Tailored anterior tension-free repair for the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia previously repaired by anterior approach

Application of Quantitative Assessment Strategy-Based Nursing Combined with Empathic Nursing in Patients Undergoing Tension-Free Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

Objective

This study aimed to explore the application of quantitative assessment strategy-based nursing combined with empathic nursing in patients undergoing tension-free inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Methods

82 patients who underwent tension-free inguinal herniorrhaphy in our hospital from May 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled. According to the random number table method, they were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). Patients in group A received quantitative assessment strategy-based nursing combined with empathic nursing, and group B received quantitative assessment strategy-based nursing. Group C received a routine intervention. The early recovery of the three groups was observed. Heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and blood pressure (BP) were recorded before entering the operating room and at the beginning of anesthesia. Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF, adult version) was used to assess the psychological status. The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score of three groups at different time points was recorded. The complications of the three groups were observed.

Results

Compared with group C, wound healing time, ambulation time, hospital stay time, and time to resume daily activities in groups A and B were significantly shorter (all P < 0.05). At the beginning of anesthesia, HR and BP levels in the three groups were all decreased, with HR and BP levels in group A lower than those in group C and HR levels in group B lower than those in group C (all P < 0.05). After the intervention, the scores of emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being in groups A and B were higher than those in group C and the scores of psychological well-being and social well-being in group A were higher than those in group B (all P < 0.05). The daily living ability score of group A was higher than that of groups B and group C at discharge, one month after discharge, and three months after discharge, and the daily living ability score of group B was higher than that of group C at these three time points (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of complication rate among the three groups (10.71%, 14.81%, and 29.63%) (χ 2 = 3.616, all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Quantitative evaluation strategy-based nursing combined with empathic nursing can effectively improve the early recovery of patients undergoing tension-free inguinal herniorrhaphy, reduce their stress response, and improve their mental health and daily living ability.

Mechanical properties of warp-knitted hernia repair mesh with various boundary conditions

In this paper, two most representative hernia repair meshes were prepared with 0.15 mm polypropylene monofilaments via warp knitting technology, and their mechanical properties were tested in various aspects. Meanwhile, a focused investigation of the boundary conditions between the sutures and the mesh was simulated in several directions innovatively. The results revealed that the hernia repair mesh with different structures has different mechanical properties, and the mechanical properties of standard hernia repair mesh were superior to that of lightweight hernia repair mesh. In order to reduce foreign body sensation and postoperative adverse reactions significantly, the lightweight hernia repair mesh may be preferred. At the same time, the mesh should be placed in the proper direction to comply with the anisotropy of abdominal wall during operation. The area where the hernia mesh is in contact with the sutures was vulnerable to damage. The curved or wrinkled area of the hernia repair mesh increases with the increase of load, which may lead to poor tissue growth, a strong inflammatory response, and even the recurrence of the hernia. Therefore, the hernia repair meshes with different structures may require unique suture techniques. And they also should be further treated prior to implantation. This study provides a theoretical basis for development, utilization and improvement of meshes. Further research will focus on the biomechanical properties of the mesh after implantation in vivo studies.

Surgical approach for recurrent inguinal hernias: a Nationwide Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Guidelines recommend that the reoperation of a recurrent inguinal hernia should be by the opposite approach (anterior-posterior) than the primary repair. However, the level of evidence supporting the guidelines is partially low. The purpose of this study was to compare re-reoperation rates between repairs performed according to the guidelines with the ones performed against it.

METHODS

This cohort study was based on the Danish Hernia Database, including 4344 patients with two inguinal hernia repairs in the same groin. Four groups were compared as follows: Lichtenstein-Lichtenstein vs. Lichtenstein-Laparoscopy, and Laparoscopy-Laparoscopy vs. Laparoscopy-Lichtenstein. The outcome was re-reoperation rates, which were compared by crude rates, cumulated rates, and hazard ratios.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the re-reoperation rates when the primary repair was laparoscopic, regardless of the type of reoperation. However, Lichtenstein-Lichtenstein had a significantly higher re-reoperation rate compared with Lichtenstein-Laparoscopy (crude rate 8.7 vs. 3.1 %, p value <0.0005; Hazard Ratio 2.46, 95 % CI 1.76-3.43). Further analysis showed that the higher risk of re-reoperation for Lichtenstein-Lichtenstein was only seen if the primary hernia was medial.

CONCLUSIONS

A primary Lichtenstein repair of a primary medial hernia should be reoperated with a laparoscopic repair. A primary Lichtenstein repair of a primary lateral hernia can be reoperated with either a Lichtenstein or a laparoscopic repair according to surgeon's choice. For a primary laparoscopic operation, the method of repair of a recurrent hernia did not affect the re-reoperation rate.