Closing the gap between the laparoscopic and open approaches to abdominal wall hernia repair: a trend and outcomes analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database

The Utilization of Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair (LVHR) in Incarcerated and Strangulated Cases: A National Trend in Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Early after its adoption, minimally invasive surgery had limited usefulness in emergent cases. However, with improvements in equipment, techniques, and skills, laparoscopy in complex and emergency operations expanded substantially. This study aimed to examine the trend of laparoscopy in incarcerated or strangulated ventral hernia repair (VHR) over time.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for laparoscopic repair of incarcerated and strangulated hernias (LIS-VHR) and compared over 2 time periods, 2014-2016 and 2017-2019.

RESULTS

The utilization of laparoscopy in all incarcerated or strangulated VHR increased over time (2014-2016: 39.9% (n = 14 075) vs 2017-2019: 46.3% (n = 18 369), P < .001). Though likely not clinically significant, demographics and comorbidities statistically differed between groups (female: 51.7% vs 50.0%, P = .003; age 54.5 ± 13.7 vs 55.4 ± 13.8 years, P < .001; BMI 34.9 ± 8.0 vs 34.6 ± 7.8 kg/m2, P < .001). Patients from 2017 to 2019 were less comorbid (18.9% vs 16.8% smokers, P < .001; 18.2% vs 17.3% diabetic, P = .036; 4.6% vs 4.1% COPD, P = .021) but had higher ASA classification (III: 43.3% vs 45.7%; IV: 2.5% vs 2.7%, P < .001). Hernia types (primary, incisional, recurrent) were similar in each group. Operative time (89.7 ± 59.3 vs 97.4 ± 63.4 min, P < .001) became longer but length-of-stay (1.4 ± 3.3 vs 1.1 ± 2.6 days, P < .001) decreased. There was no statistical difference in surgical complications, medical complications, reoperation, or readmission rates between periods.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic VHR has become a routine method for treating incarcerated and strangulated hernias, and its utilization continues to increase over time. Clinical outcomes have remained the same while hospital stays have decreased.

Evaluating rural health outcomes: A methodological approach using population-level data

Background

The sustainability of rural surgical and obstetrical facilities depends on their efficacy and quality of care, which are difficult to measure in a rural context. In an evaluation of rural practice, it is often the case that the only comparators are larger referral facilities, for which facility-level comparisons are difficult due to differences in population demographics, acuity of patients, and services offered. This publication outlines these limitations and highlights a best-practice approach to making facility-level comparisons using population-level data, risk stratification, tests of noninferiority, and Firth logistic regression analysis. This includes an investigation of minimum sample-size requirements through Monte Carlo power analysis in the context of low-acuity rural surgical care.

Methods

Monte Carlo power analysis was used to estimate the minimum sample size required to achieve a power of 0.8 for both logistic regression and Firth logistic regression models that compare the proportion of surgical adverse events against facility type, among other confounders. We provide guidelines for the implementation of a recommended methodology that uses risk stratification, Firth penalized logistic regression, and tests of noninferiority.

Results

We illustrate limitations in facility-level comparison of surgical quality among patients undergoing one of four index procedures including hernia repair, colonoscopy, appendectomy, and cesarean delivery. We identified minimum sample sizes for comparison of each index procedure that fluctuate depending on the level of risk stratification used.

Conclusion

The availability of administrative data can provide an adequate sample size to allow for facility-level comparisons in surgical quality, at the rural level and elsewhere. When they are made appropriately, these comparisons can be used to evaluate the efficacy of general practitioners and nurse practitioners in performing low-acuity procedures.

Emergency umbilical hernia management: scoping review

BACKGROUND

Umbilical hernias, while frequently asymptomatic, may become acutely symptomatic, strangulated or obstructed, and require emergency treatment. Robust evidence is required for high-quality care in this field. This scoping review aims to elucidate evidence gaps regarding emergency care of umbilical hernias.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases were searched using a predefined strategy until November 2023. Primary research studies reporting on any aspect of emergency umbilical hernia care and published in the English language were eligible for inclusion. Studies were excluded where emergency umbilical hernia care was not the primary focus and subsets of relevant data were unable to be extracted. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts, resolving disagreements by consensus or a third reviewer. Data were charted according to core concepts addressed by each study and a narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Searches generated 534 abstracts, from which 32 full texts were assessed and 14 included in the final review. This encompassed 52 042 patients undergoing emergency umbilical hernia care. Most were retrospective cohort designs (11/14), split between single (6/14) and multicentre (8/14) with only one randomized trial. Most multicentre studies were from national databases (7/8). Themes arising included risk assessment (n = 4), timing of surgery (n = 4), investigations (n = 1), repair method (n = 8, four mesh versus suture; four laparoscopic versus open) and operative outcomes (n = 11). The most commonly reported outcomes were mortality (n = 9) and morbidity (n = 7) rates and length of hospital stay (n = 5). No studies included patient-reported outcomes specific to emergency umbilical hernia repair.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review demonstrates the paucity of high-quality data for this condition. There is a need for randomized trials addressing all aspects of emergency umbilical hernia repair, with patient-reported outcomes.

In vivo comparison of mesh fixation solutions in open and laparoscopic procedures for inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis

Background

Abdominal hernia repair surgeries involve the fixation of a surgical mesh to the abdominal wall with different means such as suture, tacks, and glues. Currently, the most effective mesh fixation system is still debated. This review compares outcomes of mesh fixation in different surgical procedures, aiding surgeons in identifying the optimal technique.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles published between January 2003 and January 2023 were searched in electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing mesh fixation with cyanoacrylate-based or fibrin glues with classical fixation techniques (sutures, tacks) in open and laparoscopic procedures were included.

Results

17 RCTs were identified; the cumulative study population included 3919 patients and a total of 3976 inguinal hernias. Cyanoacrylate-based and fibrin glues were used in 1639 different defects, suture and tacks in 1912 defects, self-gripping mesh in 404 cases, and no mesh fixation in 21 defects. Glue fixation resulted in lower early postoperative pain, and chronic pain occurred less frequently. The incidence of hematoma was lower with glue fixation than with mechanical fixation. Recurrence rate, seroma formation, operative and hospitalization time showed no significant differences; but significantly, a higher number of people in the glue group returned to work by 15- and 30-days after surgery when compared to the tacker and suture groups in the same time frame.

Conclusion

Cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue may be effective in reducing early and chronic pain and hematoma incidence without increasing the recurrence rate, the seroma formation, or the operative and hospitalization time.

[Safety of mesh with fluoropolymer coating during intra-abdominal placement in large animals: results of the pilot study]

OBJECTIVE

When performing laparoscopic intraperitoneal hernioplasty (IPOM), endoprostheses made of fluoropolymers are often used. However, there is no data in the literature on the intra-abdominal use of inexpensive polyester prostheses with a fluoropolymer coating compared to composite implants. Thus, the aim of the pilot study was a preliminary assessment of the safety profile of FTOREX mesh endoprostheses during intra-abdominal placement in large animals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

6 endoprostheses were installed laparoscopically intraperitoneally in each of the 3 pigs: 1) FTOREX; 2) FTOREX with a layer of carboxymethylcellulose; 3) REPEREN-16-2; 4) SYMBOTEX; 5) VENTRALIGHT ST; 6) decellularized pork peritoneum. Fixation was performed with a herniator, transfascial sutures were not used. Relaparoscopy was performed after 45 days, and withdrawal from the experiment was performed after 90 days. Performance characteristics, signs of deformation and retraction, parameters of spike formation were evaluated.

RESULTS

All the animals survived, no complications were observed. There were no clinical manifestations or behavioral reactions indicating the presence of adhesions. The most convenient to use were the SYMBOTEX and FTOREX implants (5.0 points each). By the end of the experiment, deformation and retraction were noted in both variants of the FTOREX implants and the REPEREN prosthesis. These changes were completely absent only when using the SYMBOTEX endoprosthesis. According to the number of implants with adhesions, by the end of the observation, both variants of FTOREX prostheses occupied an intermediate position between the Reference (the worst indicator) and VENTRALIGHT ST (the best indicator). However, both FTOREX endoprostheses showed the best performance among all implants in the integral assessment of adhesions, as well as in terms of parameters such as the area and appearance of adhesions, and in terms of the strength of the joints, they were second only to the VENTRALIGHT ST endoprosthesis (0.67 vs. 0.5 points). During the study, there was no reliable dependence of deformation, retraction and adhesion formation indicators on the type of implant.

CONCLUSION

The results of the pilot study showed that all the implants used did not cause any clinically significant adverse reactions or complications. FTOREX endoprostheses with their intraperitoneal installation have anti-adhesive properties that are not inferior to VENTRALIGHT ST or SYMBOTEX composite implants. However, having less rigidity, they are more often deformed and subjected to retraction.

[Histological changes in intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) with synthetic and biological meshes. Results of the chronic experiment]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to analyze histological changes in the site of the meshes FTOREX, FTOREX coated with carboxymethylcellulose, Ventralight ST, Symbotex, REPEREN-16-2 and decellularized porcine peritoneum on the parietal peritoneum of the pig.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

At laparoscopy, 6 different meshes were placed intraperitoneally in each of the 3 pigs. After 90 days, the animals were taken out of the experiment. After staining with hematoxylin and eosin, quantitative morphometry and counting the number of vessels and cells in the interstitium in the areas of the mesh and peritoneum were performed. An immunohistochemical study with an antibody to pancytokeratins assessed the state of the initial peritoneum and neoperitoneum.

RESULTS

According to morphological characteristics, the meshes were divided into 3 groups: 1) with fluoropolymer coating FTOREX, 2) Ventralight ST and Symbotex, 3) REPEREN and decellularized peritoneum. In group 1, the surface area of the mesh threads was optimal in terms of the arrangement and arrangement of the threads relative to each other. This contributed to the formation of a relatively dense fibrous framework and a place to preserve the underlying peritoneum involved in the formation of the neoperitoneum. Despite the smallest surface area of the threads, in group 3, the greatest fibroblastic reaction was noted. Inflammatory changes were the least pronounced in group 1. They were the greatest in group 3, where there was a pronounced leukocyte reaction, combined with the processes of metaplasia, the development of fibrinoid necrosis, and the progression of the secondary inflammatory process. In group 1, the optimal ratio of newly formed vessels was noted, in group 2 - veins prevailed over arteries, in group 3 - the number of vessels was minimal. Immunohistochemical study showed that in group 1, mesothelial cells covered almost the entire surface of the implant, and there were also areas of preserved basic peritoneum. In group 2, mesothelium also covered most of the surface of the meshes, but the underlying peritoneum was absent. In group 3, on the contrary, a significant number of extended areas not covered with mesothelium were revealed.

CONCLUSION

The conducted morphological and morphometric study showed that the most balanced ratio of the components of the newly formed fibrous tissue and blood vessels is observed when using implants with a fluoropolymer coating FTOREX. At the same time, the remaining basic peritoneum actively participated in the formation of the neoperitoneum. The Ventralight ST and Symbotex meshes also contributed to the formation of a full-fledged fibrous tissue and adequate vascular proliferation, however, they prevented the preservation of the underlying peritoneum, which practically excluded its participation in the formation of the neoperitoneum. The REPEREN mesh and decellularized porcine peritoneum led to the least balanced cell and vascular proliferation and the greatest fibroplastic reaction, which could further negatively affect the state of the formed scar.

Chinese expert consensus on adult ventral abdominal wall defect repair and reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of patients with ventral abdominal wall defects, especially complex abdominal wall defects, remains a challenging problem for abdominal wall reconstructive surgeons. Effective surgical treatment requires appropriate preoperative assessment, surgical planning, and correct operative procedure in order to improve postoperative clinical outcomes and minimize complications. Although substantial advances have been made in surgical techniques and prosthetic technologies, there is still insufficient high-level evidence favoring a specific technique. Broad variability in existing practice patterns, including clinical pre-operative evaluation, surgical techniques and surgical procedure selection, are still common.

DATA SOURCES

With the purpose of providing a best practice algorithm, a comprehensive search was conducted in Medline and PubMed. Sixty-four surgeons considered as experts on abdominal wall defect repair and reconstruction in China were solicited to develop a Chinese consensus and give recommendations to help surgeons standardize their techniques and improve clinical results.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus serves as a starting point to provide recommendations for adult ventral abdominal wall repair and reconstruction in China and may help build opportunities for international cooperation to refine AWR practice.

Comparison of Midterm Outcomes Between Open and Robotic Emergent Ventral Hernia Repair

Background. There are no studies on the role of robotics in emergency ventral hernia repair (EVHR). We aimed to compare outcomes of robotic EVHR (REVHR) and open (OEVHR). Methods. We performed a retrospective study of EVHRs performed between 2013 and 2019. Patients who underwent ventral hernia repair in an elective setting and patients who had concomitant non-abdominal wall procedures were excluded. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results. In all, 43 patients underwent OEVHR as compared to 35 patients who underwent REVHR. The patients in both groups were similar in terms of hernia etiology as well as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE-II) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Mean operative times for the robotic group were almost 2-fold compared with those of the open group (139 minutes vs 70 minutes, respectively; P < .001). Median length of stay (LOS) did not differ between the groups (3 days for both groups; P = .488). Major complications (P = .001), morbidity scores (P = .006), surgical site events (SSEs) (P = .045), and procedural interventions (P = .020) were found higher in the open group. No differences in freedom of recurrence were found (P = .662). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that open repair was associated with a 4-fold risk for the development of complications as compared to robotic repair (P = .025; odds ratio (OR) = 4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.193-13.444). Conclusion. Compared to OEVHR, REVHR resulted in longer operative times and lower morbidity, including SSEs and related interventions. However, neither LOS nor recurrence differed between the groups.

What are the trends in incisional hernia repair? Real-world data over 10 years from the Herniamed registry

INTRODUCTION

There is an increasingly controversial debate about the best possible incisional hernia repair technique. Despite the good outcomes of laparoscopic IPOM, concerns about the intraperitoneal mesh placement and its potential intraabdominal complications have risen. Against that background, this paper now analyzes changes and trends in incisional hernia repair techniques in the recent decade.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2019 a total of 61,627 patients with primary elective incisional hernia repair were enrolled in the Herniamed Registry. The outcome results were assigned to the year of repair and summarized as curves to visualize trends. The explorative Fisher's exact test was used for statistical calculation of significant differences. Since the number of cases entered into the Herniamed Registry for the years 2010-2012 was still relatively small, the years 2013 and 2019 were compared for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In the analyzed time period, the proportion of incisional hernias repaired in open suture technique remained unchanged at about 10%. The proportion of laparoscopic IPOM repairs decreased significantly from 33.8% in 2013 to 21.0% (p < 0.001) in 2019. Conversely, the proportion of open sublay repairs increased significantly from 32.1% in 2013 to 41.4% (p < 0.001) in 2019. Starting in 2015, there has also been the introduction and increasing use (4.5% in 2013 vs. 10.0% in 2019; p < 0.001) of new minimally-invasive techniques with placement of a mesh into the sublay/retromuscular/preperitoneal abdominal wall layer (E/MILOS, eTEP, preperitoneal mesh technique).

CONCLUSION

Analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry shows a significant trend to the disadvantage of the laparoscopic IPOM and to the advantage of the open sublay operation and the new minimally-invasive techniques (E/MILOS, eTEP, preperitoneal mesh technique). Despite all the recommendations in the guidelines, 10% of incisional hernias continue to be treated by means of a suture technique.

Hybrid versus open retromuscular abdominal wall repair: early outcomes

BACKGROUND

The hybrid approach to abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) for abdominal wall hernias combines minimally invasive posterior component separation and retromuscular dissection with open fascial closure and mesh implantation. This combination may enhance patient outcomes and recovery compared to the open approach alone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the operative outcomes of hybrid vs. open abdominal wall reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted to compare patients who underwent open versus hybrid AWR between September 2015 and August of 2018 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Patient demographics and perioperative data were collected and analyzed using univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were included in the final analysis: 10 in the hybrid and 55 in the open groups. Mean age was higher in the hybrid vs. open group (65.1 vs. 56.2 years, p < 0.05). The hybrid and open groups were statistically similar (p > 0.05) in gender distribution, mean BMI, and ASA score. Intraoperative comparison found hybrid patients parallel to open patients (p > 0.05) in mean operative time (294.5 vs. 267.5 min), defect size (14.4 vs. 13.6 cm), mesh area, and drain placement. The mean total hospital cost was lower in the hybrid group compared to the open group ($16,426 vs. $19,054, p = 0.43). The hybrid group had a shorter length of stay (5.3 vs. 3.6 days, p = 0.03) after surgery and was followed for a similar length of time (12.3 vs. 12.6 months, p = 0.91). The hybrid group showed a lower trend of seroma, hematoma, wound infection, ileus, and readmission rates after surgery.

CONCLUSION

A review of patient outcomes after hybrid AWR highlights a trend towards shorter length of stay, lower hospital cost, and fewer complications without significant addition to operative time. Long-term studies on a larger number of patients are definitively needed to characterize the comprehensive benefits of this approach.

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.

Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia repair in the elderly: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Ventral hernia repair is common in the expanding aging population, but remains challenging due to their frequent comorbidities. The purpose of this study is to compare the surgical outcomes of open vs. laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in elderly patients.

METHODS

Patients ≥ 65 years of age that underwent elective open or laparoscopic ventral hernia repair were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database. To reduce potential selection bias, propensity scores were created for the likelihood of undergoing laparoscopic surgery based on patients' demographics and comorbidities. Patients were matched based on the logit of the propensity scores. Thirty-day surgical outcomes were compared after matching using Chi-square test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

35,079 (71.1%) and 14,270 (28.9%) patients underwent open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs, respectively. Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a lower overall morbidity (5.9% vs. 9.1%; p < 0.001) compared to open repair. The incidence of surgical site infections (1.1% vs. 3.5%; p < 0.001), post-operative infections (2.7% vs. 3.6%; p < 0.001), and reoperation (1.7% vs. 2.1%; p = 0.009) were all lower after laparoscopic repair. All other major surgical outcomes were either better with laparoscopy or comparable between both treatment groups except for operative time.

CONCLUSION

Although open surgery remains the most prevalent in the elderly population, the results of this study suggest that laparoscopic surgery is safe and associated with a lower risk of overall morbidity, surgical site infections, and reoperation.

Short-term outcome after ventral hernia repair using self-gripping mesh in sublay technique - A retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

Hernia repair in sublay technique is widely accepted for ventral hernias, as it appears to be advantageous in terms of complication and recurrence rates. Self-gripping meshes are increasingly used for hernia repair with retromuscular mesh positioning. However, real-life data on the safe use in that specific indication are still lacking. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of short-term postoperative outcome of self-gripping versus conventional non-self-gripping meshes in sublay hernia repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis assessed patients undergoing ventral hernia repair in sublay technique between January 2011 and July 2018 at the Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna. 244 consecutive patients were eligible for final analysis. Patients were grouped according to the utilized mesh. Baseline characteristics and peri-as well as postoperative outcome was assessed.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Median follow-up was 11 months (IQR 3-30). The overall complication rate (28.3% versus 13.7%, p = 0.005) due to an increased rate of seromas (17.3% versus 6.8%, p = 0.013) and surgical site infections (12.6% versus 4.3%, p = 0.021) was significantly higher in patients with a self-gripping mesh. Significantly more patients with a self-gripping mesh needed a surgical intervention (21.3% versus 9.4%, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

In sublay ventral hernia repair, the use of self-gripping meshes is associated with a higher overall complication rate and an increased rate of complication-associated surgical interventions when compared to non-self-gripping mesh placements.

Dialysis Dependence Is Associated With Significantly Increased Odds of Perioperative Adverse Events After Geriatric Hip Fracture Surgery Even After Controlling for Demographic Factors and Comorbidities

Previous studies evaluating the risk of perioperative adverse events after hip fracture surgery for dialysis-dependent patients are either institutional cohort studies or limited by patient numbers. The current study uses the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database's large national patient population and 30-day follow-up window to address these weaknesses.

Impact of body mass index on minimally invasive ventral hernia repair: an ACS-NSQIP analysis

PURPOSE

Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m² is a known independent risk factor for complications following open ventral hernia repair (VHR). We sought to examine the relationship between BMI and minimally invasive VHR.

METHODS

The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for all patients age ≥ 18 years undergoing minimally invasive VHR (2005-2015). Patients were stratified into seven BMI classes: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), obese (30-34.5), severely obese (35-39.9), morbidly obese (40-49.9), and super obese (BMI ≥ 50), as well as by hernia type (reducible vs. strangulated) and time of repair (initial vs. recurrent). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to assess the risk of complication by BMI class.

RESULTS

A total of 55,180 patients met inclusion criteria, and 61.4% had a BMI > 30 kg/m². When stratified by BMI class, we found significant differences in age, gender, race, comorbidities, and pre-operative characteristics across groups. The overall complication rate was 4.0%, ranging from 3.0% for normal BMI patients, to 6.9% for patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m². Recurrent repairs and strangulated hernias both demonstrated higher complication rates. All complications (surgical and medical) were significantly associated with BMI class after adjustment (p < 0.0001). Patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² had a 1.4 times greater risk for complications than patients with normal BMIs (18-24.9 kg/m², p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² was determined to be an independent risk factor for surgical and medical complications after minimally invasive VHR.

Unusual complication of seroma after ventral hernia mesh repair: Digestive perforation by tacks. A case report

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Complicated seromas are rare and can cause therapeutic problems.

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The right timing for mesh removal is delicate to be detected.

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Erosion of the small bowel by the tacks has been reported. It seems to be due to technical problems.

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In our case the pressure exerted by the bulky seroma favored the fistulization of the small bowel.

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This case suggests that the type of mesh fixation may influence the time of its removal.

Intraperitoneal meshes are actually widely used in ventral hernia repair. They can reduce operative time, parietal prejudice and postoperative pain.

One of the most well-known complications of intraperitoneal mesh is seroma, but it usually subsides without any therapeutic problems.

These meshes can be fixed by tackers, suture or glue. Few complications related to the fixation technique are known.

We report the case of a patient who underwent a laparoscopic mesh repair for incisional hernia. He developed an infected bulky seroma for which he had to undergo medical treatment and percutanous drainage in order to avoid the mesh removal. The evolution seemed to be favorable until the occurrence of an unusual and unexpected complication: a digestive fistula of the small bowel in the seroma cavity via a tack adhering to the intestines.

The possibility of digestive lesions by a tack is reported by some cases reports. It seems most often to be related to a technical problem. In our case, this adhesion seems to be secondary to the pressure exerted by the seroma. The complicated seroma can be conservatively treated to save the mesh. However the delay before deciding to remove the mesh when using tackers for its fixation may be shortened.

Dialysis Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty Have Significantly Increased Odds of Perioperative Adverse Events Independent of Demographic and Comorbidity Factors

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of dialysis-dependent patients is growing, and an increasing number of these patients are being considered for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Studies assessing the preoperative risk associated with TKA in this population are limited to institutional cohorts with small sample sizes or national inpatient databases that lack follow-up data.

METHODS

The 2006-2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases were queried for adult patients undergoing elective TKA. Differences in 30-day any/severe/minor adverse event, need for reoperation, readmission, and mortality were compared for dialysis-dependent and nondialysis TKA patients using risk-adjusted logistic regression. To account for the smaller number of dialysis patients and variations in study populations, coarsened exact matching was used. The proportion of adverse events that occurred before vs after discharge was also assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 250 dialysis-dependent patients and 163,560 nondialysis patients met inclusion criteria. After controlling for patient demographics (age, sex, body mass index, functional status) and overall health (American Society of Anesthesiologists class), matched analysis revealed dialysis-dependent patients to be significantly more likely to experience any adverse event (odds ratio = 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-3.02; P = .001), severe adverse event (odds ratio = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.61-3.84; P < .001), reoperation (odds ratio = 2.38; 95% CI, 1.19-4.75; P = .014), readmission (odds ratio = 2.32; 95% CI, 1.47-3.66; P = .001), and mortality (odds ratio = 6.71; 95% CI, 2.99-22.50; P = .002). The majority of adverse outcomes occurred postdischarge.

CONCLUSION

Independent of patient demographics and overall health (American Society of Anesthesiologists), patients undergoing dialysis before TKA are significantly more likely to experience 30-day adverse outcomes than matched nondialysis cohorts. Preoperative evaluation of bone health status and management of medical treatment are warranted in this fragile population. Cautious surgical planning, patient counseling, and heightened surveillance are necessitated throughout their perioperative period and postoperative recovery plans may need to be different from nondialysis counterparts. Furthermore, hospitals and physicians must take these increased risks into account when working on bundle payment reimbursement strategies and resource allocation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Emergent Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repairs

BACKGROUND

Emergent repairs of incarcerated and strangulated ventral hernia repairs (VHR) are associated with higher perioperative morbidity and mortality than those repaired electively. Despite increasing utilization of minimally invasive techniques in elective repairs, the role for laparoscopy in emergent VHR is not well defined, and its feasibility has been demonstrated only in single center studies.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2009-2016) was queried for emergent VHR. Laparoscopic and open techniques were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 11,075 patients who underwent emergent ventral and incisional hernia repairs were identified: 85.5% open ventral hernia repair (OVHR), 14.5% laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Patients who underwent emergent OVHRs were older, more comorbid, and more likely to be septic at the time of surgery than those undergoing emergent LVHRs. Emergent OVHR patients were more likely to have minor complications (22.1% versus 11.0%; OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.069-2.834). After controlling for confounding variables, LVHR and OVHR had similar outcomes, with the exception of higher rates of superficial surgical site infection in OVHR (5.0% versus 1.8%; odd's ratio (OR) 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.176-6.138). Following multivariate analysis, laparoscopic approach demonstrated similar outcomes in major complications, reoperation, and 30-d mortality compared to open repairs. However, when controlling for other confounding factors, LVHR had reduced length of stay compared to OVHR (6.7 versus 4.0 d; 1.6 d longer, standard error 0.77, P < 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergent LVHR is associated with fewer superficial surgical site infection and shorter length of stay than OVHR but no difference in major complications, reoperation or 30-d mortality is associated with LVHR in the emergency setting.

Comparison of Surgeon Specialty in Open Ventral Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

Ventral hernia repair is a common procedure and is undertaken by surgeons with varying training backgrounds. Outcomes after hernia repair depend on numerous factors, some being patient or surgeon specific. It remains unclear what the ideal roles are for general and plastic surgeons in open ventral hernia repair. We hypothesized that open ventral hernia repair by plastic surgeons is safe and comparable with general surgeons.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2007 to 2013. Patients with a primary diagnosis of ventral hernia undergoing open repair were identified. Multivariate regression modeling was performed, adjusting for surgeon specialty, patient characteristics, common concurrent procedures, and the total number of concurrent procedures. Outcomes studied were major and minor 30-day complications, operation time, readmission, unplanned reoperation, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

We identified 53,746 patients who underwent open repair, 53,282 (99.1%) by general surgeons (GS) and 464 (0.9%) by plastic surgeons (PS). There were significantly different rates of concurrent panniculectomy (12.1% PS vs 2.4% GS) and component separation (24.8% PS vs 5.3% GS), representing increased PS case complexity. 52.3% of GS and 92.9% of PS performed panniculectomy without an alternate specialty surgeon. 81.3% of GS and 97.4% of PS performed component separation without an alternate specialty surgeon. The PS patients had a significantly longer uncorrected length of stay and operation time than GS patients (all P < 0.001). Similarly, PS was positively associated with uncorrected major and minor complications (P < 0.001). However, these relationships did not persist on multivariate analysis after adjusting for demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, concurrent procedures, and total procedure load. Furthermore, PS was associated with lower odds of major complications (operating room, 0.49; P = 0.05) compared with GS.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of hernia repair by plastic surgeons are comparable with general surgeons, despite plastic surgeons being involved in many complex cases. Interestingly, we identified that general surgeons are performing adjunctive procedures to ventral hernia previously handled by plastic surgeons. Although further study is warranted, we conclude that for open ventral hernia repair, plastic surgeons provide a comparable alternative to general surgeons.

The trend toward minimally invasive complex abdominal wall reconstruction: is it worth it?

BACKGROUND

Open abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) was previously one of the only methods available to treat complex ventral hernias. We set out to identify the impact of laparoscopy and robotics on our AWR program by performing an economic analysis before and after the institution of minimally invasive AWR.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed inpatient hospital costs and economic factors for a consecutive series of 104 AWR cases that utilized separation of components technique (57 open, 38 laparoscopic, 9 robotic). Patients were placed into two groups by date of procedure. Group 1 (Pre MIS) was July 2012-June 2015 which included 52 open cases. Group 2 (Post MIS) was July 2015-August 2016 which included 52 cases (5 open, 38 laparoscopic, 9 robotic).

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients (52 G1 vs. 52 G2) with mean age (54.2 vs. 54.1 years, p = 0.960), BMI (34.7 vs. 32.1 kg/m², p = 0.059), and ASA score (2.5 vs. 2.3, p = 0.232) were included in this review. Total length of stay (LOS) was significantly shorter for patients in the Post MIS group (5.3 vs. 1.4 days, p < 0.001). Although operating room (OR) supply costs were $1705 higher for the Post MIS group (p = 0.149), total hospital costs were $8628 less when compared to the Pre MIS group (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regressions identified increased BMI (p = 0.021), longer OR times (p = 0.003), and LOS (p < 0.001) as predictors of higher total costs. Factors that were predictive of longer LOS included older patients (p = 0.003) and patients with larger defect areas (p = 0.004). MIS was predictive of shorter hospital stays (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an increase in operating room supply costs, transition to performing MIS AWR in cases that were previously done through an open approach decreased LOS and translated into significant overall total cost savings.

Comparative analysis of open and robotic transversus abdominis release for ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a safe, effective strategy to repair complex ventral incisional hernia (VIH); however, open TAR (o-TAR) often necessitates prolonged hospitalization. Robot-assisted TAR (r-TAR) may benefit short-term outcomes and shorten convalescence. This study compares 90-day outcomes of o-TAR and r-TAR for VIH repair.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of patients who underwent o-TAR or r-TAR for VIH from 2015 to 2016 was conducted. Patient and hernia characteristics, operative data, and 90-day outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay, and secondary metrics were morbidity, surgical site events, and readmission.

RESULTS

Overall, 102 patients were identified (76 o-TAR and 26 r-TAR). Patients were comparable regarding age, gender, body mass index, and the presence of co-morbidities. Diabetes was more common in the open group (22.3 vs. 0%, P = 0.01). Most VIH defects were midline (89.5 vs. 83%, P = 0.47) and recurrent (52.6 vs. 58.3%, P = 0.65). Hernia characteristics were similar regarding mean defect size (260 ± 209 vs. 235 ± 107 cm², P = 0.55), mesh removal, and type/size mesh implanted. Average operative time was longer in the r-TAR cohort (287 ± 121 vs. 365 ± 78 min, P < 0.01) despite most receiving mesh fixation with fibrin sealant alone (18.4 vs. 91.7%, P < 0.01). r-TAR trended toward lower morbidity (39.2 vs. 19.2%, P = 0.09), less severe complications, and similar rates of surgical site events and readmission (6.6 vs. 7.7%, P = 1.00). In addition, r-TAR resulted in a significantly shorter median hospital length of stay compared to o-TAR (6 days, 95% CI 5.9-8.3 vs. 3 days, 95% CI 3.2-4.3).

CONCLUSIONS

In select patients, the robotic surgical platform facilitates a safe, minimally invasive approach to complex abdominal wall reconstruction, specifically TAR. Robot-assisted TAR for VIH offers the short-term benefits of low morbidity and decreased hospital length of stay compared to open TAR.

Procedural volume, cost, and reimbursement of outpatient incisional hernia repair: implications for payers and providers

OBJECTIVE

This analysis aimed to evaluate trends in volumes and costs of primary elective incisional ventral hernia repairs (IVHRs) and investigated potential cost implications of moving procedures from inpatient to outpatient settings.

METHODS

A time series study was conducted using the Premier Hospital Perspective^® Database (Premier database) for elective IVHR identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification codes. IVHR procedure volumes and costs were determined for inpatient, outpatient, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), and open procedures from January 2008-June 2015. Initial visit costs were inflation-adjusted to 2015 US dollars. Median costs were used to analyze variation by site of care and payer. Quantile regression on median costs was conducted in covariate-adjusted models. Cost impact of potential outpatient migration was estimated from a Medicare perspective.

RESULTS

During the study period, the trend for outpatient procedures in obese and non-obese populations increased. Inpatient and outpatient MIS procedures experienced a steady growth in adoption over their open counterparts. Overall median costs increased over time, and inpatient costs were often double outpatient costs. An economic model demonstrated that a 5% shift of inpatient procedures to outpatient MIS procedures can have a cost surplus of ∼ US $1.8 million for provider or a cost-saving impact of US $1.7 million from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services perspective.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by information in the Premier database. No data were available for IVHR cases performed in free-standing ambulatory surgery centers or federal healthcare facilities.

CONCLUSION

Volumes and costs of outpatient IVHRs and MIS procedures increased from January 2008-June 2015. Median costs were significantly higher for inpatients than outpatients, and the difference was particularly evident for obese patients. A substantial cost difference between inpatient and outpatient MIS cases indicated a financial benefit for shifting from inpatient to outpatient MIS.

Feasibility of laparoscopic abdominal wall reconstruction in an outpatient community-hospital setting using cPTFE prosthetic mesh: a prospective, multicenter case series

Objective

This study investigated the use of prosthetic condensed polytetrafluoroethylene (cPTFE) for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) in an outpatient community-hospital setting.

Methods

Patients underwent LVHR with cPTFE at one of three community hospitals. Primary endpoint was hernia recurrence at 1-year postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included pain, surgical site infection, medical/surgical complications, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results

This study included 65 females and 52 males, aged 46.6 ± 13.2 years (mean ± SD; range 18–84 years). Mean prosthetic size was 413.8 ± 336.11 cm² (range 165–936 cm²). Mean follow-up was 30 months (range 12–46 months). Hernia recurrence rate was 4.3%. Rate of hospitalization in the first postoperative week was 2.6%. Early and late secondary endpoint complication rates were 24.8% and 27.4%, respectively; pain was the most common complication, followed by seroma (8.5%).

Conclusions

Outpatient LVHR using cPTFE is feasible in community hospitals. Complication rates were similar to previous reports, and the seroma rate was markedly lower.

Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia repair in patients with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Previous studies demonstrated laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) to be associated with fewer short-term complications than open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). Little literature is available comparing LVHR and OVHR in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients.

METHODS

Patients with model for end-stage liver disease score ≥9 who underwent elective ventral hernia repair in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database were included. 30-day outcomes were compared between LVHR and OVHR after adjusting for hernia disease severity, baseline comorbidities and demographic factors.

RESULTS

A total of 3594 ventral hernia repairs were included, 536 (14.9 %) of which were LVHR. After adjusting for other confounders, LVHR was associated with a lower incidence of wound-related complications (0.23, 95 % CI 0.07-0.74, p = 0.01), shorter length of stay (mean 3.7 vs. 5.0 days, p < 0.01) than OVHR, but similar systemic complications (p = 0.77), bleeding complications (p = 0.69), unplanned reoperation (p = 0.74) or readmission (p = 0.40). Propensity score-matched comparison showed similar conclusions. Five hundred and sixty-two patients had ascites, among whom 35 (6.2 %) underwent LVHR. In this subcohort, LVHR was associated with higher mortality (OR 5.36, 95 % CI 1.00-28.60, p = 0.05), systemic complications (OR 7.03, 95 % CI 2.06-24.00, p < 0.01), and unplanned reoperation (OR 6.03, 95 % CI 1.51-24.12, p = 0.01) than OVHR.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with OVHR, LVHR is associated with similar short-term outcomes except for lower wound-related complications and shorter length of stay in CLD patients. However, when patients have ascites, LVHR is associated with higher mortality, systemic complications, and unplanned reoperation.

Current Status and Challenges of Laparoscopy in Ventral Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias gained strong popularity in the late nineties with some of the early enthusiasm lost later in time. We review the current status and challenges of laparoscopy in ventral hernia repair and best practices in this area. We specifically looked at patient and hernia defect factors, technical considerations that have contributed to the successes, and some of the failures of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Patients best suited for a laparoscopic repair are those who are obese and diabetic with a total defect size not to exceed 10 cm in width or a "Swiss cheese" defect. Overlap of mesh to healthy fascia of at least 5 cm in every direction, with closure of the defect, is essential to prevent recurrence or bulging over time. Complications specifically related to surgical site occurrence favor the laparoscopic approach. Recurrence rates, satisfaction, and health-related quality of life results are similar to open repairs, but long-term data are lacking. There is still conflicting data regarding ways of fixating the mesh. The science of prosthetic material appropriate for intraperitoneal placement continues to evolve. The field continues to be plagued by single author, single institution, and small nonrandomized observational studies with short-term follow-up. The recent development of large prospective databases might allow for pragmatic and point-of-care studies with long-term follow-up. We conclude that LVHR has evolved since its inception, has overcome many challenges, but still needs better long-term studies to evaluate evolving practices.