Prehabilitation of complex ventral hernia patients with Botulinum: a systematic review of the quantifiable effects of Botulinum

STAPLED FASCIAL CLOSURE VS. CONTINUOUS HAND-SEWN SUTURE: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL ON PORCINE MODEL AND HUMAN CADAVER

BACKGROUND

One of the primary complications associated with large incisions in abdominal surgery is the increased risk of fascial closure rupture and incisional hernia development. The choice of the fascial closure method and closing with minimal tension and trauma is crucial for optimal results, emphasizing the importance of uniform pressure along the suture line to withstand intra-abdominal pressure.

AIMS

To evaluate the resistance to pressure and tension of stapled and sutured hand-sewn fascial closure in the abdominal wall.

METHODS

Nine abdominal wall flaps from human cadavers and 12 pigs were used for the experimentation. An abdominal defect was induced after the resection of the abdominal wall and the creation of a flap in the cadaveric model and after performing a midline incision in the porcine models. The models were randomized into three groups. Group 1 was treated with a one-layer hand-sewn small bite suture, Group 2 was treated with a two-layer hand-sewn small bite suture, and Group 3 was treated with a two-layer stapled closure. Tension measurements were assessed in cadaveric models, and intra-abdominal pressure was measured in porcine models.

RESULTS

In the human cadaveric model, the median threshold for fascial rupture was 300N (300-350) in Group 1, 400N (350-500) in Group 2, and 350N (300-380) in Group 3. Statistical comparisons revealed non-significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.072, p>0.05), Group 1 and Group 3 (p=0.346, p>0.05), and Group 2 and Group 3 (p=0.184, p>0.05). For porcine subjects, Group 1 showed a median pressure of 80 mmHg (85-105), Group 2 had a median of 92.5 mmHg (65-95), and Group 3 had a median of 102.5 mmHg (80-135). Statistical comparisons indicated non-significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.243, p>0.05), Group 1 and Group 3 (p=0.468, p>0.05), and Group 2 and Group 3 (p=0.083, p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Stapled and conventional suturing resist similar pressure and tension thresholds.

Achieving fascial closure with preoperative botulinum toxin injections in abdominal wall reconstruction: outcomes from a high-volume center

Preoperative injection of Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) has been described as an adjunctive therapy to facilitate fascial closure of large hernia defects in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Botox injections on fascial closure and overall outcomes to further validate its role in AWR. A prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients undergoing AWR at our institution between January 2014 and March 2022. Patients who did and did not receive preoperative Botox injections were analyzed and compared. A total of 426 patients were included (Botox 76, NBotox 350). The Botox group had significantly larger hernia defects (90 cm2 vs 9 cm2, p < 0.01) and a higher rate of component separations performed (60.5% vs 14.4%, p < 0.01). Despite this large difference in hernia defect size, primary fascial closure rates were similar between the groups (p = 0.49). Notably, the Botox group had higher rates of surgical-site infections (SSIs)/surgical-site occurrences (SSOs) (p < 0.01). Following propensity score matching to control for multiple patient factors including age, sex, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hernia size, the Botox group still had a higher rate of component separations (50% vs 26.3%, p = 0.03) and higher incidence of SSIs/SSOs (39.5% vs 13.5%, p = 0.01). Multimodal therapy with Botox injections and component separations can help achieve fascial closure of large defects during AWR. However, adding these combined therapies may increase the occurrence of postoperative SSIs/SSOs.

Use of botulinum toxin type A in the prehabilitation of abdominal wall musculature for hernia repair: a consensus proposal

The prehabilitation of the abdominal wall through the infiltration of botulinum toxin type A, which induces temporary chemical denervation ("chemical component separation") in the lateral abdominal musculature, is a common practice in units specialized in abdominal wall surgery. However, its use for this indication is currently off-label. The main objective of this article is to describe a consensus proposal regarding indications, contraindications, dosages employed, potential side effects, administration method, and measurement of possible outcomes. Additionally, a proposal for an informed consent document endorsed by the Abdominal Wall Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons is attached.

Prevention of component separation in complex abdominal wall surgery by Botox prehabilitation: a propensity-matched study

AIM

To facilitate midline fascial closure in complex abdominal wall surgery, component separation techniques (CST) are usually required. However, CST is associated with an enlarged morbidity. Prehabilitation could increase the compliance of the abdominal wall and thereby decrease the necessity of myofascial release. This can be accomplished by administration of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BTA on the subsequent necessity to perform CST in patients with complex abdominal wall hernias.

METHODS

Patients with a complex abdominal wall hernia, planned to undergo CST between July 2020 and November 2022 were included. Outcome of procedures with 300U of BTA 4 (2-6) weeks prior to surgery, were retrospectively analyzed by comparison with propensity matched subjects of an historical group. Hernia width difference was assessed by CT and operative details were included.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients with a median hernia width of 12 cm (IQR 9-14, range 24) were prehabilitated with BTA between July 2020 and November 2022. A CST was planned for all, however not required in 6/13 patients (46%) to accomplish midline fascial closure. A mean elongation of lateral abdominal wall musculature of 4.01 cm was seen in patients not requiring CST. Compared to the propensity score matched control group, a 27% reduction (p = 0.08) in the need for CST was observed.

CONCLUSION

There is a tendency for decrease of necessity for CST by preoperatively administered BTA in patients with complex abdominal wall defects. Although small, as this study used propensity matched comparison, further exploration of BTA should be encouraged.

[Loss of domain and reduction in median suture tension]

BACKGROUND

Abdominal wall reconstruction in large incisional hernia/laparostoma poses a particular challenge. A loss of domain is the extreme form of intestinal volume displacement. The challenge lies in overcoming retraction of the lateral abdominal muscles.

OBJECTIVE

Experienced surgeons have access to a variety of techniques aimed at gaining lateral length along the abdominal wall or reducing suture tension at the midline. These techniques are intended to facilitate reconstruction even in complex cases and are outlined in this article from a practical perspective.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The application of botulinum toxin A (BTA) and progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) are described as preoperative methods to gain abdominal wall length. Peritoneal flaps, intraoperative fascial traction (IFT) and component separation including transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) are available for the surgical reconstruction of the abdominal wall. Bridging and the intraperitoneal onlay mesh approach are fallback techniques. All these techniques were integrated into a practical algorithm for complex abdominal wall reconstruction including preoperative and postoperative care and assessed by the authors with respect to effort, effectiveness and complexity.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In the opinion of the authors, the status of complex abdominal wall reconstruction is currently best described by a combination of the most effective and proven techniques in terms of a "categorical algorithm". The combination of BTA, IFT and TAR presently appears to be the most effective method; however, experience and expertise are a prerequisite.

Open Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

This article provides an approach to open complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Herein, the authors discuss the purpose of component separation as well as its relevant indications. The techniques and anatomical considerations of both anterior and posterior component separation are described. In addition, patient selection criteria, preoperative adjuncts that may assist with fascial or soft tissue closure, and complications of component separation will be discussed.

Preoperative Optimization for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Patients requiring abdominal wall reconstruction may have medical comorbidities and/or complex defects. Comorbidities such as smoking, diabetes, obesity, cirrhosis, and frailty have been associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Prehabilitation strategies are variably associated with improved outcomes. Large hernia defects and loss of domain may present challenges in achieving fascial closure, an important part of restoring abdominal wall function. Prehabilitation of the abdominal wall can be achieved with the use of botulinum toxin A, and preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum.

Recommendations on the use of prehabilitation, i.e. comprehensive preparation of the patient for surgery

Prehabilitation is a comprehensive preparation of a patient for primarily surgical treatments. Its aim is to improve the patient'sgeneral condition so as to reduce the risk of complications and ensure the fastest possible recovery to full health. Thebasic components of prehabilitation include: improvement of nutritional status, appropriate exercises to improve functioning,psychological support, and help in eliminating addictions. Other important aspects of prehabilitation are: increasinghemoglobin levels in patients with anemia, achieving good glycemic control in patients with diabetes, treatment or stabilizationof any concurrent disorders, or specialist treatment associated with a specific procedure (endoprostheses, ostomyprocedure). This article organizes and outlines the indications for prehabilitation, its scope, duration, and the method to conductit. Experts of various specialties related to prehabilitation agree that it should be an element of surgery preparationwhenever possible, especially in patients with co-existing medical conditions who have been qualified for major procedures.Prehabilitation should be carried out by interdisciplinary teams, including family physicians and various specialists in thetreatment of comorbidities. Prehabilitation requires urgent systemic and reimbursement solutions.

Assessing Textbook Outcome After Implementation of Transversus Abdominis Release in a Regional Hospital

Background: The posterior component separation technique with transversus abdominis release (TAR) was introduced in 2012 as an alternative to the classic anterior component separation technique (Ramirez). This study describes outcome and learning curve of TAR, five years after implementation of this new technique in a regional hospital in the Netherlands. Methods: A standardized work up protocol, based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, was used to implement the TAR. The TAR technique as described by Novitsky was performed. After each 20 procedures, outcome parameters were evaluated and new quality measurements implemented. Primary outcome measure was Textbook Outcome, the rate of patients with an uneventful clinical postoperative course after TAR. Textbook Outcome is defined by a maximum of 7 days hospitalization without any complication (wound or systemic), reoperation or readmittance, within the first 90 postoperative days, and without a recurrence during follow up. The number of patients with a Textbook Outcome compared to the total number of consecutively performed TARs is depicted as the institutional learning curve. Secondary outcome measures were the details and incidences of the surgical site and systemic complications within 90 days, as well as long-term recurrences. Results: From 2016, sixty-nine consecutive patients underwent a TAR. Textbook Outcome was 35% and the institutional learning curve did not flatten after 69 procedures. Systemic complications occurred in 48%, wound complications in 41%, and recurrences in 4%. Separate analyses of three successive cohorts of each 20 TARs demonstrated that both Textbook Outcome (10%, 30% and 55%, respectively) and the rate of surgical site events (45%, 15%, and 10%) significantly (p < 0.05) improved with more experience. Conclusion: Implementation of the open transversus abdominis release demonstrated that outcome was positively correlated to an increasing number of TARs performed. TAR has a long learning curve, only partially determined by the technical aspects of the operation. Implementation of the TAR requires a solid plan. Building, and maintaining, an adequate setting for patients with complex ventral hernias is the real challenge and driving force to improve outcome.

Tanaka score predicts surgical intensive care admission following abdominal wall reconstruction

PURPOSE

With the advancement of abdominal wall reconstruction, more complex hernia patients are undergoing repairs that may require a postoperative surgical intensive care unit (SICU) admission. The volume ratio (VR) of the hernia sac to the abdominal cavity is an easily applied method to quantify disease severity and the ensuing physiologic insult. This study aimed to predict postoperative SICU admission using VR and other preoperative variables.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review was conducted for patients undergoing large abdominal hernias (width ≥ 18 cm) repaired from September 2014 to October 2019. Patient demographics, comorbidities, abdominal surgical history, and VR were analyzed through univariate and multivariable methods to identify predictors of SICU admission within the first two postoperative days. A predictive model was generated and validated.

RESULTS

Of 434 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 127(29%) required a SICU admission within the first two postoperative days. VR was significantly higher in SICU patients (Median 30.6% [IQR 14.4-59.0] vs. 10.6% [IQR 4.35-23.6], P < 0.001). Male sex, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior component separation, recurrent incisional hernia, hernia grade 3, and VR showed higher odds of SICU admission. When validated on a testing dataset, these variables showed strong SICU admission predictions, with an area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.82, 81.7% and 68.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The volume ratio in combination with preoperatively available variables can reliably predict postoperative SICU admission following abdominal wall reconstruction. Anticipating such events preoperatively allows for bed space allocation as well as optimizing postoperative care.

Physical activity recommendations pre and post abdominal wall reconstruction: a scoping review of the evidence

PURPOSE

There are no universally agreed guidelines regarding which types of physical activity are safe and/or recommended in the perioperative period for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair or abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). This study is intended to identify and summarise the literature on this topic.

METHODS

Database searches of PubMed, CINAHL, Allied & Complementary medicine database, PEDro and Web of Science were performed followed by a snowballing search using two papers identified by the database search and four hand-selected papers of the authors' choosing. Inclusion-cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, prospective or retrospective. Studies concerning complex incisional hernia repairs and AWRs including a "prehabilitation" and/or "rehabilitation" program targeting the abdominal wall muscles in which the interventions were of a physical exercise nature. RoB2 and Robins-I were used to assess risk of bias. Prospero CRD42021236745. No external funding. Data from the included studies were extracted using a table based on the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group's data extraction template.

RESULTS

The database search yielded 5423 records. After screening two titles were selected for inclusion in our study. The snowballing search identified 49 records. After screening one title was selected for inclusion in our study. Three total papers were included-two randomised studies and one cohort study (combined 423 patients). All three studies subjected their patients to varying types of physical activity preoperatively, one study also prescribed these activities postoperatively. The outcomes differed between the studies therefore meta-analysis was impossible-two studies measured hernia recurrence, one measured peak torque. All three studies showed improved outcomes in their study groups compared to controls however significant methodological flaws and confounding factors existed in all three studies. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature supporting the advice given to patients regarding recommended physical activity levels in the perioperative period for AWR patients is sparse. Further research is urgently required on this subject.

Update on surgical management of enteroatmospheric fistulae in intestinal failure patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The surgical management of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in patients with intestinal failure represents a major challenge for a surgical team and requires proficiency in sepsis management, nutritional support and prehabilitation, beside expertise in visceral and abdominal wall surgery. This review provides an update on the current recommendations and evidence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Reconstructive surgery should be performed at a minimum of 6-12 months after last laparotomy. Isolation techniques and new occlusion devices may accelerate spontaneous EAF closure in selected cases. Chyme reinfusion supports enteral and parenteral nutrition. Stapler anastomosis and failure to close the fascia increase the risk of EAF recurrence. Posterior component separation, intraoperative fascial tension and biological meshes may be used to accommodate fascial closure.

SUMMARY

Timing of reconstructive surgery and previous optimal conservative treatment is vital for favorable outcomes. Wound conditions, nutritional support and general patient status should be optimal before attempting a definitive fistula takedown. Single stage procedures with autologous gut reconstruction and abdominal wall reconstruction can be complex but well tolerated.

The Use of Botulinum Toxin in Complex Hernia Surgery: Achieving a Sense of Closure

Abdominal wall surgeons have developed a host of tools to help facilitate fascial closure. Botulinum toxin A is one of the most recently identified treatments and has grown in popularity over recent years; showing great promise in a number of case series and cohort studies. The toxin paralyses lateral abdominal wall muscles in order to increase laxity of the tissues—facilitating medialisation of the rectus muscles. Several research groups around the world are developing expertise with its use-uncovering its potential. We present a review of the relevant literature over the last two decades, summarising the key evidence behind its indications, dosing and effects.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of technical aspects and clinical outcomes of botulinum toxin prior to abdominal wall reconstruction

Purpose

To systematically review technical aspects and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. We also investigated the effect of BTA on abdominal muscle- and hernia dimensions, and clinical outcome.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched for studies that investigate the injection of BTA in the lateral abdominal wall muscles. Study characteristics, BTA treatment regimens, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes are presented descriptively. The effect of BTA on muscle- and hernia dimensions is analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses, and exclusively for studies that investigate ventral incisional hernia patients.

Results

We identified 23 studies, comprising 995 patients. Generally, either 500 units of Dysport^® or 200–300 units of Botox^® are injected at 3–5 locations bilaterally in all three muscles of the lateral abdominal wall, about 4 weeks prior to surgery. No major procedural complications are reported. Meta-analyses show that BTA provides significant elongation of the lateral abdominal wall of 3.2 cm per side (95% CI 2.0–4.3, I² = 0%, p < 0.001); 6.3 cm total elongation, and a significant but heterogeneous decrease in transverse hernia width (95% CI 0.2–6.8, I² = 94%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, meta-analysis shows that BTA pretreatment in ventral hernia patients significantly increases the fascial closure rate [RR 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.16, I² = 0%, p = 0.02)].

Conclusion

The injection technique and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A as well as patient selection require standardization. Bilateral pretreatment in hernia patients significantly elongates the lateral abdominal wall muscles, making fascial closure during surgical hernia repair more likely.

Study registration

A review protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020198246).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10029-021-02499-1.

Botulinum Toxin in the Surgical Treatment of Complex Abdominal Hernias: A Surgical Anatomy Approach, Current Evidence and Outcomes

BACKGROUND/AIM

Abdominal wall hernias represent a common problem in surgical practice. A significant proportion of them entails large defects, often difficult to primarily close without advanced techniques. Injection of botulinum toxin preoperatively at specific points targeting lateral abdominal wall musculature has been recently introduced as an adjunct in achieving primary fascia closure rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted investigating the role of botulinum toxin in abdominal wall reconstruction focusing on anatomic repair of hernia defects.

RESULTS

Injecting botulinum toxin preoperatively achieved chemical short-term paralysis of the lateral abdominal wall muscles, enabling a tension-free closure of the midline, which according to anatomic and clinical studies should be the goal of hernia repair. No significant complications from botulinum injections for complex hernias were reported.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum is a significant adjunct to complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Further studies are needed to standardize protocols and create more evidence.