Major Complex Abdominal Wall Repair in Contaminated Fields with Use of a Non-cross-linked Biologic Mesh: A Dual-Institutional Experience

Outcomes of Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with a Bovine versus a Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is one of the most commonly performed procedures, yet large comparative studies comparing outcomes of AWR using bovine acellular dermal matrix (BADM) and porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM) are lacking.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent AWR from March of 2005 to June of 2019, the primary comparative outcome measure was hernia recurrence with BADM versus PADM. The secondary outcome was the incidence of surgical-site occurrence (SSO) and surgical-site infection. A propensity score matching approach was applied to compare the clinical outcomes between the two study groups.

RESULTS

The authors identified 725 patients who underwent AWR using BADM (50.5%) or PADM (49.5%). Their mean ± SD age was 59.8 ± 11.5 years, mean body mass index was 31.4 ± 6.7 kg/m 2 , and mean follow-up time was 42 ± 29 months. With propensity score matching, 219 matched pairs were identified. Hernia recurrence rates in BADM (11.4%) and PADM (13.7%) groups did not differ significantly ( P = 0.793). SSO (26.5% versus 29.2%; P = 0.518) and SSI (13.2% versus 11%; P = 0.456) rates did not differ significantly in the PADM and BADM groups, respectively. Conditional logistic regression model and marginal Cox proportional hazards regression model determined that type of acellular dermal matrix was not significantly associated with SSOs (adjusted OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.70; P = 0.589) or hernia recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.42; P = 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Both BADMs and PADMs provide durable, long-term outcomes. The hernia recurrence and postoperative surgical complication rates were not significantly different between BADM and PADM.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Single-staged retromuscular abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh at the time of ostomy reversal: are we crossing the line? An ACHQC Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The most appropriate method of reconstructing the abdominal wall at the site of a simultaneous stoma takedown is controversial. The contaminated field, concomitant GI procedure being performed and presence of a hernia all complicate decision-making. We sought to describe the surgical approaches, mesh type and outcomes of concomitant abdominal wall reconstruction during stoma takedown in a large hernia registry.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

All patients who underwent stoma takedown with simultaneous hernia repair with retromuscular mesh placement from January 2014 to May 2022 were identified within the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC). Patients were stratified by mesh type including permanent synthetic (PS), resorbable synthetic (RS) and biologic mesh. Association of mesh type with 30-day wound events and other complications and 1-year outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 368 patients who met inclusion criteria. Eighty-nine patients had ileostomies, 276 colostomies and 3 had both. Two hundred and seventy-nine (75.8%) patients received PS mesh, 46 (12.5%) biologic, and 43 (11.7%) RS. Seventy percent (259/368) had a parastomal hernia, 75% (285/368) had a midline incisional hernia, and 48% (178/368) had both. All groups had similar preoperative comorbidities and the majority had a transversus abdominus release. All mesh groups had similar thirty-day SSI (13.2-14.3%), SSO (10.5-17.8%) and SSOPI (7.9-14.1%), p = 0.6. Three patients with PS mesh developed infected synthetic mesh and one PS mesh required excision. Four patients with PS developed an enterocutaneous fistula. Of these, only one patient was recorded as having both an enterocutaneous fistula and mesh infection. Thirty-day reoperation and readmission were similar across all mesh groups. Recurrence at 1-year was similar between mesh groups. Quality of life measured using HerQLes scores were higher at one year compared to baseline in all groups indicating improvement in hernia-specific quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Early complication rates associated with simultaneous stoma takedown and abdominal wall reconstruction are significant, regardless of mesh type utilized. Concomitant surgery should be weighed heavily and tailored to individual patients.

Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repairs: A Single-Surgeon Experience

Background

Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) (Phasix) biosynthetic mesh was recently introduced as an alternative to synthetic and biologic meshes for ventral hernia repair (VHR). However, outcomes data are limited. This study aims to analyze outcomes of VHR with P4HB mesh and identify predictors of postoperative outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of adults who underwent open VHR with P4HB by the senior author from 2014 to 2020 with >12 months' follow-up. Subgroup comparisons and multivariate logistic regression were performed.

Results

Inclusion criteria were met by 169 patients with a median of 15 months of follow-up. Overall, 21.9% had surgical site occurrences, 17.8% required reoperation, and 4.7% had recurrences. Patients with prior VHR (47.9%) experienced similar outcomes to those without. Patients with prior mesh infection (18.3%) had higher rates of postoperative mesh infection (6.5% vs 0.7%; P = .029) but did not have higher rates of reoperation. Retrorectus repairs (45.5%) had similar outcomes to onlay repairs (54.5%). Recurrence risk was increased by hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 13.64; P = .046), immunosuppression (OR = 42.57; P = .004), and history of prior VHR (OR = 20.20; P = .014).

Conclusions

This study aimed to analyze outcomes of VHR augmented with P4HB mesh through retrospective review. VHR with P4HB mesh produces acceptable recurrence rates with favorable complication risks compared with biologic and synthetic meshes. Predictors of recurrence include a history of prior hernia repair, hypertension, and immunosuppression. A history of prior mesh infection seems to place patients at risk for developing subsequent infection but did not increase need for reoperation.

Outcomes of biologic versus synthetic mesh in CDC class 3 and 4 open abdominal wall reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in a contaminated field is associated with an increased risk of wound complications, infection, and reoperation. The best method of repair and mesh choice in these operations have generated marked controversy. Our aim was to compare outcomes of patients who underwent AWR with biologic versus synthetic mesh in CDC class 3 and 4 wounds.

METHODS

A prospective, single-institution database was queried for AWR using biologic or synthetic mesh in CDC Class 3 and 4 wounds. Hernia recurrence and complications were measured. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors predicting both.

RESULTS

In total, 386 patients with contaminated wounds underwent AWR, 335 with biologic and 51 with synthetic mesh. Groups were similar in age, sex, BMI, and rate of diabetes. Biologic mesh patients had larger hernia defects (298 ± 233cm² vs. 208 ± 155cm²; p = 0.004) and a higher rate of recurrent hernias (72.2% vs 47.1%; p < 0.001), comorbidities(5.8 ± 2.7 vs. 4.2 ± 2.4, p < 0.01), and a nearly fivefold increase in Class 4 wounds (47.8% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001), while fascial closure trended to being less common (90.7% vs 96.1%; p = 0.078). Hernia recurrence was comparable between biologic and synthetic mesh (10.4% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.132). Wound complication rates were similar (36.1% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.699), but synthetic mesh had higher rates of mesh infection (1.2% vs 11.8%; p < 0.001) and infection-related resection (0% vs 7.8%, p < 0.001), with 66% of those synthetic mesh infections requiring excision. On logistic regression, wound complications (OR 5.96 [CI 1.60-22.17]; p = 0.008) and bridging mesh (OR 13.10 [CI 2.71-63.42];p = 0.030) predicted of hernia recurrence (p < 0.05), while synthetic mesh (OR 18.6 [CI 2.35-260.4] p = 0.012) and wound complications (OR 20.6 [CI 3.15-417.7] p = 0.008) predicted mesh infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Wound complications in AWR with CDC class 3 and 4 wounds significantly increased mesh infection and hernia recurrence; failure to achieve fascial closure also increased hernia recurrence. Use of synthetic versus biologic mesh increased the mesh infection rate by 18.6 times.

Abdominal wall reconstruction using Omental Flap with Mesh repair following resection of Aggressive Abdominal Wall Neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Resection of large anterior abdominal wall tumors causes a large full-thickness abdominal wall defects, and the repair of these defects remains a challenging point.

METHODS

Between July 2016 and February 2021, we retrospectively reviewed the internal database registry of the Oncology Center, Mansoura University (OCMU) Egypt, for patients with large abdominal wall defects after abdominal wall tumors resection and repair with omental flaps and synthetic Polypropylene (PP) mesh. Thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. They were analyzed for demographics, operative data including defect size, mesh size, intrabdominal tumor extension and postoperative outcomes and complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-Two patients with abdominal wall neoplasm underwent local resection in our center and the defect was closed with omental flap and PP mesh. The mean operative time was 143.75 ± 30.77 mins. The mean size of the abdominal wall defect was 50.78 cm2 (range: 25 - 90 cm2). The meshes used in reconstruction had a mean size of 89.53 cm2 (range: 55 - 130 cm2). The median follow-up period of the patients was 13.5 months (range: 5-54 months). Post-operative complications included infection (n = 4 cases), seroma (n = 2 cases), hematoma (n =1 case) and abnormal sensation (n = 5 cases). Tumor recurrence was reported in two cases and no cases developed incisional hernia during the follow up period.

CONCLUSION

Immediate use of omental flap with synthetic (PP) mesh for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects is a feasible technique and has avoided the complications associated with the use of synthetic mesh alone.

Clinical outcomes of open abdominal wall reconstruction with the use of a polypropylene reinforced tissue matrix: a multicenter retrospective study

Objective

To assess mesh behaviour and clinical outcomes of open complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) with the use of a polypropylene reinforced tissue matrix.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective study of adult patients who underwent open CAWR with the use of a permanent polypropylene reinforced tissue matrix (OviTex^®) between June 2019 and January 2021.

Results

Fifty-five consecutive patients from four hospitals in the Netherlands were analysed; 46 patients with a ventral hernia and 9 patients with an open abdomen. Most patients with a ventral hernia had one or more complicating comorbidities (91.3%) and one or more complicating hernia characteristics (95.7%). Most procedures were performed in a (clean) contaminated surgical field (69.6% CDC 2–4; 41.3% CDC 3–4). All nine patients with an open abdomen underwent semi-emergent surgery. Twelve out of 46 patients with a ventral hernia (26.1%) and 4 of 9 patients with an open abdomen (44.4%) developed a postoperative surgical site infection that made direct contact with the mesh as confirmed on computed tomography (CT), suspicious of mesh infection. No patient needed mesh explantation for persistent infection of the mesh. During a median follow-up of 13 months, 4 of 46 ventral hernia patients (8.7%) developed a CT confirmed hernia recurrence.

Conclusion

Polypropylene reinforced tissue matrix can withstand infectious complications and provides acceptable mid-term recurrence rates in this retrospective study on open complex abdominal wall reconstructions. Longer follow-up data from prospective studies are required to determine further risk of hernia recurrence.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10029-022-02604-y.

Biologic mesh is non-inferior to synthetic mesh in CDC class 1 & 2 open abdominal wall reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Biologic mesh has historically been used in contaminated abdominal wall reconstructions (AWRs). No study has compared outcomes of biologic and synthetic in clean and clean-contaminated hernia ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

A prospective AWR database identified patients undergoing open, preperitoneal AWR with biologic mesh in CDC class 1 and 2 wounds. Using propensity score matching, a matched cohort of patients with synthetic mesh was created. The objective was to assess recurrence rates and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were matched in each group. Patient in the biologic group had higher rates of immunosuppression, history of transplantation, and inflammatory bowel disease (p ≤ 0.05). Operative variables were comparable for biologic vs synthetic, including defect size (230.5 ± 135.4 vs 268.7 ± 194.5 cm², p = 0.62), but the synthetic mesh group had larger meshes placed (575.6 ± 247.0 vs 898.8 ± 246.0 cm² p < 0.0001). Wound infections (15.5% vs 8.9%, p = 0.28) were equivalent, and recurrence rates (1.7% vs 3.4%, p = 1.00) were similar on follow up (19.3 ± 23.3 vs 23.3 ± 29.7 months, p = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

In matched, lower risk, complex AWR patients with large hernia defects, biologic and synthetic meshes have equal outcomes.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of resorbable biosynthetic mesh in contaminated ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare, in terms of cost and serious complications, the use of biosynthetic resorbable parietal mesh with biologic mesh in patients undergoing contaminated ventral hernia repair (modified Ventral Hernia Working Group grade 3). Poly-4-hydroxy-butyrate (P4HB) biosynthetic mesh has rarely been the subject of comparative studies in the context of contamination. Data are required to confirm the effects of a transition from biological mesh to biosynthetic resorbable mesh.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted. It was based on a decision analysis model built with clinical and economic data issued from a before-after study that included 94 patients hospitalized for ventral hernia repair at the University Hospital of Strasbourg (France) from June 2011 to February 2018. The effectiveness endpoint was the number of patients presenting with a serious specific complication or a general complication at 6 months. Data for surgical hospitalization stays, home hospitalizations and ambulatory care costs were included.

RESULTS

We found fewer serious complications with biosynthetic mesh: 21% versus 33% with biologic mesh. A cost savings of US $5146 was determined. Deterministic sensitivity analyses and a probabilistic analysis confirmed our findings and the robustness of the model.

CONCLUSION

P4HB biosynthetic resorbable mesh appeared to be the most effective and the least costly option. Additional data will be needed to confirm the superiority of biosynthetic mesh in terms of the recurrence risk reduction over a longer period.

Outcomes of mid-term and long-term degradable biosynthetic meshes in single-stage open complex abdominal wall reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical outcomes in patients that underwent open single-stage complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) with biosynthetic mesh.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of two prospectively registered series of consecutive patients undergoing CAWR with either long-term degradable (LTD) Phasix^™ or mid-term degradable (MTD) BIO-A^® biosynthetic mesh in a single institution between June 2016 and December 2019.

RESULTS

From 169 patients with CAWR, 70 consecutive patients were identified who underwent CAWR with either LTD or MTD biosynthetic mesh. More than 85% of patients had an incisional hernia that could be classified as moderately complex to major complex due to a previous wound infection (67%), one or more complicating comorbidities (87.1%), one or more complicating hernia characteristics (75.7%) or contaminated or dirty defects (37.1%). Concomitant component separation was performed in 43 of 70 patients (61.4%). Overall surgical site infection (SSI) rate in these CAWR patients was 45.7%. Seventeen of 70 patients (24.3%) had computed tomography (CT) - and culture-confirmed SSI in direct contact of mesh, suspicious of mesh infection. Mesh removal for persistent local infection occurred in 10% (7 of 70) after a median of 229 days since surgery. Salvage rate of mesh after direct contact with infection was 58.8%. All removed meshes were in the LTD group. Seven patients (10%) had a recurrence; four patients in the LTD group (10%) had a recurrence at a median follow-up of 35 months and three patients in the MTD group (10%) at a median follow-up of 11 months. Three of the seven recurrences occurred in patients with SSI in persistent and direct contact with mesh.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid patients undergoing open complex abdominal wall reconstruction are at high risk of postoperative wound complications regardless of which type of biosynthetic mesh is used. When in persistent and direct contact with infection, long-term biodegradable biosynthetic meshes may need to be removed, whereas mid-term biodegradable biosynthetic meshes can be salvaged.

The Case for Onlay Biologic Mesh in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Using Progressive Tension Suture Fixation

BACKGROUND

After many years of debate, underlay and sublay placement of mesh slowly emerged as the standard of care in abdominal wall reconstruction because of lower hernia recurrence rates. However, onlay has the advantages of being faster, less invasive, and technically easier compared with underlay and sublay. Therefore, if a similar recurrence could be achieved, then onlay should be a consideration. In this study, we present a new onlay method using multipoint progressive tension suture fixation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction from 2012 to 2019. Inclusion criteria included onlay mesh placement and at least 1 year of follow-up. The core principles of the surgical technique are establishing myofascial continuity by component separation and reinforcing the repair with onlay mesh that is fixated with multipoint progressive tension sutures.

RESULTS

The number of patients after exclusions was 59, and the average body mass index was 32.52 ± 6.44 kg/m2. More than half (62.7%) of patients had a history of hypertension, 95% had at least 1 prior abdominal/pelvic surgery, and 61% had at least 1 prior hernia repair. Postoperative complications included 20.3% of patients requiring drainage of a fluid collection in the clinic setting, and 29.3% of patients requiring return to the operating room for any reason (including superficial wound debridement). The average defect size was 231.88 ± 195.86 cm2, the mean follow-up was 3.11 ± 1.83 years, and the recurrence rate was 5.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a hernia recurrence rate of 5.1% in a high-risk population with complex defects at a mean of 3.1 years of follow-up using onlay mesh fixated with multipoint progressive tension sutures. This recurrence rate is similar to that reported for both underlay and sublay techniques. However, the onlay approach is technically easier, faster, and less invasive compared with underlay and sublay techniques, which may translate into wider reproducibility, lower costs, and improved patient safety.

Biologic Mesh in Surgery: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of Selected Outcomes in 51 Studies and 6079 Patients

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, biologic mesh (BM) has become an important adjunct to surgical practice. Recent evidence-based clinical applications of BM include but are not limited to: reconstruction of abdominal wall defects; breast reconstruction; face, head and neck surgery; periodontal surgery; other hernia repairs (diaphragmatic, hiatal/paraesophageal, inguinal and perineal); hand surgery; and shoulder arthroplasty. Prior systematic reviews of BM in complex abdominal wall hernia repair had several shortcomings that our comprehensive review seeks to address, including exclusion of laparoscopic repair, assessment of risk of bias, use of an acceptable meta-analytic method and review of risk factors identified in multivariable regression analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We sought articles of BM for open ventral hernia repair reporting on early complications, late complications or recurrences and included minimum of 50. We used the quality in prognostic studies risk of bias assessment tool. Random effects meta-analysis was applied.

RESULTS

This comprehensive review selected 62 articles from 51 studies that included 6,079 patients. Meta-analytic pooling found that early complications are present in about 50%, surgical site occurrences (SSOs) in 37%, surgical site infections (SSIs) in 18%, reoperation in 7%, readmission in 20% and mortality in 3%. Meta-analytic estimates of late outcomes included overall complications (42%), SSOs (40%) and SSIs (22%). Specific SSOs included seroma (14%), hematoma (4%), abscess (10%), necrosis (5%), dehiscence (8%) and fistula formation (5%). Reoperation occurred in about 17%, mesh explantation in 9% and recurrence in 36%.

CONCLUSION

Estimates of nearly all outcomes from individual studies were highly heterogeneous and sensitivity analyses and meta-regressions generally failed to explain this heterogeneity. Recurrence is the only outcome for which there are consistent findings for risk factors. Bridge placement of BM is associated with higher risk of recurrence. Prior hernia repair, history of reintervention and history of mesh removal were also risk factors for increased recurrence.

Predictors of 30- and 90-Day Readmissions After Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction With Biological Mesh: A Longitudinal Study of 232 Patients

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmissions are recognized as indicators of poor healthcare services which further increase patient morbidity. The aim of this study is to analyze predicting factors for the 30-day and 90-day readmissions after a complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR).

METHODS

A pooled analysis of the prospective study and retrospective database patients undergoing CAWR with acellular porcine dermis from 2012 to 2019 was carried out. Independent t test for continuous variables and Chi-square and Fischer's exact tests for categorical variables were used. A multivariable logistic regression model and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the independent predictors of 30-day and 90-day readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 232 patients underwent CAWR, and the readmission rate (RR) was 16.8% (n = 40). The 30-day and 90-day RR was 11.3% (n = 23) and 13.3% (n = 33), respectively. There were no statistical differences in age, frailty, and gender distribution between the two groups. There was no difference in ASA score, type of component separation, ventral hernia working group class, size of the biological mesh, placement of mesh, and intestinal resection rate. The Clavien-Dindo complications and mean comprehensive complication index (CCI) were higher in the readmission group as compared to no readmission group (p < 0.01). Readmitted patients had higher surgical site infections (p < 0.01) and wound necrosis (p = 0.01). Higher CCI, past or concomitant pelvic surgery, and the presence of enterocutaneous fistula were independent predictors of earlier days to readmission.

CONCLUSION

Surgical site occurrences were associated with 30-day and 90-day readmissions after CAWR, while the presence of ascites and dialysis was associated with 90-day readmissions.

Retrospective analysis of defect reconstruction after abdominal wall tumor resection in 30 patients

PURPOSE

It is difficult to manage the full-thickness defect that is created by radical resection of an abdominal wall tumor. This report aimed to review our institutional experience with immediate reconstruction using mesh reinforcement after abdominal wall tumor resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined patients who underwent abdominal wall tumor resection with immediate mesh-reinforced reconstruction between April 2014 and November 2018. The patients' records were reviewed to collect data regarding their demographic characteristics, surgical procedures, and complications.

RESULTS

We identified 30 eligible patients, including 5 who underwent simultaneous resection of affected intra-abdominal organs or tissues. The median size of the resulting abdominal wall defect was 60 cm² (interquartile range: 32-127.5 cm²) and the median mesh size was 150 cm² (interquartile range: 150-225 cm²). The median operative time was 85 min (interquartile range: 60-133.8 min), the mean hospital stay was 19.4 ± 9.0 days, and the mean follow-up period was 28.6 ± 16.0 months. The complications included seroma (n = 4), infection (n = 2), massive hematoma (n = 1), and abnormal sensation (n = 3). Tumor recurrence was observed in two patients, and three patients died because of cancer progression. No patient developed a ventral hernia or abdominal bulging.

CONCLUSION

Immediate mesh-reinforced reconstruction is feasible and effective for patients who require abdominal wall tumor resection.

Single-stage repair of contaminated hernias using a novel antibiotic-impregnated biologic porcine submucosa tissue matrix

Background

Single-stage repair of incisional hernias in contaminated fields has a high rate of surgical site infection (30–42%) when biologic grafts are used for repair. In an attempt to decrease this risk, a novel graft incorporating gentamicin into a biologic extracellular matrix derived from porcine small intestine submucosa was developed.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, single-arm observational study was designed to determine the incidence of surgical site infection following implantation of the device into surgical fields characterized as CDC Class II, III, or IV.

Results

Twenty-four patients were enrolled, with 42% contaminated and 25% dirty surgical fields. After 12 months, 5 patients experienced 6 surgical site infections (21%) with infection involving the graft in 2 patients (8%). No grafts were explanted.

Conclusions

The incorporation of gentamicin into a porcine-derived biologic graft can be achieved with no noted gentamicin toxicity and a low rate of device infection for patients undergoing single-stage repair of ventral hernia in contaminated settings.

Trial registration

The study was registered March 27, 2015 at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02401334.

Fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps for complex abdominal wall reconstruction after resection of enterocutaneous fistulas and the role of indocyanine green angiography: a pilot study

Purpose

No previous study reported the use of a fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap combined with a biological mesh for abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) after enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) in a single-staged procedure and the use of Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA) intraoperatively. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and safety of this procedure and to examine the added value of ICGA in minimizing postoperative complications.

Methods

A single-institution review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted at Maastricht University Medical Center. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of this procedure, early (≤ 30 days) and late (> 30 days) postoperative complications were assessed. ECF recurrence was considered the primary outcome. To examine the added value of ICGA, complications in the ICGA group and the non-ICGA group were compared descriptively.

Results

Ten consecutive patients, with a mean age of 66.7 years, underwent a single-staged AWR with fasciocutaneous ALT flaps. Mean follow-up was 17.4 months (4.3–28.2). Two early ECF recurrences were observed. Both restored without the need for reoperation. A lower rate of early complications was observed in the ICGA group compared to the non-ICGA group.

Conclusion

The combination of a biological mesh and fasciocutaneous ALT flap is feasible and safe in AWR after ECF repair in a single-staged approach, with an acceptable complication rate in a cohort of complex patients operated in a dedicated center. ECF closure was achieved in all patients. ICGA seems to be of great added value in minimizing postoperative complications during AWR.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10029-020-02167-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A retrospective, Italian multicenter study of complex abdominal wall defect repair with a Permacol biological mesh

Complex abdominal wall defects (CAWDs) can be difficult to repair and using a conventional synthetic mesh is often unsuitable. A biological mesh might offer a solution for CAWD repair, but the clinical outcomes are unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a cross-linked, acellular porcine dermal collagen matrix implant (Permacol) for CAWD repair in a cohort of 60 patients. Here, 58.3% patients presented with a grade 3 hernia (according to the Ventral Hernia Working Group grading system) and a contaminated surgical field. Permacol was implanted as a bridge in 46.7%, as an underlay (intraperitoneal position) in 38.3% and as a sublay (retromuscolar position) in 15% of patients. Fascia closure was achieved in 53.3% of patients. The surgical site occurrence rate was 35% and the defect size significantly influenced the probability of post-operative complications. The long-term (2 year) hernia recurrence rate was 36.2%. This study represents the first large multi-centre Italian case series on Permacol implants in patients with a CAWD. Our data suggest that Permacol is a feasible strategy to repair a CAWD, with acceptable early complications and long-term (2 year) recurrence rates.

Immediate Closure of Abdominal Cavity with Biologic Mesh versus Temporary Abdominal Closure of Open Abdomen in Non-Trauma Emergency Patients (CLOSE-UP Study)

Background: In more than 10% of emergency laparotomies in non-trauma patients, primary fascial closure is not achievable because of excessive visceral edema, which leaves the patient with an open abdomen (OA). An OA harbors an inherent high risk of serious complications, and temporary closure devices are used to achieve delayed fascial closure. A potential new strategy in preventing OA is immediate closure during the emergency procedure with a non-crosslinked biologic mesh. Methods: This is a prospective comparative cohort feasibility study in 13 teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Non-trauma patients who underwent emergency laparotomy in which regular sutured primary fascial closure was not achievable because of excessive intra-abdominal edema were eligible. In one cohort, Biomesh (n = 20), the abdominal cavity was immediately closed at the emergency laparotomy with a non-crosslinked biologic mesh. In a parallel cohort, Control (n = 20), the resulting OA was managed by temporary abdominal closure (TAC; inlay polyglactin [Vicryl™] mesh [n = 7]) or commercial (ABThera^TM) abdominal negative pressure therapy device (n = 13)). The primary end point was the proportion of closed abdominal cavities at 90 days. Results: At 90 days, 65% (13/20) of the abdominal cavities were closed in the Biomesh cohort versus 45% (9/20) in Controls (p = 0.204). In the Biomesh cohort, seven of 20 (35%) patients had at least one major complication versus 15 of 20 (75%) patients in the Control cohort (p = 0.011). Both the median number of intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation days were significantly lower in the Biomesh cohort; one versus 10 (p = 0.002) and 0 versus four (p = 0.003) days, respectively. The number of abdominal reoperations was significantly lower in the Biomesh cohort (median 0 vs. two, p < 0.001; total number five vs. 44). Conclusions: If primary fascial closure cannot be achieved at the emergency laparotomy in non-trauma patients, immediate abdominal closure by use of a non-crosslinked biologic mesh prevents OA management. This results in a non-significant higher proportion of closed abdominal cavities at 90 days compared with OA management with TAC techniques, and in a significant reduction of major complications and reoperations, and a shorter ICU stay.

Assessment and management of patients with intestinal failure: a multidisciplinary approach

Intestinal failure (IF) is a condition characterized by the inability to maintain a state of adequate nutrition, or fluid and electrolyte balance due to an anatomical or a physiological disorder of the gastrointestinal system. IF can be an extremely debilitating condition, significantly affecting the quality of life of those affected. The surgical management of patients with acute and chronic IF requires a specialist team who has the expertise in terms of technical challenges and decision-making. A dedicated IF unit will have the expertise in patient selection for surgery, investigative workup and planning, operative risk assessment with relevant anesthetic expertise, and a multidisciplinary team with support such as nutritional expertise and interventional radiology. This article covers the details of IF management, including the classification of IF, etiology, prevention of IF, and initial management of IF, focusing on sepsis treatment and nutritional support. It also covers the surgical aspects of IF such as intestinal reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction, and intestinal transplantation.

What is the evidence for the use of biologic or biosynthetic meshes in abdominal wall reconstruction?

INTRODUCTION

Although many surgeons have adopted the use of biologic and biosynthetic meshes in complex abdominal wall hernia repair, others have questioned the use of these products. Criticism is addressed in several review articles on the poor standard of studies reporting on the use of biologic meshes for different abdominal wall repairs. The aim of this consensus review is to conduct an evidence-based analysis of the efficacy of biologic and biosynthetic meshes in predefined clinical situations.

METHODS

A European working group, "BioMesh Study Group", composed of invited surgeons with a special interest in surgical meshes, formulated key questions, and forwarded them for processing in subgroups. In January 2016, a workshop was held in Berlin where the findings were presented, discussed, and voted on for consensus. Findings were set out in writing by the subgroups followed by consensus being reached. For the review, 114 studies and background analyses were used.

RESULTS

The cumulative data regarding biologic mesh under contaminated conditions do not support the claim that it is better than synthetic mesh. Biologic mesh use should be avoided when bridging is needed. In inguinal hernia repair biologic and biosynthetic meshes do not have a clear advantage over the synthetic meshes. For prevention of incisional or parastomal hernias, there is no evidence to support the use of biologic/biosynthetic meshes. In complex abdominal wall hernia repairs (incarcerated hernia, parastomal hernia, infected mesh, open abdomen, enterocutaneous fistula, and component separation technique), biologic and biosynthetic meshes do not provide a superior alternative to synthetic meshes.

CONCLUSION

The routine use of biologic and biosynthetic meshes cannot be recommended.

2018 WSES/SIS-E consensus conference: recommendations for the management of skin and soft-tissue infections

Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) encompass a variety of pathological conditions that involve the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or muscle, ranging from simple superficial infections to severe necrotizing infections. SSTIs are a frequent clinical problem in surgical departments. In order to clarify key issues in the management of SSTIs, a task force of experts met in Bertinoro, Italy, on June 28, 2018, for a specialist multidisciplinary consensus conference under the auspices of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the Surgical Infection Society Europe (SIS-E). The multifaceted nature of these infections has led to a collaboration among general and emergency surgeons, intensivists, and infectious disease specialists, who have shared these clinical practice recommendations.

Mesh sutured repairs of contaminated incisional hernias

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate the results of a new mesh sutured repair technique for closure of contaminated incisional hernias.

METHODS

48 patients with contaminated hernias 5 cm wide or greater by CT scan were closed with mesh sutures. Surgical site occurrence, infections, and hernia recurrence were compared to similar patient series reported in the literature.

RESULTS

Of the 48 patients, 20 had clean-contaminated wounds, 16 had contaminated wounds, and 12 were infected. 69% of the patients underwent an anterior perforator sparing components release for hernias that averaged 10.5 cm transversely (range 5 cm-25 cm). SSO occurred in 27% of patients while SSI was 19%. There were no fistulas or delayed suture sinuses. With a mean follow-up of almost 12 months, 3 midline hernias recurred (6%). In these same patients, three parastomal hernias repaired with mesh sutures failed out of 4 attempted for a total failure rate of 13%.

CONCLUSION

Mesh sutured closure represents a simplified and effective surgical strategy for contaminated midline incisional hernia repair.