Effectivity of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) in daily clinical practice: early and long-term result

Safety of unfixed mesh in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Whether the effect of the unfixed mesh during laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair can lead to hernia recurrence remains controversial.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched to retrieve clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing nonfixation of mesh and fixation of mesh in TEP inguinal hernia repair, and we performed a metaanalysis with RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Fifteen RCTs were included in the metaanalysis, which showed that the operation time (P = 0.001) of the unfixed mesh group was shorter than that of the fixed mesh group; additionally, the postoperative 24-h pain score (P = 0.04) and incidence of urinary retention (P = 0.001) were lower in the unfixed mesh group. There was no significant difference between the unfixed mesh group and the fixed mesh group in terms of hospital stay (P = 0.47), time to resume normal activities (P = 0.51), incidence of haematoma (P = 0.96), incidence of chronic pain (P = 0.20), and recurrence rate (P = 0.09).

Conclusion

Unfixed mesh in TEP inguinal hernia repair shows no elevated recurrence rates compared to fixed mesh and is clinically safe.

Transabdominal preperitoneal versus hybrid procedures for treating irreducible inguinal hernias: A retrospective controlled study

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a common condition; however, irreducible inguinal hernias are rare. In this retrospective study, two laparoscopic procedures for irreducible inguinal hernia were compared.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study cohort comprised 88 patients who had undergone laparoscopic repair of primary irreducible inguinal hernias between 1 June 2011 and 31 December 2019. The patients were retrospectively divided into Hybrid (Group H) and Standard Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Groups (Group S). Patient characteristics, hernia details, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared between study groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, hernia type, operation time, hospital stay, cost, and duration of follow-up. No recurrence or surgical site infection occurred in either group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in incidence of spermatic vessel injury (0% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.370), vas deferens injury (0% vs. 6.12%, P = 0.116), epigastric vessels injury (0% vs. 4.08%, P = 0.202), scrotal hematoma (7.69% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.206), dysuria (5.13% vs. 8.16%, P = 0.575), fever (17.95% vs. 16.32%, P = 0.841), seroma (25.64% vs. 32.65%, P = 0.474), chronic pain (0% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.370), sensation of a foreign body (2.56% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.870), or pain on ejaculation (0% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.370). The incidence of acute pain was higher in Group H than in Group S (43.59% vs. 8.16%, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

The hybrid TAPP procedure is a safe and feasible means of treating irreducible inguinal hernias. Though it is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative acute pain than the standard TAPP procedure, it may have advantages in avoiding injuries to the vas deferens and spermatic vessels.

Impact of Umbilicus-Symphysis Pubis Distance on Technical Difficulties in Transabdominal Preperitoneal Hernia Repair (TAPP)

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has gained popularity due to its advantages over open procedures. However, technical challenges and anatomical variations can affect surgical outcomes. The umbilicus-symphysis pubis (USP) distance has been identified as a potential factor impacting laparoscopic operations. This study aims to investigate the association between USP distance, technical difficulties, and operative time in the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 122 patients who underwent elective TAPP surgery. USP distance was measured, and surgical data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between USP distance and operative time.

RESULTS

Among the patients, 80 underwent unilateral hernia repair, and 42 underwent bilateral hernia repair. In unilateral repair, USP distance did not significantly affect operative time. However, in bilateral repair, there was a significant association between USP distance and operation time prolongation ( P =0.039).

DISCUSSION

TAPP surgery presents challenges due to limited visualization and anatomical variations. Factors like USP distance can impact surgical outcomes. A shorter distance increases complexity, while a longer distance facilitates smoother procedures. Surgeons should consider USP distance during surgical planning to optimize outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The study findings indicate that USP distance is associated with prolonged operative time in TAPP bilateral hernia repair. Surgeons, especially those in the learning phase, can benefit from considering this relationship to optimize surgical outcomes and resource allocation. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing operative time in hernia repair surgeries.

Efficacy and safety of glue mesh fixation for laparoscopic inguinal hernia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

It is still controversial whether glue can be used for mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this meta-analysis was used to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of glue mesh fixation in laparoscopic tension-free inguinal hernia repair. The PubMed database, EMBASE database and Cochrane Library were searched to collect published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on laparoscopic tension-free inguinal hernia repair with glue mesh fixation. Sixteen RCTs and 2409 patients with inguinal hernia were included. The meta-analysis showed that compared with the mechanical mesh fixation group(MMFG), the glue mesh fixation group(GMFG) had significantly reduced incidences of chronic pain[relative risk (RR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.28,0.57), P < 0.00001], urinary retention[RR = 0.53, 95% CI(0.29,0.97), P = 0.04], haematoma[RR = 0.23, 95% CI(0.09,0.58), P = 0.002] and total complications[RR = 0.28, 95% CI(0.18,0.44), P < 0.00001]; there were no significant differences in pain score on postoperative day 1[MD = -1.33, 95% CI(-2.93,0.26), P = 0.10], operation time[MD = 1.46, 95% CI(-3.97,6.88), P = 0.60] and recurrence rate[RR = 0.72, 95% CI(0.35,1.47), P = 0.37] between the two groups. In conclusion, the application of glue mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is safe and reliable with fewer complications. Moreover, it can reduce the incidence of chronic pain without increasing the recurrence rate. However, due to the small number of cases in this analysis and limitations in the quality of the included studies, the findings need to be further verified by multicentre, large-sample and high-quality RCTs in the future.

Towards automatic verification of the critical view of the myopectineal orifice with artificial intelligence

BACKGROUND

Visualization of key anatomical landmarks is required during surgical Trans Abdominal Pre Peritoneal repair (TAPP) of inguinal hernia. The Critical View of the MyoPectineal Orifice (CVMPO) was proposed to ensure correct dissection. An artificial intelligence (AI) system that automatically validates the presence of key and marks during the procedure is a critical step towards automatic dissection quality assessment and video-based competency evaluation. The aim of this study was to develop an AI system that automatically recognizes the TAPP key CVMPO landmarks in hernia repair videos.

METHODS

Surgical videos of 160 TAPP procedures were used in this single-center study. A deep neural network-based object detector was developed to automatically recognize the pubic symphysis, direct hernia orifice, Cooper's ligament, the iliac vein, triangle of Doom, deep inguinal ring, and iliopsoas muscle. The system was trained using 130 videos, annotated and verified by two board-certified surgeons. Performance was evaluated in 30 videos of new patients excluded from the training data.

RESULTS

Performance was validated in 2 ways: first, single-image validation where the AI model detected landmarks in a single laparoscopic image (mean average precision (MAP) of 51.2%). The second validation is video evaluation where the model detected landmarks throughout the myopectineal orifice visual inspection phase (mean accuracy and F-score of 77.1 and 75.4% respectively). Annotation objectivity was assessed between 2 surgeons in video evaluation, showing a high agreement of 88.3%.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes the first AI-based automated recognition of critical structures in TAPP surgical videos, and a major step towards automatic CVMPO validation with AI. Strong performance was achieved in the video evaluation. The high inter-rater agreement confirms annotation quality and task objectivity.

A new approach to enter Retzius space in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the right-side approach to enter Retzius space in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on 189 patients who were diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernia preoperatively or intraoperatively and underwent selective TAPP in the General Surgery I Section of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2015 to September 2020. 94 cases were performed using the right-side approach (research group), and 95 cases with conventional approach (control group). Intraoperative and postoperative conditions of the two groups were observed and compared.

RESULTS

All operation were completed successfully. The operative time of research group was significantly shorter than that of control group (128.8 ± 35.4 vs 144.1 ± 40.9 min, P = 0.006). There were no significant differences in postoperative hospital stay, VAS score on first postoperative day, incidence of seroma and hematoma, urinary retention and other complications (P > 0.05). None of the patients occured hernia recurrence, mesh infection, intestinal obstruction and other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The right-side approach to enter Retzius space is safe and feasible in TAPP surgery of bilateral inguinal hernia. Compared with the conventional approach, it can shorten the operative time and has certain advantages.

Evaluation of the Factors Influencing on Intraoperative Difficulty Scores of Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background: Inguinal hernias are the leading surgical diseases in the world. There are different surgical procedures reported for the treatment. Some problems are thought to be encountered when performing laparoscopic surgery in these patients, such as risk of severe complications and the prolonged operative duration. Aim: The objective of this study was to specify the complexity of the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) procedure by using an intraoperative scoring system and examine the scores with these patients' predictive factors. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in patients who underwent inguinal hernia surgery with TAPP. Previous lower abdominal surgery, previous (open) hernia surgery, body mass index (BMI), type of hernia, duration of the surgery, scoring the difficulty of the operation in five various stages using the visual analog scale (VAS) score (1. Mobilizing the peritoneum/dissection of the inferior peritoneal flap. 2. Dissection of internal ring or vas deference or hernia sac. 3. Visualization of Cooper's ligament. 4. Mesh placement. 5. Peritoneal closure.) and the time of discharge were recorded. Results: In this study, 137 patients were included. "BMI" and "previous lower abdominal surgery" have significantly higher scores, time of surgery, and hospital stay compared with other risk factors (P < .005). Conclusion: This study showed that patient's BMI and previous lower abdominal surgery could create technical difficulty with the TAPP procedure, but it is not necessary to avoid this laparoscopic technique because of these situations and can be performed safely.

Evaluation of long‐term chronic pain and outcomes for unilateral vs bilateral circular incision transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Aim

This study has two aims: to evaluate long‐term chronic pain and complications after circular incision transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (C‐TAPP) and compare outcomes of unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernia cases.

Methods

A postoperative patient questionnaire was used to evaluate pain and complications in 1546 patients who underwent C‐TAPP for simple inguinal hernia. Questions concerned satisfaction with surgery, pain at rest, pain at movement, mesh discomfort on a 10‐point scale, and complications, such as recurrence. Patients were classified into unilateral (U Group) and bilateral (B Group) groups, and propensity score matching was performed to compare long‐term chronic pain and complications.

Results

The questionnaire return rates were 77.5% (1034 cases) and 79.9% (135 cases) in unilateral and bilateral cases. The frequency of moderate‐to‐severe (≥4 points) pain at rest, pain at movement, and mesh discomfort were 3.2%, 3.6%, and 4.5%, respectively. After propensity score matching, no significant differences in pain at rest (P = .726), at movement (P = .712), or mesh discomfort (P = .981) were detected between the U and B groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 2.1% of all patients, and the recurrence rate was 0.3%. In the post‐match comparison, no differences in complications with Clavian‐Dindo classification ≥III (U Group 0.7%, B Group 2.1%, P = .622) were detected.

Conclusion

C‐TAPP, which focuses on the layered structure, showed acceptable results for long‐term chronic pain. Bilateral cases did not have worse pain or complications compared to unilateral cases.

Colovesical fistula secondary to hernia mesh migration: an unusual incident

We evaluated a 27-year old male with pneumaturia and fecaluria with a past history of right inguinal hernia repair. Though, cystoscopy and contrast enhanced computed tomography did not furnish any evidence to arrive at a diagnosis, interestingly, colonoscopy revealed a mesh in the sigmoid colon making apparent the diagnosis of colovesical fistula secondary to mesh migration. Later, surgical removal of the mesh from the sigmoid colon with rent closure of the fistulous opening was done successfully. Our case thus, highlights the vital role of common diagnostic tool like colonoscopy in making an uncommon diagnosis.

Trocar-site incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a significant problem? Incidence and risk factors from a single-center cohort

BACKGROUND

Trocar-site incisional hernia (TSIH) after laparoscopic surgery has been scarcely studied. TSIH incidence and risk factors have never been properly studied for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analytic study in a tertiary hospital was performed including patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery between 2014 and 2016. Clinical and radiological TSIH were analyzed.

RESULTS

272 patients with a mean age of 70.7 years were included. 205 (75.4%) underwent surgery for a malignant disease. The most common procedure was right colectomy (108 patients, 39.7%). After a mean follow-up of 30.8 months 64 (23.5%) patients developed a TSIH. However, only 7 out of 64 (10.9%) patients with a TSIH underwent incisional hernia repair. That means that 2.6% of all the patients underwent TSIH repair. 44 (68.8%) patients had TSIH in the umbilical Hasson trocar. In the multivariate analysis, the existence of an umbilical Hasson trocar orifice was the only statistically significant risk factor for TSIH development.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of TSIH was high, although few patients underwent incisional hernia repair. Most TSIH were observed in the umbilical Hasson trocar, which was the only risk factor for TSIH development in the multivariate analysis. Efforts should be addressed to avoid TSIH in the umbilical Hasson trocar.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

[Ultrasonic geometry of synthetic endoprostheses after transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty of inguinal hernias]

OBJECTIVE

To assess position of mesh endoprosthesis in retroperitoneal space after TARR hernioplasty using ultrasound in early and long-term postoperative period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 30 patients with inguinal hernias after TARR procedure. Standard technology of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty was used in all patients. In all cases, a large-pore monofilament polypropylene mesh 10x15 cm was used. Control examination and ultrasound of the mesh implant were performed the next day, in 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery. Correct position of the implant was determined by its placement at the level of pubic bone with complete overlap of posterior wall of the inguinal canal and inner ring.

RESULTS

US-image of the implant is present in two geometric forms - linear and sinusoid. The shape of prosthesis varies depending on postoperative period and the use of fixing elements. Thus, sinusoidal shape of prosthesis was observed in patients without fixation of prosthesis the next day and in 1 month after TARR. Geometry of the implant acquired the form of a straight line after 3 months and became almost a straight line in 12 months after surgery. Linear shape of prosthesis in early postoperative period was found after intraoperative fixation of endoprosthesis. Sinusoidal shape is noted after 3 months. Ultrasonic pattern of endoprosthesis looked as a thin hyperechoic band with thickness of 1.2-3.9 mm. Mean thickness of prosthesis was 2.2±0.1 mm the next day after surgery, 2.8±0.2 mm after 1 month and 1.6±0.05 mm after 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Geometry of synthetic implants after TARR hernioplasty undergoes significant changes and depends on duration of postoperative period and fixation of the prosthesis.

Ultrasound Appearance of Mesh After Transabdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background: The linear geometry of the meshes undergoes significant changes after the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair, caused not only by the presence or absence of mesh fixation but also by reparative processes occurring in the area of surgical intervention. Objective: To assess the position of mesh in the preperitoneal space after the TAPP inguinal hernia repair using ultrasonography in the immediate and late postoperative periods. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair with TAPP were examined. In all cases, a lightweight large-pore monofilament polypropylene mesh (size 10 × 15 cm) was used as a prosthesis. Follow-up examinations and ultrasonography of the mesh were carried out on the first postoperative day and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of the follow-up period. Results: Ultrasonography demonstrated mesh in two distinctly different appearances. Although it was seen as an echogenic structure with mild acoustic shadowing, the shape was either wavy or straight linear depending on the method and time elapsed from surgery. Thus, in patients without mesh fixation, it has a wavy appearance on the first day and at 1 month after TAPP, whereas at 3 months it took the appearance of a straight line, and at 12 months the implant has retained the shape of a straight line. Among patients who underwent mesh fixation in the immediate postoperative period, implant appeared as a straight line, and starting from the third month it began to acquire a wavy outline. Conclusion: Geometry of mesh used for TAPP inguinal hernia repair undergoes significantly different changes depending on the method of mesh fixation and time of postoperative period.

Retromuscular Mesh Repair Using Extended Totally Extraperitoneal Repair Minimal Access: Early Outcomes of an Evolving Technique-A Single Institution Experience

Background: Enhanced-view extended totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP) technique for laparoscopic retromuscular ventral hernia (VHR) repair is a novel application recently described by some authors. We present our early single institution experience on this technique. Methods: Retrospective review of the eTEP technique for laparoscopic retromuscular VHR repair cases at our institution from October 2018 to June 2019 with 1 month follow-up was evaluated. Data analyses include patients characteristics, operative details, and complications. Results: A total of 18 patients were treated with eTEP. One patient was reoperated using the same procedure and hospital stay was 6 days. The same patient who had undergone transversus abdominis release developed a seroma that could be observed 20 days after surgery. Conclusion: Our short-term experience with eTEP access suggests feasibility of this approach in accordance with results from other authors. We do not think the technique is challenging, but it is necessary for it to be performed by surgeons with skills in laparoscopic abdominal wall reconstruction.

Lightweight Versus Heavyweight Mesh in Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Background: There is no consensus on whether lightweight mesh (LWM) is better than heavyweight mesh (HWM) in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR). This study aims to update the previous reviews and to analyze present randomized controlled studies comparing LWM versus HWM in LIHR systematically. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared LWM with HWM in adults with LIHR. All eligible data of outcomes were quantitatively analyzed using Revman 5.3 software or qualitatively described. The outcomes included chronic pain, moderate-severe chronic pain, recurrence, foreign body sensation, influence on sexual life and male fertility (pain with ejaculation, testicular pain, etc.). Results: We included 12 RCTs that analyzed 3092 hernias. The difference between LWM and HWM groups at any follow-up time was not significant in chronic pain and foreign body sensation. Compared with HWM group, patients in LWM group had a similar risk of postoperative moderate-severe chronic pain at 3 and 12 months follow-up, a slightly increased risk of developing moderate-severe chronic pain at >12 months follow-up (risk ratio [RR] = 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-9.75, P = .04), and a higher risk of recurrence rate (RR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.17-4.44, P = .02). At long-term follow-up, the influences of LWM and HWM on sexual life and male fertility were comparable. Conclusion: LWMs do not show advantages in chronic pain, foreign body sensation as well as the influence on sexual life and male fertility, and may increase hernia recurrence rates for LIHR. In addition, a higher incremental cost and lower incremental effect of LWMs make conventional HWMs preferred choice for LIHR.

Primary unilateral not complicated inguinal hernia: our choice of TAPP, why, results and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Currently, three different techniques are favored for repair of an inguinal hernia: (1) The suture repair described by Shouldice. (2) An open mesh repair according to Lichtenstein. (3) Laparo-endoscopic techniques TAPP and TEP. The aim of the presented paper was to describe the ranking of the Transabdominal Preperitoneal Patch Plasty (TAPP) in comparison to the other techniques for inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

The manuscript is based on the experiences gained in more than 15,000 TAPPs and numerous own studies as well. The technique of TAPP is described in detail and also the results which can be achieved with special reference to primary unilateral inguinal hernias in male patients. Moreover, a systematic review of the literature is done for the comparison with the other techniques.

RESULTS

According to own experiences, 98% of all patients with an inguinal hernia admitted for surgery to Marienhospital Stuttgart could be operated on using the TAPP technique. The recurrence rate and the rate of severe chronic pain in this setting were below 1%. Due to the limited quality of most of the published studies an evidence-based comparison which is the best of the currently most recommended techniques is questionable. Therefore, when comparing TAPP with TEP, no definite conclusion about superiority of one technique over the other is possible. Both techniques are safe and effective if properly performed. The guidelines recommend that the surgeon should use the technique he had learned best and is familiar with. The comparison between TAPP and the Shouldice repair shows less pain and a higher effectivity after TAPP. The recurrence rate after Lichtenstein repair and after TAPP is similar, but pain and recovery time are significantly less after TAPP.

CONCLUSION

Analyzing the own abundant experiences and the reports in the literature, the TAPP technique has the potential to become the standard operative technique for repair of inguinal hernias in future. However, due to the low level of evidence of most of the studies definite conclusions are difficult to draw at this point of time.

Incidence of postoperative complications in transabdominal preperitoneal repair for groin hernia is influenced by poor performance status rather than by old age

AIM

The present study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for very old patients with groin hernia and to identify the risk factors predicting perioperative complications.

METHODS

A total of 140 patients treated by TAPP were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups: patients ≥80 years of age (≥80 years group; n = 26) and those <80 years of age (<80 years group; n = 114). Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were then statistically compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Number of patients with any comorbidities was significantly higher in the ≥80 years group than in the <80 years group (96.2% vs 61.4%, P = 0.003). There were no significant differences in surgical outcomes between the two groups. In the univariate analysis of perioperative complications, poor performance status (PS) (P = 0.014), lower hemoglobin level (P = 0.038) and lower albumin level (P = 0.016) were significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications, and multivariate analysis showed that only poor PS was an independent factor (PS 0-2 vs 3-4: P = 0.034, OR 5.192 [95% CI; 1.137 to 23.71]).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report to show that the incidence of postoperative complications in TAPP repair for groin hernia is influenced by poor PS rather than old age. TAPP can be a safe surgical procedure for very old patients with a good PS, with benefits that are equal to those in young patients.

[Inguinal hernia repair in TAPP technique in a day-case surgery setting - at what price?]

BACKGROUND

TAPP surgery can be considered as a gold standard in inguinal hernia repair. Patients benefit of a faster reconvalescence and less pain compared to other techniques. TAPP surgery in Germany is performed in an in-patient setting routinely. However, according to European guidelines, inguinal hernia surgery should be considered as day-case surgery whenever possible.

OBJECTIVES

The safety of day-case surgery was examined in relation to postoperative pain, complications, comorbidities, recurrent inguinal hernia and bilateral procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a retrospective, monocentric study we analyzed 522 elective inguinal hernia repairs using TAPP technique in a specialized hernia center. Supplemental data from Herniamed registry is analyzed.

RESULTS

Parts of the procedures should be performed in an in-patient setting, whereas a much larger number of cases should be carried out as day-case surgeries. Logistic regression analyses show that "age", "bilateral procedures" and "comorbidities" affect the complication rate. "Age" and "recurrent inguinal hernia" are risk factors for an increased need for analgetic medication. Furthermore, we present an actual distribution of day-case vs. in-patient surgeries in inguinal hernia repair based on data from the Herniamed registry.

CONCLUSION

A much larger part of procedures could safely be carried out as day-case surgeries. Based on a false incentive there is an incorrect steering in the German health system. These procedures cannot be carried out covering the costs as day-surgery cases. If there is no reevaluation of the proceeds of these procedures in a day-case surgery setting, the reasonable quality in treatment is compromised especially in inguinal hernia surgery.

The change in groin pain perception after transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with glue fixation: a prospective trial of a single surgeon's experience

Background

Although inguinal hernia is one of the most common conditions requiring surgical treatment, no reliable information is available on the quality of life of patients with inguinal hernias before surgery. Additionally, patients with intense inguinal pain prior to surgery are more susceptible to postoperative chronic pain. In such cases, less invasive laparoscopic techniques can be used, allowing atraumatic mesh fixation to reduce postoperative pain. The aim of the study was to determine, whether these treatments for patients with preoperative pain would minimize upsetting experiences after surgery.

Materials and methods

Data were gathered prospectively from the National Hernia Repair Register for 146 patients who underwent TAPP repairs in the general surgery department (2013–2016). The demographic data were recorded, the pain intensity was determined and patients described the occurrence of pain during ten everyday activities.

Results

The average surgery time was 56.4 min. The follow-up was 23.4 months. The pain before surgery was 4.28 and 12 months after surgery 0.38 (p < 0.001). Pain intensity before surgery was scored as 4.1, 4.3, and 4.9 among patients who had a hernia < 12 months, > 1 year, and > 5 years, respectively (p = 0.028). Twelve months after surgery, the pain was 0.26, 0.34, and 0.40 (p = 0.037), respectively. Patients < 40 years experienced pain before the surgery more often. The intensity of pre-/postoperative pain was significantly higher < 40 years (4.9/0.63) than > 60 years (3.8/0.29).

Conclusions

TAPP inguinal hernia repair with glue fixation significantly decreased the frequency and intensity of the pain compared to that experienced preoperatively. After TAPP repair, the influence of pain on basic everyday activities is substantially lower. Patients under 40 years of age experience frequent and intense pre- and postoperative pain. A longer hernia duration prior to surgery causes increased pre- and postoperative pain.

Development of an Anti-Adhesive Membrane for Use in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Background: The need to prevent postoperative adhesions after surgery has been considered a significant challenge in thoracic surgery, especially with the advent of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). While preventive materials for postoperative adhesions have been studied for many years, they are all still in the development phases. Methods: In this animal study, an insoluble hyaluronic acid membrane was used in VATS for wedge resection to test its operability and to examine the body's response to the membrane. Ten beagles were divided into two groups, an experimental group and a negative control group. In the experimental group, an insoluble hyaluronic acid membrane containing glycerol was used as the test membrane (10 x 10 x 0.1 cm³). The test membrane was implanted in the left thoracic cavity of the animal under VATS following wedge resection. The animals were observed for two weeks and then euthanized for examination. Results: Macroscopically, the median adhesion score was lower in the experimental group (0) than in the control group (2.5). On histopathological examination, the test membrane elicited only a minor inflammatory response and foreign body reaction. Conclusion: The test membrane showed satisfactory operability and appears to be a practical material to prevent postoperative adhesions after thoracic surgery in VATS.

From intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair to preperitoneal onlay mesh repair

Laparoscopic repair for ventral and incisional hernias was first reported in the early 1990s. It uses intraperitoneal only mesh placement to achieve a tension-free repair of the hernia. However, in recent years, there has been greater concern about long-term complication involving intraperitoneal mesh placement. Many case reports and case series have found evidence of mesh adhesion, mesh fistulation, and mesh migration into hollow organs including the esophagus, small bowel, and large bowel, resulting in various major acute abdominal events. Subsequent management of these complications may require major surgery that is technically demanding and difficult; in such cases, laparotomy and bowel resection have often been performed. Because of these significant, but not common, adverse events, many surgeons favor open sublay repair for ventral and incisional hernias. Investigators are therefore searching for a laparoscopic approach for ventral and incisional hernias that might overcome the mesh-induced visceral complications seen after intraperitoneal only mesh placement repair. Laparoscopic preperitoneal onlay mesh is one such approach. This article will explore the fundamental of intraperitoneal only mesh placement and its problems, the currently available peritoneal visceral-compatible meshes, and upcoming developments in laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair. The technical details of preperitoneal onlay mesh, as well as its potential advantages and disadvantages, will also be discussed.

[Evidence-based TAPP technique]

Transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) is the most frequently used surgical technique for repair of an inguinal hernia in German hospitals (Federal Statistical Office, Wiesbaden). Since its initial description in 1992 by Arregui the technique has been further developed and completely standardized, so that TAPP is now suitable as an operation performed by trainee surgeons despite the complex technique. The individual operation stages have been described by many experts mainly based on their own experiences, training with other experts, participation in meetings with live or video demonstrations and reports in the literature. A scientific explanation for the individual operation steps, i.e. why a certain technique is given preference in comparison to other techniques, is not usually communicated. In this article for the first time not only the operation steps of TAPP are described in detail but also the scientific reasons (evidence) are given.

Randomized trial comparing self gripping semi re-absorbable mesh (PROGRIP) with polypropylene mesh in open inguinal hernioplasty: the 6 years result

OBJECTIVES

The use of absorbable polylactic acid hook self-gripping polypropylene mesh in open inguinal hernia may potentially reduce operative time and enhance patient recovery. The objective of this randomized trial is to compare the outcomes following self-gripping mesh repair to polypropylene mesh secured with sutures in open inguinal hernioplasty.

METHOD

Eligible patients aged 18-80 years old, who had primary unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia, were randomized into either Polypropylene (PL) group or PROGRIP (PG) group just before the placement of mesh intra-operatively by computer generated code. The primary outcome was the time from mesh placement to end of operation, whereas secondary outcomes included the total operative time, amount of analgesic used, length of post-operative stay, seroma formation, chronic discomfort, chronic pain score and recurrence. The study has been registered in http://www.clinicaltrial.gov carrying an ID of NCT00960011. Patients were followed-up in outpatient clinic for up to 6 years after operation.

RESULTS

From March 2009 to April 2016, 45 patients were included. The mean age of PG group (n = 22) was 62.0 ± 15.7 years old while that of the PL group was 62.6 ± 4.9 years old (n = 23). There was no significant difference regarding the smoking habit, drinking habit, comorbidities, previous hernia operation and Nyhus type of hernia between the two groups. The size of defects, the time of groin dissection and the size of incision were similar. In the PG group, there was significant reduction in the time for mesh placement (11.8 ± 3.1 vs. 21.0 ± 6.2 min, p < 0.001) and total operative time (39.2 ± 9.8 vs. 47.7 ± 8.0 min, p = 0.003). There was one recurrence in PL group and nil in PG group. Although there was a significant difference in paresthesia between 2 groups after operation, the difference disappears with time and comparable from post-operative 1 year onwards. There was no difference in chronic pain, chronic discomfort, affect daily activities, palpable mesh demonstrated throughout the whole study period till 6 years after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of polylactic acid self-gripping mesh in open inguinal hernia repair effectively reduces the operating time with comparable long-term surgical outcome with traditional polypropylene mesh.