residents, female surgeons, surgeons with perfect stereovision, surgeons with > 50 3D laparoscopic procedures, surgeons with any experience in TAPP, patients with body mass indices < 30, and bilateral inguinal hernia repairs.

CONCLUSION

3D laparoscopy is beneficial and shortens operation time but does not affect safety or long-term outcomes of TAPP.

Lichtenstein Versus Total Extraperitoneal Patch Plasty Versus Transabdominal Patch Plasty Technique for Primary Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Registry-based, Propensity Score-matched Comparison of 57,906 Patients

OBJECTIVE

Outcome comparison of the Lichtenstein, total extraperitoneal patch plasty (TEP), and transabdominal patch plasty (TAPP) techniques for primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND

For comparison of these techniques the number of cases included in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials is limited. There is therefore an urgent need for more comparative data.

METHODS

In total, 57,906 patients with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia and 1-year follow up from the Herniamed Registry were selected between September 1, 2009 and February 1, 2015. Using propensity score matching, 12,564 matched pairs were formed for comparison of Lichtenstein versus TEP, 16,375 for Lichtenstein versus TAPP, and 14,426 for TEP versus TAPP.

RESULTS

Comparison of Lichtenstein versus TEP revealed disadvantages for the Lichtenstein operation with regard to the postoperative complications (3.4% vs 1.7%; P < 0.001), complication-related reoperations (1.1% vs 0.8%; P = 0.008), pain at rest (5.2% vs 4.3%; P = 0.003), and pain on exertion (10.6% vs 7.7%; P < 0.001). TEP had disadvantages in terms of the intraoperative complications (0.9% vs 1.2%; P = 0.035). Likewise, comparison of Lichtenstein versus TAPP showed disadvantages for the Lichtenstein operation with regard to the postoperative complications (3.8% vs 3.3%; P = 0.029), complication-related reoperations (1.2% vs 0.9%; P = 0.019), pain at rest (5% vs 4.5%; P = 0.029), and on exertion (10.2% vs 7.8%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

TEP and TAPP were found to have advantages over the Lichtenstein operation.

[Demographic perspective on the concept of the tailored approach in surgery : Analysis of the quality of life exemplified by inguinal hernia repair]

INTRODUCTION

The constant increase in life expectancy for over 170 years is one of the biggest achievements of modern society. In Germany the probability of an 80-year-old person becoming 100 years old has increased by a factor of 20 since the 1950s. This fact has various implications for the clinical routine and therapeutic guidelines. In addition to the quantitative factors (e.g. complications, recurrence rate), the quality of life (QoL) as a patient-centered subjective factor should be taken into consideration in the treatment options for hernia repair. To compare heterogeneous cohorts of patients regarding the QoL, a standardization based on representative reference values is absolutely essential.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was based on data from the follow-up of 310 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair at the surgery department of the University Hospital Rostock. The preoperative clinical examination of the patients and a questionnaire were supplemented by a postal follow-up survey postoperatively at a median of 20 months (follow-up rate 66%). Patient pain level was assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and health-unspecific QoL by the EQ-5D questionnaire. Standardization of the EQ-5D was based on a survey on a normative German reference population.

RESULTS

Analysis of the patients in the various treatment arms showed significant differences in age composition and health states (American Society of Anesthesologists, ASA scores) of the patient cohorts. A comparison of the QoL between the two mesh-based procedures, the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) procedure and the Lichtenstein procedure, showed that complete recovery is possible after 6 months. A slight decrease in the QoL of the Lichtenstein cohort patients was ascertainable, which can be explained by the method and the higher age of the group. Taking the differences in age of the two groups into account led to a change of the QoL outcome.

CONCLUSION

The concept of QoL is currently becoming increasingly more important in the assessment of treatment procedures. When comparing several therapeutic procedures, a standardization must be undertaken to take the heterogeneity of patient cohorts into consideration. Analogous to the relative survival in cancer epidemiology, the measured QoL scores should be put in the relationship to the age and sex-specific reference of the general population in order to demonstrate the actual effect of the disease in question and its treatment.

Laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal groin hernia repair with self-gripping polyester mesh: a series of 780 repairs

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic groin hernia repair is an increasingly common procedure with benefits of reduced post-operative pain and infection. Post-operative chronic pain remains an ongoing concern in about 10% of patients. Parietex ProGrip™, a polyester self-gripping mesh, has a theoretical benefit of avoiding tacks for mesh-fixation. This case series reflects our long-term experience of this technique.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case series from November 2011 to December 2017. Patients were identified through an operative Medicare Benefits Schedule item number search. Clinical documentation was reviewed with length of stay, mesh infection, chronic pain, recurrence and re-operation as primary data points.

RESULTS

A total of 514 patients underwent 780 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs with self-gripping polyester mesh during this period. There were 53 female (10.3%) and 461 male patients (89.7%). Unilateral hernia repair was performed in 248 patients (48.2%) and bilateral repair in 266 patients (51.8%). Almost all repairs (779, 99.8%) were primary hernias. There were no mesh infections. Four recurrences were noted (0.51%) and three of these subsequently underwent open redo-hernia repairs (0.38%). Post-operative follow-up was up to 4.4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series of laparoscopic groin hernia repair with self-gripping mesh demonstrate this is a safe and reliable mesh and effective technique with low recurrence rates.

Laparoscopic Bilateral Gonadectomy and Inguinal Hernia Repair with Mesh for Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Complete androgen insensitivity (CAIS) is a difference of sex development, in which there is complete androgen receptor resistance, leading to a female phenotype, despite the presence of normal testes. There is a recognized risk of testicular germ cell tumor in adulthood as high as 15%, and gonadectomy is usually performed in late adolescence or early adulthood.

CASE

A 20-year-old patient, with a known diagnosis of CAIS since the age of 16, underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis, which revealed the testes lying deep into the inguinal canal. The patient was explored laparoscopically and using the technique of transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair both testes were successfully reduced into the peritoneal cavity and resected. In addition, the defect of the internal inguinal ring was covered and reinforced using a prosthetic polypropylene mesh.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive gonadectomy is feasible even for gonads situated deep into the inguinal canal. Established benefits of laparoscopic surgery such as reduced postoperative pain, rapid recovery, aesthetically small incisions, and early return to normal activities are very important for CAIS patients. Multidisciplinary team work, among gynecologists and general surgeons, provides excellent results in these complex cases.

Contribution of heparin to recovery of incarcerated intestine in a rat incarcerated hernia model

PURPOSE

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of abdominal wall hernias. Although surgery is the only effective treatment for these hernias in adults, several problems associated with surgical treatment have been reported. If the hernia exits from a weak point of the abdominal wall, it can obstruct the bowel, thereby causing serious complications, including intestinal obstruction or strangulation. Through this study, we aimed to analyze the optimal incarceration induction time taken to cause some degree of necrosis from which recovery would be possible in a rat incarcerated abdominal wall hernia model and to determine the efficacy of heparin for expedite recovery from intestinal incarceration.

METHODS

A rat incarcerated abdominal wall hernia model was constructed, intestinal activity and the incarceration induction time were determined based on the color of the intestine and HE staining of intestinal sections. Heparin and procaine were sprayed onto intestinal surfaces, and their effects on the recovery from intestinal incarceration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Recovery from intestinal incarceration would be better if the incarceration induction time was maintained below 2.5 h in our rat model, and heparin was found to be superior to procaine in the expedite recovery from intestinal incarceration, particularly immediately after relieving such intestines.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study are significant for planning the treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia. Further, heparin is superior to procaine in terms of expedite recovery from intestinal incarceration.

Open versus laparoscopic mesh repair of primary unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

One standard repair technique for groin hernias does not exist. The objective of this study is to perform an update meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis to investigate if there is a difference in terms of recurrence between laparoscopic and open primary unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

The reporting methodology conforms to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Randomised controlled trials only were included. The intervention was laparoscopic mesh repair (transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP)). The control group was Lichtenstein repair. The primary outcome was recurrence rate and secondary outcomes were acute and chronic post-operative pain, morbidity and quality of life.

RESULTS

This study included 12 randomised controlled trials with 3966 patients randomised to Lichtenstein repair (n = 1926) or laparoscopic repair (n = 2040). There were no significant differences in recurrence rates between the laparoscopic and open groups (odds ratio (OR) 1.14, 95% CI 0.51-2.55, p = 0.76). Laparoscopic repair was associated with reduced rate of acute pain compared to open repair (mean difference 1.19, CI - 1.86, - 0.51, p ≤ 0.0006) and reduced odds of chronic pain compared to open (OR 0.41, CI 0.30-0.56, p ≤ 0.00001). The included trials were, however, of variable methodological quality. Trial sequential analysis reported that further studies are unlikely to demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the two techniques.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis report no difference in recurrence rates between laparoscopic and open primary unilateral inguinal hernia repairs. Rates of acute and chronic pain are significantly less in the laparoscopic group.

Primary inguinal hernia: systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis comparing open, laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal, totally extraperitoneal, and robotic preperitoneal repair

PURPOSE

The Open Lichtenstein technique, the Laparoscopic Trans-Abdominal PrePeritoneal (TAPP), the Totally Extra Peritoneal (TEP), and the robotic TAPP (rTAPP) are commonly performed. The aim of the present network meta-analysis was to globally compare short-term outcomes within these major surgical techniques for primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were consulted. A fully Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (51.037 patients) were included. Overall, 35.5% underwent Open, 33.5% TAPP, 30.7% TEP, and 0.3% rTAPP. The postoperative seroma risk ratio (RR) was comparable considering TAPP vs. Open (RR 0.91; 95% CrI 0.50-1.62), TEP vs. Open (RR 0.64; 95% CrI 0.32-1.33), TEP vs. TAPP (RR 0.70; 95% CrI 0.39-1.31), and rTAPP vs. Open (RR 0.98; 95% CrI 0.37-2.51). The postoperative chronic pain RR was similar for TAPP vs. Open (RR 0.53; 95% CrI 0.27-1.20), TEP vs. Open (RR 0.86; 95% CrI 0.48-1.16), and TEP vs. TAPP (RR 1.70; 95% CrI 0.63-3.20). The recurrence RR was comparable when comparing TAPP vs. Open (RR 0.96; 95% CrI 0.57-1.51), TEP vs. Open (RR 1.0; 95% CrI 0.65-1.61), TEP vs. TAPP (RR 1.10; 95% CrI 0.63-2.10), and rTAPP vs. Open (RR 0.98; 95% CrI 0.45-2.10). No differences were found in term of postoperative hematoma, surgical site infection, urinary retention, and hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that Open, TAPP, TEP, and rTAPP seem comparable in the short term. The surgical management of inguinal hernia is evolving and the effect of the adoption of innovative minimally invasive techniques should be further investigated in the long term. Ultimately, the choice of the most suitable treatment should be based on individual surgeon expertise and tailored on each patient.

Meta-analysis of patient-reported outcomes after laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia repair is a common low-risk intervention. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are being used increasingly as primary outcomes in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to review and meta-analyse the PROs in RCTs comparing laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair techniques in adult patients.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Only RCTs in peer-reviewed journals were considered. PubMed, Ovid Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched. In addition, four trial registries were searched. The search interval was between 1 January 1998 and 1 May 2018. Identified publications were reviewed independently by two authors. The review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018099552). Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool.

RESULTS

Some 7192 records were identified, from which 58 unique RCTs were selected. Laparoscopic hernia repair was associated with significantly less postoperative pain in three intervals: from 2 weeks to within 6 months after surgery (risk ratio (RR) 0·74, 95 per cent c.i. 0·62 to 0·88), 6 months to 1 year (RR 0·74, 0·59 to 0·93) and 1 year onwards (RR 0·62, 0·47 to 0·82). Paraesthesia (RR 0·27, 0·18 to 0·40) and patient-reported satisfaction (RR 0·91, 0·85 to 0·98) were also significantly better in the laparoscopic repair group.

CONCLUSION

The data and analysis reported in this study reflect the most up-to-date evidence available for the surgeon to counsel patients. It was constrained by heterogeneity of reporting for several outcomes.

Current status of single-port versus multi-port approach in laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repair: an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to provide an up-to-date comparison of single-port and multi-port approach, in laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repair. This meta-analysis was performed on the basis of the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) were systematically screened. Fixed Effects or Random Effects model was used, according to the Cochran Q test. In total 16 eligible studies were found. There was no statistically significant difference, regarding unilateral operation duration, between the two approaches, in TEP (OR - 4.61; 95% CI - 9.70, 0.47, p = 0.08) or TAPP (OR - 1.96; 95% CI - 4.89, 0.97, p = 0.19) procedures. Similarly, in both operative modalities, no superiority of either approach was proven, in terms of conversion rate (TEP OR 0.69, p = 0.48; TAPP OR 5.46, p = 0.31), length of hospital stay (TEP WMD 0.00, p = 0.76; TAPP WMD - 0.11, p = 0.42) and overall complication rate (TEP OR 1.10, p = 0.51; TAPP OR 0.74, p = 0.43). Overall, single-port and the established multi-port approach in inguinal hernia mesh repair, are equivalent, regarding the postoperative outcomes. Given several limitations, further RCTs, of higher methodological and quality level are required.

Laparoscopic Versus Conventional Open Surgery for the Treatment of Bilateral Inguinal Hernias

Objective: To evaluate and compare laparoscopic and conventional open procedures for bilateral inguinal hernia surgical repair, using clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative criteria.

Methods: Forty-three patients with bilateral inguinal hernia were included in a retrospective study, between 2014–2017. All patients underwent conventional open or laparoscopic bilateral hernioplasty, and were divided into two groups: a conventional open group (COG) and a laparoscopy group (LG). Clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed.

Results: In the laparoscopic hernioplasty group, there was a significantly shorter hospitalization period (p = 0.026), less postoperative pain (p = 0.03), and a prompt return to work (p = 0.043) compared to the conventional open procedure. On the other hand, patients who underwent hernioplasty with the Progrip-type synthetic mesh developed a lower pain score, an earlier return to work, and a quick start to normal physical activities in comparison with other mesh types used for the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernias. For patients who underwent conventional open procedure, there was a significantly shorter operating time (p = 0.042).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernioplasty is a time-consuming and technically demanding procedure. However, the current study underlines the benefits of this type of surgery. This technique presents comparable clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative results with the conventional open surgery.

Robot-assisted abdominal wall surgery: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The number of robot-assisted hernia repairs is increasing, but the potential benefits have not been well described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the available literature reporting on outcomes after robot-assisted hernia repairs.

METHODS

This is a qualitative review and meta-analysis of papers evaluating short-term outcomes after inguinal or ventral robot-assisted hernia repair compared with either open or laparoscopic approach. The primary outcome was postoperative complications and secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, postoperative length of stay and financial costs.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included. Postoperative complications were significantly decreased after robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair compared with open repair. There were no differences in complications between robot-assisted and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. For ventral hernia repair, sutured closure of the defect, retromuscular mesh placement and transversus abdominis release is feasible when using the robot. Length of stay was decreased by a mean of 3 days for robot-assisted repairs compared with open approach. There were no differences in postoperative complications and the operative time was significantly longer for robot-assisted ventral hernia repair compared with laparoscopic or open approach.

CONCLUSIONS

For ventral hernias that would normally require an open procedure, a robot-assisted repair may be a good option, as the use of a minimally invasive approach for these procedures decreases length of stay significantly. For inguinal hernias, the benefit of the robot is questionable. Randomized controlled trials and prospective studies are needed.

A Comparison of Outcomes between Lichtenstein and Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Hernioplasty for Recurrent Inguinal Hernia

There remain concerns about the optimal technique for repairing recurrent inguinal hernias because of the high risks of complications and recurrence. The aim of this study was to compare Lichtenstein hernioplasty with the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic technique in the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernias. One hundred twenty-two patients who underwent surgery for recurrent inguinal hernia were prospectively randomized to receive either Lichtenstein (n = 63) or TAPP (n = 59) hernioplasty between January 2010 and December 2014. Baseline characteristics, intraoperative complications, and short- and long-term postoperative factors were evaluated. Preoperative factors were comparable between the two groups. The average follow-up period was 46.2 ± 8.5 months. The two groups had similar intraoperative and short-term postoperative complication rates, whereas the rate of long-term postoperative complications was lower for the TAPP group than the Lichtenstein group (6.8% vs 23.8%, respectively, P = 0.012). The TAPP group had significantly lower visual analogue scale scores, fewer analgesics consumption, and faster recovery than the Lichtenstein group ( P < 0.05). Chronic pain was more prevalent in the Lichtenstein group than the TAPP group (15.9% vs 3.4%, respectively, P = 0.031). The recurrence rate was 4.8 per cent for the Lichtenstein group and 1.7 per cent for the TAPP group, with no significant difference ( P = 0.62). Both the Lichtenstein and TAPP procedures are safe and effective methods for repairing recurrent inguinal hernia with low incidence rates of life-threatening complications and recurrence. The TAPP procedure is superior to the Lichtenstein repair in terms of reduced postoperative pain, shorter sick leave, faster recovery, and better cosmetic results. Careful selection of the surgical procedures and implementation of technical essentials are necessary.

Surgical site infection: the "Achilles Heel" of all types of abdominal wall hernia reconstruction

PURPOSE

Surgical site infection is the most common hospital-acquired infection in surgical patients. Recently, public health organizations have updated prevention guidelines. This review discusses surgical site infections as a complication of abdominal wall reconstruction.

METHODS

The authors reviewed guidelines on prevention of surgical site infections from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and put them into context with the relevant abdominal wall reconstruction literature. This was the subject of the Nyhus-Wantz lecture given at The International Hernia Congress on March 14, 2018 in Miami, FL and is summarized here.

RESULTS

Routine use of preoperative antibiotics in prosthetic groin hernia repair is not supported by the available literature. High-quality data on antibiotic prophylaxis in ventral (both primary and incisional) hernia repair is lacking, but it is widely utilized and may reduce SSIs. Recommended preventative strategies discussed in this manuscript include: treatment of remote site infections, perioperative normothermia and normoglycemia, avoidance of hypoxemia, antiseptic preparation of surgical team hands and patient skin, treatment of obesity, smoking cessation, correction of malnutrition, and physical conditioning.

CONCLUSION

Surgical site infections lead to significant morbidity and mortality, hernia recurrences, prolonged hospital stay, and increased hospital costs. This makes surgical site infections the "Achilles Heel" of abdominal wall reconstruction. Strict adherence to standardized guidelines and preoperative optimization of patients' risk profiles are crucial to decrease the incidence of surgical site infections.

Simultaneous TAPP inguinal repair and laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results of a case series

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy and inguinal hernioplasty are the most frequent surgeries in Chile and the world. Laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty, being a clean surgery, reports mesh infection rates of less than 2% and adding a simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy is controversial due to an increase in the risk of mesh infection. The aim of this paper is to report the results of simultaneous TAPP hernioplasty with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of the digestive surgery database. We identified cases in which laparoscopic inguinal TAPP repair and simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed. Demographic, clinical information, hernia type and size, data from the surgery and its complications were also retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 21 patients, 86% male and with an average age of 61 years range 46-84. 72% of the hernias were unilateral, predominating indirect 50%, direct 28% and the remaining were femoral and mixed. The average hernia size was 2.2 cm. The meshes used were 56% polypropylene, 37% polyester and 5% PVDF. We report one gallblader perforation. At a median time of 40 months of follow-up (range 4-89 months), one hernia recurrence was found (3.7%), there were no reoperations at the time of the interview and there were no cases of mesh infection. Complications of surgery includes one ipsilateral testicular atrophy 4.8% and 1 ipsilateral inguinal seroma 4.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of cases, adding clean contaminated surgery to the inguinal TAPP hernioplasty was not associated with an increase in the infection of the mesh.

To Ligate or Not to Ligate? Managing the Difficult Indirect Sac in Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Repair of the Inguinal Hernia

BACKGROUND

A laparoscopic approach to repair of inguinal hernia has become popular. The reduction of an indirect sac can be challenging especially if it is long standing or is large. In such situations, the established practice is to divide the sac at the neck and ligate it. Ligation of the sac has been shown to cause increased postoperative pain. Hence we postulated that we could possibly avoid ligation of this divided sac without causing increased intraoperative difficulty or postoperative complications.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) during a 7-year period at our center with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. We compared the outcomes of the patients who underwent only a division (group I) versus those who underwent division followed by ligation (group II) of the indirect sac.

RESULTS

There were 189 and 126 patients in groups I and II, respectively. Group I patients fared better in terms of operative times and postoperative pain scores. The postoperative complication and short-term outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Non-ligation of a divided indirect sac during TEP is feasible and has the advantages of reduced operative times and postoperative pain and does not lead to increased complications.

A rare case of ascending colon adenocarcinoma incarcerated in an inguinoscrotal hernia: case report and literature review

Background

Inguinal hernias and colorectal cancers are common conditions, but the presentation of a loop of bowel containing cancer within a hernia is rare. Principles of surgery include oncological resection of the involved colonic segment as well as lymphatic drainage. Based on case reports of the last several decades, there have been no reports of a case where the reduction of an inguinoscrotal hernia and oncological colectomy were performed completely laparoscopically. We present the first instance of a completely laparoscopically assisted resection and hernia repair on a patient with T4 ascending colon cancer. A literature search on recent case reports over the last 30 years has also been presented with a focus on trends in treatment.

Case presentation

An 83-year-old man presented for further investigation of his iron deficiency anaemia and was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon. This was demonstrated radiologically to be found within a large right inguinoscrotal hernia. He underwent a laparoscopically assisted right hemicolectomy and laparoscopic closure of the internal ring and recovered well.

Conclusions

Colorectal cancers within inguinal hernias are rare and can often present with complications such as perforation. As such, treatment has mostly involved an open operation. The last few years have shown feasibility of a laparoscopic approach and can be attempted safely when indicated.

Current Concepts of Inguinal Hernia Repair

With more than 20 million patients annually, inguinal hernia repair is one of the most often performed surgical procedures worldwide. The lifetime risk to develop an inguinal hernia is 27-43% for men and 3-6% for women. In spite of all advances, 11% of all patients suffer from a recurrence and 10-12% from chronic pain following primary inguinal hernia repair. By developing evidence-based guidelines and recommendations, the international hernia societies aim to improve the outcome of inguinal hernia repair due to standardization of care. From a total of more than 100 different repair techniques for inguinal and femoral hernias, classified as tissue repair, open mesh repair, and laparo-endoscopic mesh repair, the new International Guidelines of the Hernia-Surge Group only recommend the totally extraperitoneal patch plasty (TEP), transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP), and Lichtenstein techniques. Since a generally accepted technique suitable for all inguinal hernias does not exist, surgeons should provide both an anterior open (Lichtenstein) and a posterior laparo-endoscopic (TEP or TAPP) approach option. The guidelines strongly recommend that surgeons tailor the treatment of inguinal hernias based on expertise, local/national resources, and patient- and hernia-related factors. A tailored approach in inguinal hernia repair should pay heed to the patient- and hernia-related factors, unilateral hernia in men and women, bilateral hernia, recurrent hernia, scrotal hernia, previous pelvic and lower abdominal surgery, severe cardiac or pulmonary comorbidities, and incarcerated hernia.

Etiology of Inguinal Hernias: A Comprehensive Review

Background

The etiology of inguinal hernias remains uncertain even though the lifetime risk of developing an inguinal hernia is 27% for men and 3% for women. The aim was to summarize the evidence on hernia etiology, with focus on differences between lateral and medial hernias.

Results

Lateral and medial hernias seem to have common as well as different etiologies. A patent processus vaginalis and increased cumulative mechanical exposure are risk factors for lateral hernias. Patients with medial hernias seem to have a more profoundly altered connective tissue architecture and homeostasis compared with patients with lateral hernias. However, connective tissue alteration may play a role in development of both subtypes. Inguinal hernias have a hereditary component with a complex inheritance pattern, and inguinal hernia susceptible genes have been identified that also are involved in connective tissue homeostasis.

Conclusion

The etiology of lateral and medial hernias are at least partly different, but the final explanations are still lacking on certain areas. Further investigations of inguinal hernia genes may explain the altered connective tissue observed in patients with inguinal hernias. The precise mechanisms why processus vaginalis fails to obliterate in certain patients should also be clarified. Not all patients with a patent processus vaginalis develop a lateral hernia, but increased intraabdominal pressure appears to be a contributing factor.