Laparoscopic treatment of incisional and primary ventral hernia in morbidly obese patients with a BMI over 35

[Treatment of ventral hernias in patients with morbid obesity]

The review is devoted to the treatment of ventral hernias in patients with morbid obesity. This issue is important due to significant number of such patients and no unambiguous clinical recommendations. The advantages of simultaneous surgery (with bariatric intervention) are obvious, i.e. lower risk of postoperative hernia incarceration and no need for re-hospitalization with another intervention. High risk of bariatric population makes it necessary to minimize surgery time and surgical trauma. A staged approach with reducing body weight surgically or conservatively before hernia repair is often chosen. Hernia repair should be performed using laparoscopic or robotic techniques with obligatory use of mesh implants. Panniculectomy or abdominoplasty as the main surgery is a valid option. Currently, it is necessary to develop clear criteria for selecting patients with morbid obesity for staged and simultaneous treatment of ventral hernias.

Postoperative outcomes of ventral hernia repair in veterans

BACKGROUND

Ventral hernia repair is a common procedure with reported 15% to 37% morbidity and 0.3% to 1.4% mortality rates. This study examines the 30-day morbidity and mortality of open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in veterans, along with the impact of body mass index on these outcomes.

METHODS

The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for all ventral hernia repairs during the period 2008 to 2015. In this retrospective analysis, we compared outcomes of open ventral hernia repair versus laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and among different body mass index classes.

RESULTS

A total of 19,883 patients were identified (92.6% male, mean age 59.7, 53.1% obese, and 71.6% with American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III). There were 95 (0.5%) mortalities, and complications occurred in 1,289 (6.5%) patients. Open ventral hernia repair was performed in 60.2%; 14.5% were recurrent, and 3.3% were performed as an emergency operation. When compared with open ventral hernia repair, the laparoscopic ventral hernia repair group had higher mean body mass index, less patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III, fewer emergency operations, longer operative time, less complications, decreased mortality, and shorter duration of stay. Body mass index 35.00 to 49.99 was predictive of overall complications in the open ventral hernia repair group.

CONCLUSION

Ventral hernia repair can be performed in the veteran population with outcomes comparable to those in the private sector. Morbid obesity has a negative impact on ventral hernia repair outcomes that is most prominent following open surgery. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may offer superior outcomes when compared to open ventral hernia repair and may be considered.

Outcomes of Open Retro-Rectus Hernia Repair With Mesh in Obesity Class III

BACKGROUND

Abdominal wall hernias continue to be one of the most common general surgery pathologies. Patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI) are routinely counseled about weight loss before elective repair. However, a definitive BMI "cutoff" has not been established. Here, we report our experience with open retro-rectus hernia repair (ORRHR) with mesh in patients with a BMI over 40 kg/m², and we attempt to determine if a BMI "cutoff" can be established.

METHODS

Data from patients undergoing ORRHR with mesh at Geisinger Medical Center from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018, were collected and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Cohorts were composed of 2 groups, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² (n = 117) and BMI < 40 kg/m² (n = 90). All patients underwent an elective ORRHR with mesh. Operative time increased significantly as the patient's BMI increased (P ≤ .01). Patients in the higher BMI group had a significantly higher rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) (8.55% vs. 1.1%, P = .018). Higher BMI did not translate to a higher recurrence rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing ORRHR with mesh who had a BMI over 40 kg/m² had an increased risk of SSI and longer operative time, possibly suggesting a potential association other than SSI and BMI. More studies are needed to determine if BMI is indeed correlated with hernia recurrence and if BMI should influence the decision to undergo repair.

Are laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repairs truly comparable?: A propensity-matched study in large ventral hernias

BACKGROUND

The merits of laparoscopic (LVHR) and open preperitoneal ventral hernia repair (OPPVHR) have been debated for more than 2 decades. Our aim was to determine peri-operative and long-term outcomes in large hernias.

METHODS

A prospective, institutional database at a tertiary hernia center was queried for patients undergoing LVHR and OPPVHR. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed for hernia defect size and follow-up.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-two LVHR and OPPVHR patients were identified with defect sizes closely matched between laparoscopic (182.0 ± 110.0 cm²) and open repairs (178.3 ± 99.8 cm²), p = 0.64. LVHR and OPPVHR patients were comparable: mean age 57.2 ± 12.1 vs 56.6 ± 12.0 years (p = 0.52), BMI: 32.9 ± 6.6 vs 32.0 ± 7.4 kg/m² (p = 0.16), diabetes 19.0% vs 19.7% (p = 0.87), and smoking history 8.7% vs 23.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. OPPVHR had higher number of recurrent hernias (14.2% vs 44.9%, p < 0.001), longer operative time (168.1 ± 64.3 vs 186.7 ± 67.7 min, p = 0.006), and more components separation (0% vs 20.3%, p < 0.001). Mean mesh size was larger (p < 0.001) in the open group (634.4 ± 243.4 cm² vs 841.8 ± 277.6 cm²). The hernia recurrence rates were similar (10.8% vs 9.2%, p = 0.62), with average follow-up of 39.3 ± 32.5 vs 40.0 ± 35.0 months (p = 0.89). Length of stay was higher in the OVHR cohort (5.4 ± 3.0 vs 6.3 ± 3.6 days, p < 0.001), but 30-day readmission rates (4.0% vs 6.4%, p = 0.31) were similar. Overall wound infection rate (2.9% vs 8.4%, p = 0.03) was higher in the OPPVHR group, but the mesh infection rate was similar between LVHR (1.7%) and OPPVHR (0.6%) (p = 0.33). Postoperative pain (41.1% vs 41.4%, p = 0.95) and overall QOL based on the Carolinas Comfort Scale at 6 months (p = 0.73) and 5-years (p = 0.36) were similar.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic and open preperitoneal repair for large ventral hernias have equivalent hernia recurrence rates, postoperative pain, and QOL on long-term follow-up. Patients undergoing OPPVHR were more likely to be recurrent, complex, require components separation, and more likely to develop postoperative wound complications.

Propensity score matching analysis of short-term outcomes in robotic ventral hernia repair for patients with a body mass index above and below 35 kg/m2

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare perioperative complications after robotic ventral hernia repair between patients with non-obese, class-I obesity with those with class-II or class-III obesity.

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a growing epidemic and is considered as an independent risk factor for a multitude of perioperative complications. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair has been shown as a safe and feasible approach in population with elevated body mass index (BMI). This study compared overall perioperative complications and surgical site events (SSEs) after robotic ventral hernia repair (RVHR) between patients with a BMI 35 kg/m² or more and patients with a BMI lower than 35 kg/m².

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted with one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) method to obtain balanced groups evaluating patients who underwent RVHR between February 2012 and June 2019 in a single institution. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were reviewed. Postoperative complications and morbidity were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification and comprehensive complication index (CCI^®) score system. SSEs were compared.

RESULTS

Our unmatched sample included 526 patients with an average BMI of 31.2 kg/m². Of these, 29.8% (n = 160) patients were in high-BMI group (range 35-59.2). After PSM, 142 patients were assigned to each group. Both groups experienced similar complication rates during 90 days. Clavien-Dindo grades, CCI^® scores, and SSEs did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

RVHR in class-II and class-III obese patients is safe, feasible, and effective. In addition to this, it has comparable short-term outcomes with those non-obese and class-I obese patients.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with intraperitoneal onlay mesh-results from a general surgical unit

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic ventral herniation is a common clinical presentation. The treatment, whether elective or as an emergency, can be difficult and a variety of surgical repairs are utilised. Intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) involves the placement of a reinforcing prosthesis, usually supported by primary closure of the defect. Intra-abdominal adhesions have been highlighted as a potential complication in utilising this form of mesh placement. Several methods of laparoscopic mesh placement outside of the peritoneal cavity are gaining prominence as potential alternatives to IPOM.

AIMS

This study reviews our experience with IPOM in the repair of ventral hernia by a single surgical team.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained electronic database of all laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) performed within the study period was analysed and reported. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to patients to follow long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred eight patients underwent LVHR over a 7-year period. Demographics demonstrated an obese patient group (BMI 30.89 ± 4.9 kg/m²), with a variety of hernia sizes and morphologies. Hernia recurrence was found in two patients (1.8%). Twenty-nine (26.8%) patients suffered a complication, but only eight (7.4%) of those required intervention beyond pharmacotherapy. Two patients required mesh explantation.

CONCLUSIONS

IPOM for the general surgeon is a relatively safe and effective method of repairing ventral hernias, with a low recurrence rate.

Deciding on Optimal Approach for Ventral Hernia Repair: Laparoscopic or Open

BACKGROUND

The decision to perform laparoscopic or open ventral hernia repair (VHR) is multifactorial. This study evaluates the impact of operative approach, BMI, and hernia size on outcomes after VHR.

STUDY DESIGN

The International Hernia Mesh Registry was queried for VHR (2007-2017). A predictive algorithm was constructed, factoring the impact of BMI, hernia size, age, sex, diabetes, and operative approach on outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 1,906 VHRs, 58.8% were performed open, patient mean age was 54.9 ± 13.5 years, BMI was 31.2 ± 6.8 kg/m², and defect area was 44.8 ± 88.1 cm². Patients undergoing open VHRs were more likely to have an infection develop (3.1% vs 0.3%; p < 0.0001), but less likely to have a seroma develop (6.8% vs 15.3%; p < 0.0001) at mean follow-up 23.2 ± 12.0 months. With multivariate regression controlling for confounding variables, patients undergoing laparoscopic VHR had increased risk of seroma (odds ratio [OR] 1.78; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.03), a decreased risk of infection (OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.42), and had worse quality of life at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively compared with patients undergoing open repair. Recurrent hernias were associated with subsequent recurrence (OR 2.69; 95% CI 1.24 to 5.81) and need for reoperation (OR 4.93; 95% CI 2.24 to 10.87). Multivariate predictive models demonstrated independent predictors of infection, including open approach, recurrent hernias, and low ratio of BMI to defect size.

CONCLUSIONS

Ideal outcomes are dependent on both patient and operative factors. Open repair in thin patients with large defects should be considered due to reduced complications and improved quality of life. Laparoscopic repair in obese patients and recurrent hernias can decrease the associated risk of infection.

Long-term clinical experience with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using a ParietexTM composite mesh in severely obese and non-severe obese patients: a single center cohort study

Background: The treatment of incisional and ventral hernias is associated with significant complications and recurrences, especially in severely obese patients. Recent studies have shown a reduced rate of surgical site infections and length of hospital stay in severely obese patients undergoing a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.Aim: This study aims to describe the clinical experience in terms of efficacy and safety with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using the ParietexTM Composite mesh (Covidien Sofradim Production, Trevoux, France) in severely obese patients (body mass index ≥35) compared with non-severe obese patients in a seven-year single-center cohort.Material and methods: All patients with a primary ventral or incisional hernia admitted to our hospital from 2006 until December 2012 who underwent a laparoscopic repair with the Parietex Composite mesh were included in this study. Pain scores using a numeric rating were collected prospectively 24-48 hours postoperatively. Patient data were retrospectively collected.Results: A total number of 210 patients were included; 173 with a BMI <35 and 37 with a BMI ≥35. Mean follow-up was 31 months. No statistically significant differences were found with regard to operation time, hospital stay, use of analgesics and postoperative complications. The long-term follow up recurrence rate in non-severely obese patients was 13% compared to 16% in severely obese patients (p = .60).Conclusion: Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair using the Parietex Composite mesh is feasible and safe in severely obese patients compared to non-severely obese patients.

Robotic Ventral Hernia Repair and Endoscopic Component Separation: Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Robot-assisted hernia repair, combined with endoscopic component separation, has reduced recurrence and complication rates and allowed immediate intervention in obese patients. We sought to study surgical outcomes in this high-risk group of patients in a community hospital.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of ventral, incisional, and umbilical hernia repairs performed at a small community hospital by a single surgeon from March 2014 through November 2016, with statistical analysis of the surgical outcomes. Patients included were those who underwent hernia repair during the study period and had a body mass index (BMI) >30. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months (range, 6-37).

RESULTS

Forty-seven hernia repairs were performed, including 33 combined and 14 control cases. The demographics of each group were comparable when comparing sex, age, BMI, and ASA classification. Mean follow-up was 19.39 months in the study group and 28.64 months in the control group. There were no significant differences in total operative time, estimated blood loss, conversion rates, or hospital length of stay. Two complications occurred in each of the study and control groups, with no recurrences in the study group and 3 in the control group and no mortalities.

CONCLUSION

Robotic laparoscopic repair of abdominal wall defects offers significant advantages, including easier primary defect closure. Our analyses showed that combining robot-assisted hernia repair with mesh and endoscopic component separation is an effective intervention in obese patients.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Outcomes: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Obesity and higher body mass index may be associated with higher rates of wound healing complications and hernia recurrence rates following complex abdominal wall reconstruction. The authors hypothesized that higher body mass indexes result in higher rates of postoperative wound healing complications but similar rates of hernia recurrence in abdominal wall reconstruction patients.

METHODS

The authors included 511 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with underlay mesh. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of preoperative body mass index: less than 30 kg/m (nonobese), 30 to 34.9 kg/m (class I obesity), and 35 kg/m or greater (class II/III obesity). The authors compared postoperative outcomes among these groups.

RESULTS

Class I and class II/III obesity patients had higher surgical-site occurrence rates than nonobese patients (26.4 percent versus 14.9 percent, p = 0.006; and 36.8 percent versus 14.9 percent, p < 0.001, respectively) and higher overall complication rates (37.9 percent versus 24.7 percent, p = 0.007; and 43.4 percent versus 24.7 percent, p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, obese patients had significantly higher skin dehiscence (19.3 percent versus 7.2 percent, p < 0.001; and 26.5 percent versus 7.2 percent, p < 0.001, respectively) and fat necrosis rates (10.0 percent versus 2.1 percent, p = 0.001; and 11.8 percent versus 2.1 percent, p < 0.001, respectively) than nonobese patients. Obesity class II/III patients had higher infection and seroma rates than nonobese patients (9.6 percent versus 4.3 percent, p = 0.041; and 8.1 percent versus 2.1 percent, p = 0.006, respectively). However, class I and class II/III obesity patients experienced hernia recurrence rates (11.4 percent versus 7.7 percent, p = 0.204; and 10.3 percent versus 7.7 percent, p = 0.381, respectively) and freedom from hernia recurrence (overall log-rank, p = 0.41) similar to those of nonobese patients.

CONCLUSION

Hernia recurrence rates do not appear to be affected by obesity on long-term follow-up in abdominal wall reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, II.

Risk-adjusted procedure tailoring leads to uniformly low complication rates in ventral and incisional hernia repair: a propensity score analysis and internal validation of classification criteria

BACKGROUND

The usual approach in hernia surgery is to select the ideal repair method independent of the patient's characteristics. In the present study, we change the approach to ask which technique is best for the individual patient`s risk profile. For this, two criteria are important: does the patient need reconstruction of the abdominal wall? or does he or she need treatment of symptoms without being exposed to unnecessarily high perioperative risks?

METHODS

In a heuristic selection procedure, 486 consecutive patients were classified according to their characteristics as low-risk or high-risk for postoperative complications. Low-risk patients preferentially underwent open abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh (MFR + mesh), high-risk patients mainly a bridging-mesh procedure, either by laparoscopic (Lap.-IPOM) or open approach (Open-IPOM). Primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary outcome was the recurrence-free interval. The propensity score was used for covariate adjustment analyzing recurrence rate as well as postoperative complications using Cox regression and logistic regression, respectively.

RESULTS

Comparison of all surgical procedures showed risk factors had no independent influence on occurrence of complications (p = 0.110). Hernial gap width was an independent factor for occurrence of complications (p = 0.002). Propensity score adjustment revealed Lap.-IPOM to have a significantly higher recurrence rate than MFR + mesh (HR 2.367, 95% CI 1.123-4.957, p = 0.024). Three or more risk factors were protective against recurrence (HR 0.454, 95% CI 0.221-0.924, p = 0.030). In the univariate Cox regression analysis for recurrence, age >50 years was a protective prognostic factor (HR 0.412, 95% CI 0.245-0.702, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The classification criteria applied were internally validated. The heuristic algorithm ensured that patients at high-risk of complications did not have a higher perioperative complication rate than patients at low-risk.

Postoperative complications as an independent risk factor for recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a prospective study of 417 patients with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) has become widely used. This study evaluates outcomes of LVHR, with particular reference to complications, seromas, and long-term recurrence.

METHODS

A review of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing LVHR with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) was performed at a single institution. Patient's characteristics, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed and related to long-term recurrence.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2014, 417 patients underwent LVHR. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 54 years and 31 kg/m². Mesh fixation was carried out with transfascial sutures, completed with absorbable tacks (72 %), metal tacks (24 %), or intraperitoneal sutures (4 %). Intraoperative complications occurred in three patients. Overall morbidity included 8.25 % of minor complications and 2.5 % of major complications without mortality. The overall recurrence rate was 9.8 %. Median time for recurrence was 15.3 months (3-72) and median follow-up was 31.6 months (8-119). In a multivariate analysis, previous interventions (OR 1.44; CI 1.15-1.79; p = 0.01), postoperative complications (OR 2.57; CI 1.09-6.03; p = 0.03), and Clavien-Dindo score >2 (OR 1.43; CI 1.031-1.876; p = 0.02) appeared as independent prognostic factors of recurrence. Minor complications were associated with 14.7 % of recurrence and major complications with 30 % of recurrence. Emergency LVHR (6 %) did not increase the rate of complications. Overall seroma rate was 18.7 %, with 1.4 % of persisting or complicated seroma. BMI (OR 1.05; CI 1.01-1.08; p = 0.026) and vascular surgery history (OR 5.74; CI 2.11-15.58; p < 0.001) were independent predictive factors for seroma. Recurrence did not appear to be related to seroma.

CONCLUSION

LVHR combines the benefits of laparoscopy with those of mesh repair. Seroma formation should no longer be considered as a complication. It is spontaneously regressive in most cases. Postoperative complications and their degree of severity appear to be independent prognostic factors for recurrence, which can be limited with a standardized technique and may make IPOM-LVHR a reference procedure.