Mesh-related visceral complications following inguinal hernia repair: an emerging topic

Cationic homopolypeptides: A versatile tool to design multifunctional antimicrobial nanocoatings

Postoperative infections are the most common complications faced by surgeons after implant surgery. To address this issue, an emerging and promising approach is to develop antimicrobial coatings using antibiotic substitutes. We investigated the use of polycationic homopolypeptides in a layer-by-layer coating combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) to produce an effective antimicrobial shield. The three peptide-based polycations used to make the coatings, poly(l-arginine) (PAR), poly(l-lysine), and poly(l-ornithine), provided an efficient antibacterial barrier by a contact-killing mechanism against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Moreover, this activity was higher for homopolypeptides containing 30 amino-acid residues per polycation chain, emphasizing the impact of the polycation chain length and its mobility in the coatings to deploy its contact-killing antimicrobial properties. However, the PAR-containing coating emerged as the best candidate among the three selected polycations, as it promoted cell adhesion and epithelial monolayer formation. It also stimulated nitric oxide production in endothelial cells, thereby facilitating angiogenesis and subsequent tissue regeneration. More interestingly, bacteria did not develop a resistance to PAR and (PAR/HA) also inhibited the proliferation of eukaryotic pathogens, such as yeasts. Furthermore, in vivo investigations on a (PAR/HA)-coated hernia mesh implanted on a rabbit model confirmed that the coating had antibacterial properties without causing chronic inflammation. These impressive synergistic activities highlight the strong potential of PAR/HA coatings as a key tool in combating bacteria, including those resistant to conventional antibiotics and associated to medical devices.

Meta-analysis of postoperative incision infection risk factors in colorectal cancer surgery

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors for postoperative incision infection in colorectal cancer, this meta-analysis aimed to identify key variables impacting infection incidence following colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Utilizing a meta-analytical approach, studies published from January 2015 to December 2022 were systematically collected and analyzed through the assessment of factors like body mass index, diabetes, albumin levels, malnutrition, and surgical duration.

Results

The meta-analysis of eleven high-quality studies revealed that elevated BMI, diabetes, low albumin levels, malnutrition, and extended surgical duration were associated with increased infection risk, while laparoscopic procedures showed potential for risk reduction.

Conclusions

This study underscores the significance of preoperative risk assessment and management in mitigating postoperative incision infections in colorectal cancer patients. The findings present actionable insights for clinicians to enhance patient prognoses and overall quality of life.

Prospective comparison of two surgical approaches for incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernia: preperitoneal hernioplasty through the lower abdominal median incision and laparoscope (TAPP)

The optimal surgical approach of incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernia is controversial. Retrospective studies showed that surgical approaches through lower abdominal median incision or laparoscopic are superior to the oblique inguinal incision, respectively. Whether transabdominal laparoscopic approach is superior to the lower abdominal median incision approach needs prospective research.Prospective comparative study of patients with incarcerated and strangulated groin hernia admitted to Jinshan hospital for emergency surgery from January 2018 to June 2022. They were divided into two groups according to different surgical approach. The open preperitoneal repair group (OPR) was operated through the lower abdominal median incision. Laparoscopic preperitoneal repair group (TAPP) was completed under transabdominal laparoscope. The perioperative complications and long-term results of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Eighty-two patients met the inclusion criteria, 40 in OPR group and 42 in TAPP group. Baseline data of the two groups were comparable. Thirteen cases (15.9%) of the two groups underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis. Seventy cases (90.2%) underwent the 1st stage mesh repair, including 5 cases of preperitoneal hernioplasty after intestinal resection. The average operation time of TAPP group was 13 min longer (60.7 ± 13.7 min vs 47.8 ± 19.8 min P < 0.001), and the visual analogue scale pain score at 24 h after operation was lower (3.5 ± 1.2 vs 4.4 ± 1.7 P = 0.019) than that of OPR group. There was 1 case of bladder injury (2.5%) in OPR group and 1 case of inferior abdominal artery injury (2.4%) in TAPP group. There was no difference in the rate of the 1st stage hernioplasty between the two groups. In OPR group, 2 cases (5%) extended the incision for more than 2 cm, while in TAPP group, 1 case (2.4%) converted to laparotomy. The time of hospital stay (3.2 ± 1.8 d vs 4.3 ± 2.7 d, P = 0.036) and return to normal activities (7.9 ± 2.7 d vs 11.0 ± 4.4 d, P < 0.001) were shorter in TAPP group. The rate of total postoperative complications including chronic pain, surgical-site infection, seroma, hernia recurrence and so on was 11.9% in TAPP group, which was not significantly different from 25% in OPR group (P = 0.212). There were no cases of mesh related infection and death within 30 days in both groups.TAPP is safe and feasible for the operation of acute incarcerated inguinal hernia. TAPP had better comfort and faster recovery over open preperitoneal repair for the appropriate patients with incarcerated/strangulated inguinal hernia, which can reduce acute pain, shorten hospital stay and return to normal activities earlier.

Non-mesh inguinal hernia repair with early resumption of peritoneal dialysis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

PURPOSE

Inguinal hernia is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although tension-free mesh repair is a leading option for inguinal hernia repair, concerns over serious mesh-related complications may indicate a role for non-mesh inguinal hernia repair. In addition, there is no consensus on the perioperative dialysis regimen. Early resumption of PD may avoid the additional risks associated with hemodialysis. We report on the outcomes of non-mesh inguinal hernia repair in patients on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and provide a perioperative dialysis protocol that aims to guide early resumption of PD.

METHODS

Between May 2019 and September 2023, thirty CAPD patients with 43 inguinal hernias who underwent non-mesh inguinal hernia repair were retrospectively analyzed. Data on the patient characteristics, perioperative dialysis regimen, perioperative features, complications, and hernia recurrence were collected and assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with a total of 43 inguinal hernia repairs were included in this study. The median age was 53 years. 23 patients were male and 7 were female. Non-mesh inguinal repair was performed for all patients. PD was resumed at a median of 2 days after the surgery. Five patients received interim hemodialysis. There were no postoperative surgical or uremic complications and no recurrence after a median follow-up of 31.5 months.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of non-mesh repair with early resumption of PD in patients on CAPD. Interim HD is unnecessary in selected patients. Choosing the optimal perioperative dialysis regimen is essential to managing inguinal hernias in CAPD patients.

The Relationship Between Small Peritoneal Flap Defects and Postoperative Seroma in TAPP Repair of Inguinal Hernias

OBJECTIVE

Total abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) is one of the most frequently used surgical treatment methods in the treatment of inguinal hernia (IH). One of the most common early postoperative complications after hernia repair is seroma/hematoma. In this study, we aimed to study the role of unclosed peritoneal flap defects on the development of postoperative seroma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed retrospectively in 2 university hospitals. All patients over the age of 18 years who underwent laparoscopic TAPP surgery in Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital General Surgery Clinic and Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine General Surgery Clinic between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, were included. Patients were divided into those with peritoneal defects (group 1) and those without (group 2). Whether there was a peritoneal defect or not was compiled from video recordings. In addition, risk factors affecting the development of seroma were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 250 patients, 16 (6.4%) women and 234 (93.6%) men, were included in the study. There were bilateral hernias in 35 (14%) patients, and a total of 320 hernias were analyzed in the study. It was determined that an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) III score increased the risk of seroma 15.97 fold (P<0.001, 95% CI, 4.94 to 51.56), direct hernia type increased risk 7.1 fold (P<0.03, 95% CI, 1.204 to 42.422), hernia descending into scrotum increased risk 22.48 fold (P<0.001, 95% CI, 6.66 to 75.84) and closure of the peritoneal flap completely without leaving any defect increased the risk of seroma 8.67 fold (P<0.001, 95% CI, 3.254 to 23.115).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence or leaving of small-diameter defects on the peritoneal flap may reduce seroma development without increasing the risk of complications. Prospective randomized studies are required to reach definitive conclusions.

Primary Ventral Hernia Repair and the Risk of Postoperative Small Bowel Obstruction: Intra Versus Extraperitoneal Mesh

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the likelihood of bowel obstruction according to the placement of the mesh (either intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal) in ventral hernia repairs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were divided into two groups, an intraperitoneal (IP) group (mesh placed by laparoscopy or with an open approach) and an extraperitoneal (EP) group, all operated on in the Digestive Surgery Department at the Dijon University Hospital. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an episode of bowel obstruction requiring hospitalization and confirmed by abdominal CT scan.

RESULTS

Between March 2008 and July 2021, 318 patients were included, with 99 patients in the EP group (71 meshes placed preperitoneally and 28 placed retromuscularly) and 219 patients in the IP group (175 patients operated on laparoscopically versus 44 patients by direct approach). Three patients presented an episode of acute intestinal obstruction, with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.245), although all bowel obstructions occurred in the IP group and with the laparoscopic approach (1.7% of patients operated on by laparoscopy). The occlusive events occurred at 1 month, 2 years, and 3 years. There was no difference in terms of recurrence or postoperative chronic pain. There were more seroma and mesh infections in the EP group (p < 0.05). Two patients operated on by laparoscopy had undetected bowel injuries, prompting emergent surgery for peritonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant difference was found in terms of bowel obstruction between the intraperitoneal and the extraperitoneal position, but all cases of obstruction happened in the intraperitoneal mesh group. Visceral lesions remain a major complication of the laparoscopic approach that should not be neglected.

Quality of Life after Desarda Technique for Inguinal Hernia Repair-A Comparative Retrospective Multicenter Study of 120 Patients

Inguinal hernia repair, according to Desarda, is a pure tissue surgical technique using external oblique fascia to reinforce the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. This has provided an impetus for the rethinking of guideline adherence toward minimally invasive and mesh-based surgery of inguinal hernia. In this study, a retrospective analysis of this technique was conducted in two German hospitals. Between 6/2013 and 12/2020, 120 operations were performed. Analysis included patient characteristics, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications. Data were used to achieve a matched-pair analysis comparing Desarda to laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair. Propensity scores were calculated based on five preoperative variables, including sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, localization, and width of the inguinal hernia in order to achieve comparability. Additionally, we assessed pain level and quality of life (QoL) 12 months postoperatively. The focus of our study was a comparison of QoL to a reference population and TAPP cohort. The study population consisted of 106 male and 14 female patients, and the median age was 37.5 years. The median operation time was 50 min, and the median length of hospital stay was 2 days. At a follow-up of 17 months, the median recurrence rate was 0.8%, and two cases of chronic postoperative pain were recorded. Postoperative QoL does not significantly differ between Desarda and TAPP. In contrast, Desarda patients had a significantly higher QoL compared with the reference population. In summary, Desarda's procedure is a good option as a pure tissue method for inguinal hernia repair.

Mesh erosion into skin following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair

With increasing utilisation of meshes in inguinal hernia repair, reports of mesh-related complications are emerging, particularly late visceral complications, with mesh migration and erosion into the small bowel, bladder and colon reported after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. We present a case of spontaneous mesh migration through the superficial inguinal ring with skin erosion following TEP inguinal hernia repair, the first published report in the literature to our knowledge. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosis due to the long latent period of hernia repair and the onset of erosion. A high index of suspicion is required when diagnosing any patient who presents with an unexplained groin abscess following ipsilateral TEP repair. CT scan should be performed early for diagnosis and assessment. Removal of the migrated portion of the mesh, antibiotic therapy and secondary wound closure are strategies for the successful treatment of this complication.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of mesh fixation techniques for laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia surgeries

Purpose

This study reports economic evaluation of mesh fixation in open and laparoscopic hernia repair from a prospective real-world cohort study, using cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-utility analysis (CUA).

Methods

A prospective real-world cohort study was conducted in two university-based hospitals in Thailand from November 2018 to 2019. Patient data on hernia features, operative approaches, clinical outcomes, associated cost data, and quality of life were collected. Models were used to determine each group’s treatment effect, potential outcome means, and average treatment effects. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was used to evaluate the incremental risk of hernia recurrences.

Results

The 261 patients in this study were divided into six groups: laparoscopic with tack (LT, n = 47), glue (LG, n = 26), and self-gripping mesh (LSG, n = 30), and open with suture (OS, n = 117), glue (OG, n = 18), and self-gripping mesh (OSG, n = 23). Hernia recurrence was most common in LSG. The mean utility score was highest in OG and OSG (both 0.99). Treatment costs were generally higher for laparoscopic than open procedures. The cost-effectiveness plane for utility and hernia recurrence identified LSG as least cost effective. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves identified OG as having the highest probability of being cost effective at willingness to pay levels between $0 and $3,300, followed by OSG.

Conclusion

Given the similarity of hernia recurrence among all major procedures, the cost of surgery may impact the decision. According to our findings, open hernia repair with adhesive or self-gripping mesh appears most cost-effective.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08491-4.

Clinical Data Analysis for Treatment of Adult Inguinal Hernia by TAPP or TEP

Background

Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair are the primary surgical methods for the treatment of adult inguinal hernia, but it remains necessary to consider which one to choose in clinical practice. Our study seeks to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic TAPP and laparoscopic TEP in the treatment of adult inguinal hernia and to explore which surgical method is a better choice.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 686 adult patients with inguinal hernia admitted to our hospital from the period January 2016 to December 2020 was conducted. According to different surgical methods, they were divided into two groups: a TAPP group (n = 361) and a TEP group (n = 325). These two groups of patients were statistically analyzed, and the operation time, postoperative pain, postoperative hospital stay length, postoperative complications, and recurrence rate were compared between them.

Results

There were no significant differences in postoperative hospital stay, complications, and the recurrence rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). The duration of operation in the TEP group was significantly shorter than that in the TAPP group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001); in terms of postoperative pain, the TEP group fared better than the TAPP group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

TAPP and TEP are safe and effective surgical methods in the treatment of adult inguinal hernia. However, compared with TAPP, TEP can significantly shorten the operative time, reduce intraoperative trauma, and limit postoperative pain in the treatment of adult inguinal hernia. Furthermore, it does not increase the rate of complications or recurrence, so it is worth popularizing.

Mesh plug erosion into the small intestine after inguinal hernia repair: A case report

BACKGROUND

Mesh plug (MP) erosion into the intra-abdominal organs is a rare but serious long-term complication after inguinal hernia repair (IHR), and may lead to aggravation of symptoms if not treated promptly. It is difficult to diagnose MP erosion as there are no obvious specific clinical manifestations, and surgery is often needed for confirmation. In recent years, with the increased understanding of postoperative complications, MP eroding into the intra-abdominal organs has been a cause for concern among surgeons.

CASE SUMMARY

A 50-year-old man was referred to the Department of General Surgery with the complaint of abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant for 2 d. He had a surgical history of right open IHR and partial thyroidectomy performed 20 years and 15 years ago, respectively. Computed tomography revealed a circinate high-density image with short segmental thickening of the ileum stuck to the abdominal wall, and no evidence of recurrent inguinal hernia. Laparoscopic abdominal exploration confirmed adhesion of the middle segmental portion of the ileal loop to the right inguinal abdominal wall; the rest of the small intestine was normal. Further exploration revealed migration of the polypropylene MP into the intraperitoneal cavity and formation of granulation tissue around the plug, which eroded the ileum. Partial resection of the ileum, including the MP and end-to-side anastomosis with an anastomat, was performed.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should aim to improve their ability to predict patients at high risk for MP erosion after IHR.

Avoiding migration at open mesh plug inguinal hernioplasty

The open repair of groin hernias is often augmented with prosthetic biomaterials (mesh) as this favours a lower recurrence rate. The use of such prostheses may be associated with various complications including migration the frequency of which is unclear. A 29-year review of this complication after mesh plug hernioplasty is undertaken and technical advice described to avoid this.

•

Open Mesh plug inguinal hernia repair needs to be performed methodically.

Intraperitoneal versus extraperitoneal mesh in minimally invasive ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The ideal location for mesh placement in minimally invasive ventral hernia repair (VHR) is still up for debate. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) to evaluate the outcomes of patients who received intraperitoneal mesh versus those that received extraperitoneal mesh in minimally invasive VHR.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus from inception to May 3, 2021. We selected studies comparing intraperitoneal mesh versus extraperitoneal mesh placement in minimally invasive VHR. A meta-analysis was done for the outcomes of surgical site infection (SSI), seroma, hematoma, readmission, and recurrence. A subgroup analysis was conducted for a subset of studies comparing patients who have undergone intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) versus extended totally extraperitoneal approach (e-TEP).

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies (2320 patients) were identified. We found no statistically significant difference between patients who received intraperitoneal versus extraperitoneal mesh for outcomes of SSI, seroma, hematoma, readmission, and recurrence [(RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.60-4.27), (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.68-2.81), (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.45-3.72), (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.69-2.86), and (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.22-6.63), respectively]. The subgroup analysis had findings similar to the overall analysis.

CONCLUSION

Based on short-term results, extraperitoneal mesh does not appear to be superior to intraperitoneal mesh in minimally invasive ventral hernia repair. The choice of mesh location should be based on the current evidence, surgeon, and center experience as well as individualized to each patient.

Analysis of risk factors for surgical site infection and postoperative recurrence following inguinal and femoral hernia surgery in adults

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the causes of complications following surgery for inguinal and femoral hernia, using surgical site infection (SSI) and recurrence rate as indicators of outcomes to consider appropriate treatments.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the medical histories of 1,098 patients with adult inguinal and femoral hernias who underwent herniorrhaphy between July 2010 and March 2019. Using SSI and recurrence rate as indicators of outcomes, we statistically assessed the influence of preoperative and operative conditions on surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

The occurrence of postoperative SSI was significantly more frequent in patients who experienced a long surgical duration, excessive blood loss, and incarceration; underwent emergency surgery and bowel resection; and in whom no mesh sheet insertion was performed. There was no correlation between mesh use and SSI in cases that did not require emergency incarceration repair. For cases involving hernia incarceration, the use of a mesh sheet was avoided to prevent potential infection, which could explain the high incidence of SSI in cases where mesh was not used. The hernia may have recurred due to technical issues during the procedure, as well as failure to ligate the hernia sac.

CONCLUSIONS

Selecting the appropriate surgical method for hernia repair may reduce the incidence of SSI. If manual reduction of inguinal hernias is not possible, an appropriate surgical procedure should be determined based on laparoscopic findings in facilities where laparoscopic hernia surgeries are frequently performed. Moreover, in cases without infection and bowel resection, mesh use may be beneficial. Recurrence can be prevented by ligating the hernia sac during surgery and solving relevant technical problems.

Intraperitoneal migrating mesh plug wrongfully taken for right colon cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND

The use of mesh has become nowadays a standard for hernia repairs. It allows a tension-free hernioplasty and has shown that it is an effective way to prevent recurrences. But complications have been described. Intraperitoneal migration of mesh plug is an uncommon complication.

CASE REPORT

In this paper we report a case of a 57 year old male who has been operated on 12 years ago, he had a mesh plug repair for a ventral incisional hernia. The mesh migrated into the abdominal cavity and it was wrongfully taken for a locally advanced right colon cancer. Colonoscopy was done and biopsies were taken, but the results were not conclusive. He was operated on. We found the mesh that had migrated and eroded the hepatic flexure. There was a granulation tissue that also included some of the small intestine. There was also an abscess in the abdominal wall. He had an en-bloc resection of a part of the abdominal wall, small intestine and right colon.

CONCLUSION

Mesh hernioplasty is a frequent, simple and effective procedure with a low recurrence rate but it can be associated to serious complications such as mesh migration.

Urogenital fascia anatomy study in the inguinal region of 10 formalin-fixed cadavers: new understanding for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Purpose

To investigate the urogenital fascia (UGF) anatomy in the inguinal region, to provide anatomical guidance for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR).

Methods

The anatomy was performed on 10 formalin-fixed cadavers. The peritoneum and its deeper fascial tissues were carefully dissected.

Results

The UGF’s bilateral superficial layer extended and ended in front of the abdominal aorta. At the posterior axillary line, the superficial layer medially reversed, with extension represented the UGF's deep layer. The UGF's bilateral deep layer medially extended beside the vertebral body and then continued with the transversalis fascia. The ureters, genital vessels, and superior hypogastric plexus moved between both layers. The vas deferens and spermatic vessels, ensheathed by both layers, moved through the deep inguinal ring. From the deep inguinal ring to the midline, the superficial layer extended to the urinary bladder’s posterior wall, whereas the deep layer extended to its anterior wall. Both layers ensheathed the urinary bladder and extended along the medial umbilical ligament to the umbilicus and in the sacral promontory, extended along the sacrum, forming the presacral fascia. The superficial layer formed the rectosacral fascia at S4 sacral vertebra, and the deep layer extended to the pelvic diaphragm, terminating at the levator ani muscle.

Conclusion

The UGF ensheaths the kidneys, ureters, vas deferens, genital vessels, superior hypogastric plexus, seminal vesicles, prostate, and urinary bladder. This knowledge of the UGF’s anatomy in the inguinal region will help find correct LIHR targets and reduce bleeding and other complications.

Preperitoneal herniation as a complication of tansabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty: a report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Preperitoneal herniation is a rare complication after transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) and may be caused by inadequate peritoneal closure. We herein report two cases of postoperative small bowel obstruction due to preperitoneal herniation through a disrupted peritoneum.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two men in their 70s were admitted to our center because of small bowel obstruction after TAPP. After examinations and unsuccessful conservative treatment, emergency laparoscopic exploration was performed. Preperitoneal herniation through the disrupted peritoneum was found. The herniated small bowel was reduced and the peritoneum was properly reclosed. The patients recovered and were discharged with normal bowel function.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate peritoneal closure may cause preperitoneal herniation and lead to postoperative small bowel obstruction and even death. Hernia surgeons can avoid this complication by improving their suture technique and paying attention to the procedure details.

Laparoscopic intraperitoneal versus enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal retromuscular mesh repair for ventral hernia: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal retromuscular repair (eTEP-RM) was recently introduced as a new technique for ventral hernia repair. The aim of the current study was to examine the outcomes of laparoscopic eTEP-RM compared with laparoscopic IPOM for patients with primary ventral and incisional hernia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at a single University Hospital from June 2017 to November 2020. Medical charts of all patients subjected to IPOM and eTEP-RM were evaluated to identify patient- and procedure related variables, as well as postoperative 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients were included in the study, 43 and 29 of whom underwent IPOM and eTEP-RM repair, respectively. Patient demographics showed no differences in terms of gender, age, smoking and comorbidity. The median age was 57 years and body mass index 30.5 kg/m². The rate of patients with incisional hernia was higher in the IPOM group (39.5% vs. 20.7%, p = 0.154). There was no difference in horizontal and vertical hernia size defect. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter for IPOM (mean 82.4 vs. 103.4 min, p = 0.010), whereas the length of stay was significantly longer after IPOM (median 1 days vs. 0 days (p < 0.001). The rate of patients requiring postoperative transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block or epidural analgesia was significantly higher after IPOM (33% vs. 0%, p = 0.002). A subgroup analysis on patients undergoing primary ventral hernia showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

The study found laparoscopic eTEP-RM safe and effective compared to traditional laparoscopic IPOM. The patients undergoing eTEP-RM had significantly reduced need for additional analgesic treatment and length of stay.

Necessary duration of follow-up to assess complications of mesh in hernia surgery: a time-lapse study based on 460 explants

PURPOSE

Risk of complications following hernia repair is the key parameter to assess risk/benefit ratio of a technique. As mesh devices are permanent, their risks are life-long. Too many reports in the past assessed mesh safety prematurely after short follow-ups. We aimed to explore what length of follow up would reveal the full extent of complications.

METHODS

Time lapses between implantation and excision were analyzed in 460 cases of meshes excised for complications after hernia repair. Patterns of percentage growth and time lapses at 50th and 95th percentiles were used to compare groups of different hernia type, age, gender and reason for excision.

RESULTS

The 50th and 95th case percentiles in the dataset were at 3.75 and 15.0 years between mesh implantation and excision. For hernia types, the longest time lapses were for groin hernias (4.0 and 16.11 years at 50th and 95th percentiles). The shortest were for umbilical hernias (2.16 and 9.68 years). Males had later excisions than females (4.11 and 16.1 vs. 2.47 and 9.79 years). Younger patients (< 45 y.o.) had later excisions than older patients (4.12 and 17.68 vs. 3.37 and 10.0 years). Out of all subgroups, the longest time lapses were for groin hernias in younger males (4.77 and 18.89 years) and for mesh erosion into organs (4.67 and 17.0 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up of more than 15 years is needed to fully assess complications after mesh hernia repair. Especially longer periods are needed to detect mesh erosion into organs and complications in younger males. Presently, short observations and lack of reporting standard in the literature prohibit accurate assessment of complication risks. We propose to use cumulative incidence for standardized risk reporting (y% risk at x years). This will show time-dependent patterns and allow comparisons between different techniques and studies of variable duration. Standardization will also help to predict long-term risks beyond shorter (practical) follow-ups and facilitate real-time monitoring during surveillance.

A new semiresorbable mesh for primary inguinal repair: a preliminary observational study on quality of life and safety

BACKGROUND

A currently unsolved problem of open inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP), which affects 10-12% of patients after IHR. In the present paper, we explored the results of a newly designed partially absorbable mesh made of polypropylene and polylactic acid (HybridMesh^®) for open hernia repair and its impact on postoperative safety, efficacy, comfort and pain.

METHODS

A prospective multicentric pilot trial was conducted in third-referral centers across Italy (n = 5). Inclusion criteria were unilateral primary inguinal hernia in patients of both genders and BMI < 30 kg/m². All patients were submitted to elective Lichtenstein mesh hernia repair under local anesthesia with HybridMesh. Primary outcome measure was the evaluation of Carolina Comfort Scale and modifications at 2 years after surgery and its correlation with surgical variables; secondary outcomes were postoperative early and late morbidity, recurrence and postoperative early quality of life.

RESULTS

Between 2015 and 2016, 125 (5 female) patients were operated, 2-year follow-up rate was 100%. The surgical site occurrence rate was 28% without the need of procedural interventions. Twenty-four months after surgery, no case of severe CPIP was recorded and altered global CCS score was present in 16 patients (13.0%). At univariate analysis, CCS score was negatively affected by fixation with sutures (OR 3.949; 95% CI 1.334-13.300), with no effect shown on multivariate analysis. Alterations in pain and movement limitations domains of CCS were observed in 9.7% of patients, at univariate analysis; they occurred more frequently when the mesh was sutured (OR 4.437; 95% CI 1.387-17.025) and in patients suffering from SSO (ecchymosis: OR 3.269; 95% CI 1.032-10.405); however, no effect was shown on multivariate analysis. Two recurrences (1.6%) were identified within the first postoperative year.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study support the safety, efficacy and good tolerability of HybridMesh as a device to treat primary unilateral inguinal hernia during open anterior approach. Further studies are needed to clarify its role in comparison to currently available devices at longer follow-ups.

Mesh migration into the sigmoid colon after total extraperitoneal hernioplasty - Report of a case and review of the literature

Over the past three decades, the practice laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty has gained momentum. Mesh migration after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is an uncommon mesh-related delayed complication which is more common after transabdominal preperitoneal repair as compared to total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair. We report the first case of mesh migration into the sigmoid colon after TEP presenting 10 years after surgery. A 72-year-old male presented with left iliac fossa pain and diffuse lump. His computed tomogram scan showed sigmoid colon adherent to internal oblique at the site of hernia repair with a collection containing air specks and calcification. A colonoscopy revealed mesh within the sigmoid colon. He had to undergo a sigmoidectomy with Hartmann's surgery for the same. Here, we discuss the implicated pathophysiology, management and prevention of mesh migration after laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty with literature review.

Biological Scaffolds for Abdominal Wall Repair: Future in Clinical Application?

Millions of abdominal wall repair procedures are performed each year for primary and incisional hernias both in the European Union and in the United States with extremely high costs. Synthetic meshes approved for augmenting abdominal wall repair provide adequate mechanical support but have significant drawbacks (seroma formation, adhesion to viscera, stiffness of abdominal wall, and infection). Biologic scaffolds (i.e., derived from naturally occurring materials) represent an alternative to synthetic surgical meshes and are less sensitive to infection. Among biologic scaffolds, extracellular matrix scaffolds promote stem/progenitor cell recruitment in models of tissue remodeling and, in the specific application of abdominal wall repair, have enough mechanical strength to support the repair. However, many concerns remain about the use of these scaffolds in the clinic due to their higher cost of production compared with synthetic meshes, despite having the same recurrence rate. The present review aims to highlight the pros and cons of using biologic scaffolds as surgical devices for abdominal wall repair and present possible improvements to widen their use in clinical practice.