Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia repair. Surg Clin North Am. 2008;88:1083-1100, viii. [PMID: 18790156 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2008.05.015]

Application of Component Separation and Short-Term Outcomes in Ventral Hernia Repairs

INTRODUCTION

Component separation (CS) techniques have evolved in recent years. How surgeons apply the various CS techniques, anterior component separation (aCS) versus posterior component separation (pCS), by patient and hernia-specific factors remain unknown in the general population. Improving the quality of ventral hernia repair (VHR) on a large scale requires an understanding of current practice variations and how these variations ultimately affect patient care. In this study, we examine the application of CS techniques and the associated short-term outcomes while taking into consideration patient and hernia-specific factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a clinically rich statewide hernia registry, the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Hernia Registry, of persons older than 18 y who underwent VHR between January 2020 and July 2021. The exposure of interest was the use of CS. Our primary outcome was a composite end point of 30-d adverse events including any complication, emergency department visit, readmission, and reoperation. Our secondary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI). Multivariable logistic regression examined the association of CS use, 30-d adverse events, and SSI with patient-, hernia-, and operative-specific variables. We performed a sensitivity analysis evaluating for differences in application and outcomes of the posterior and aCS techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 1319 patients underwent VHR, with a median age (interquartile range) of 55 y (22), 641 (49%) female patients, and a median body mass index of 32 (9) kg/m². CS was used in 138 (11%) patients, of which 101 (73%) were pCS and 37 (27%) were aCS. Compared to patients without CS, patients undergoing a CS had larger median hernia widths (2.5 cm (range 0.01-23 cm) versus 8 cm (1-30 cm), P < 0.001). Of the CS cases, 49 (36%) performed in hernias less than 6 cm in size. Following multivariate regression, factors independently associated with the use of a CS were diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-3.36), previous hernia repair (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.20-2.96), hernia width (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.22-1.34), and an open approach (OR: 3.83, 95% CI: 2.24-6.53). Compared to patients not having a CS, use of a CS was associated with increased odds of 30-d adverse events (OR: 1.88 95% CI: 1.13-3.12) but was not associated with SSI (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 0.74-4.63). Regression analysis demonstrated no differences in 30-d adverse events or SSI between the pCS and aCS techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first population-level report of patients undergoing VHR with concurrent posterior or aCS. These data suggest wide variation in the application of CS in VHR and raises a concern for potential overutilization in smaller hernias. Continued analysis of CS application and the associated outcomes, specifically recurrence, is necessary and underway.

Pore texture analysis in automated 3D breast ultrasound images for implanted lightweight hernia mesh identification: a preliminary study

Background

Precise visualization of meshes and their position would greatly aid in mesh shrinkage evaluation, hernia recurrence risk assessment, and the preoperative planning of salvage repair. Lightweight (LW) meshes are able to preserve abdominal wall compliance by generating less post-implantation fibrosis and rigidity. However, conventional 3D imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cannot visualize the LW meshes. Patients sometimes have to undergo a second-look operation for visualizing the mesh implants. The goal of this work is to investigate the potential advantages of Automated 3D breast ultrasound (ABUS) pore texture analysis for implanted LW hernia mesh identification.

Methods

In vitro, the appearances of four different flat meshes in both ABUS and 2D hand-held ultrasound (HHUS) images were evaluated and compared. In vivo, pore texture patterns of 87 hernia regions were analyzed both in ABUS images and their corresponding HHUS images.

Results

In vitro studies, the imaging results of ABUS for implanted LW meshes are much more visualized and effective in comparison to HHUS. In vivo, the inter-class distance of 40 texture features was calculated. The texture features of 2D sectional plans (axial and sagittal plane) have no significant contribution to implanted LW mesh identification. Significant contribution was observed in coronal plane. However, since the mesh may have spatial variation such as shrinkage after implantation surgery, the inter-class distance of 3D coronal plane pore texture features are bigger than 2D coronal plane, so the contribution of 3D coronal plane pore texture features are more valuable than 2D coronal plane for implanted LW mesh identification. The use of 3D pore texture features significantly improved the robustness of the identification method in distinguishing between LW mesh and fascia.

Conclusions

An innovative new ABUS provides additional pore texture visualization, by separating the LW mesh from the fascia tissues. Therefore, ABUS has the potential to provides more accurate features to characterize pore texture patterns, and ultimately provide more accurate measures for implanted LW mesh identification.

It's not just an ileus: disparities associated with ileus following ventral hernia repair

PURPOSE

We sought to identify risk factors associated with postoperative ileus following ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2008 to 2012, we identified adult patients that underwent either open or laparoscopic hernia repair for umbilical and ventral hernias with a diagnosis of umbilical/ventral hernia. We excluded cases with diagnosis of obstruction and bowel gangrene that underwent bowel resection, or with missing data. Risk variables of interest were age, sex, race, income status, insurance status, elective admission, comorbidity status (using the validated van Walraven Score), complications (mechanical, respiratory, postoperative infection, cardiovascular, intraoperative), morbid obesity, procedure type, conversion to open, mesh use, hospital type (rural, urban non-teaching, urban teaching), bed size, and region (northeast, midwest, south, west). Univariate analysis comparing patients with ileus vs control was performed. We then performed multivariable analysis using logistic regression, adjusting for all the risk variables, with ileus as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

30,912 patients were identified that met criteria. Of these, 2660 (8.61%) had postoperative ileus during their stay at the hospital. Univariate analysis showed all risk variables were associated with development of ileus with the exception of income status (p = 0.2903), elective admission (p = 0.7989), mesh use (p = 0.3620), and hospital bed size (p = 0.08351). Median length of stay was 7 days in the ileus cohort vs 3 days in control (p < 0.0001). Median total charges (adjusted to 2012 dollars) was $54,819 vs $35,058 (p < 0.0001). We then performed logistic regression adjusting for all risk variables and found that age (OR 1.66, p < 0.0001), male sex (OR 1.51, p < 0.0001), Black race (OR 1.49, p < 0.0001), comorbidity status (OR 1.12, p < 0.0001), laparoscopic cases converted to open (OR 1.55, p < 0.0001), postoperative complications (mechanical: OR 2.32, p < 0.0001, respiratory: OR 1.54, p < 0.0001, postoperative infection: OR 2.12, p < 0.0001, cardiovascular: OR 1.57, p = 0.0006, intraoperative: OR 1.29, p = 0.0200) were independently associated with increased risk of ileus. However, laparoscopic vs open (OR 0.76, p < 0.0001), elective admission (OR 0.91, p = 0.0378), and northeast vs south hospital region (OR 0.74, p < 0.0001) were independently associated with decreased risk of ileus.

CONCLUSION

We performed a large observational study looking for risk factors associated with ileus following ventral hernia repair. Race and region of treatment are independent risk factors associated with ileus following ventral hernia repair, and a potential source of disparities in care and increased admission length and higher cost of care. Further prospective studies are warranted.

Análisis multicéntrico del reparo de la hernia ventral en instituciones de IV nivel, 2015-2019

Introducción. La cirugía de hernia ventral implica una situación de complejidad, dadas las múltiples variables que se deben controlar para estimar los posibles factores determinantes del éxito quirúrgico y la aparición de complicaciones. Según la literatura científica mundial, la incidencia de hernia ventral se estima entre el 10 y el 15 %, y la tasa promedio de complicaciones de esta cirugía varía entre el 10 y el 37 %. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir la experiencia y los resultados de la cirugía de hernia ventral en dos instituciones de IV nivel, en el periodo de enero de 2015 a marzo de 2019. Métodos. Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo y de cohorte histórica, de pacientes mayores de edad sometidos a corrección de hernia ventral en la Clínica Colsanitas en los últimos cinco años. Los datos se tomaron del registro estadístico de las instituciones en mención. Resultados. Se incluyeron 612 pacientes en un periodo de cinco años, la mayoría de los cuales era de sexo femenino, con sobrepeso, y predominantemente, con defectos combinados mediales; la tasa general de complicaciones fue del 20 % y, el porcentaje de infección del sitio operatorio, de 9 %; para el desarrollo de esta infección, la técnica de separación de componentes se encontró como un factor de riesgo (p=0,01; RR=2,9; IC 95% 1,32-6,5). En este estudio, no se analizó la recidiva como factor de los diferentes resultados. Conclusiones. Existen pocos datos en la literatura nacional sobre los resultados de este tipo de procedimiento quirúrgico. Es por ello que se procuró brindar a la comunidad científica los resultados de morbimortalidad de esta muestra de pacientes intervenidos por hernia ventral en los últimos cinco años.

Primary non-complicated midline ventral hernia: is laparoscopic IPOM still a reasonable approach?

PURPOSE

Ventral hernia repair has become a common procedure, but the way in which it is performed still depends on surgeon's skill, experience, and habit. The initial open approach is faced with extensive dissection and a high risk of infection and prolonged hospital stay. To tackle these problems, minimally invasive procedures are gaining interest. Several new techniques are emerging, but laparoscopic intra-peritoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) is still the mainstay for many surgeons. We will discuss why laparoscopic IPOM is still a valuable approach in the treatment of primary non-complicated midline hernias and review the current literature.

METHODS

We performed a literature search across PubMed and MEDLINE using the following search terms: "Laparoscopic hernia repair", "Ventral hernia repair" and "Primary ventral hernia". Articles corresponding to these search terms were individually reviewed by the primary author and selected on relevance.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic IPOM still is a good approach for the efficient treatment of primary non-complicated midline hernias. Several techniques are emerging, but are faced with increased costs, technical difficulties, and low study patient volume. Further research is warranted to show superiority and applicability of these new techniques over laparoscopic IPOM, but until then laparoscopic IPOM should remain the go-to technique.

Extraperitoneal laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: one step beyond

PURPOSE

The objective of the study was to analyze the experience of the Department of Surgery of two institutions of high complexity in Colombia, with the extra peritoneal ventral hernia repair by laparoscopy during the last 2 years and characterize the clinical and surgical aspects most relevant in the procedures performed.

METHODS

Observational, descriptive, retrospective study, case series type: collection of data by clinical history and analysis thereof including calculation of frequency and central tendency measurements.

RESULTS

59 Cases of Ventral Hernia Repair by laparoscopy, 41 with Transabdominal Preperitoneal approach and 18 totally Extraperitoneal. In total, 7 complications were presented as follows: 1 Case of recurrence, 1 case of chronic pain, 2 complications Dindo-Clavien IIIa and 1 complication IIIb.

CONCLUSIONS

The repair of the ventral hernia by Extraperitoneal route is an innovative approach of increasing popularity, which avoids the contact of the mesh with the intestines, thus avoiding the potential complications that this situation generates with good outcomes and at a lower cost.

Updates in Mesh and Biomaterials

Prior publications of the Surgical Clinics of North America have highlighted the technical challenges of abdominal wall reconstruction. This article provides an update on synthetic, biologic, and biosynthetic mesh research since the 2013 Surgical Clinics of North America hernia publication and highlights the future of mesh research. This update features research that has been conducted since the prior publication to guide surgeons to choose the best and most appropriate mesh for their patients.

Patterns of Recurrence and Mechanisms of Failure after Open Ventral Hernia Repair with Mesh

Recurrence after ventral hernia repair (VHR) remains a significant complication. We sought to identify the technical aspects of VHR associated with recurrence. Patients who underwent open midline VHR between 2006 and 2013 (n = 261) were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with recurrence (Group 1, n = 48) were compared with those without recurrence (Group 2, n = 213). Smoking, diabetes, and body mass index were not different between groups. More patients in Group 1 underwent clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty procedures (43.8 vs 27.7%; P = 0.021). Group 1 had a higher incidence of surgical site occurrence (52.1 vs 32.9%; P = 0.020) and surgical site infection (43.8 vs 15.5%; P < 0.001). Recurrences were due to central mesh failure (CMF) (39.6%), midline recurrence after biologic or bioabsorbable mesh repair (18.8%), superior midline (16.7%), lateral (16.7%), and after mesh explantation (12.5%). Most CMF (78.9%) occurred with light-weight polypropylene (LWPP). Recurrence was higher if the midline fascia was unable to be closed. Recurrence with midweight polypropylene (MWPP) was lower than biologic (P < 0.001), bioabsorbable (P = 0.006), and light-weight polypropylene (P = 0.046) mesh. Fixation, component separation technique, and mesh position were not different between groups. Wound complications are associated with subsequent recurrence, whereas midweight polypropylene is associated with a lower overall risk of recurrence and, specifically, CMF.

Laparoscopic versus Open Repair of Para-Umbilical Hernia- A Prospective Comparative Study of Short Term Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Para-Umbilical Hernia (PUH) is one of the most common surgical problems. Since the prosthetic repair has become the standard of practice for inguinal hernia management, the same has been adapted for para-umbilical hernia management with better outcome. There is still debate going on regarding the optimal surgical approach. There are very few prospective studies comparing the laparoscopic and open method of para-umbilical hernia mesh repair. This study compared the short term outcomes following laparoscopic versus open mesh repair of PUH.

AIM

To compare the early complications of open repair with laparoscopic repair of PUH. To compare the post-operative hospital stay of open repair with laparoscopic repair of PUH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective comparative clinical study done from August 2014 to August 2016. All the patients above the age of 13 who attended our surgical outpatient department with PUH were taken into our study. Exclusion criteria included 1) Patients with obstructed or strangulated PUH 2) Patients with abdominal malignancies 3) Patients with coagulopathy, severe cardiopulmonary disease, ascites and renal failure 4) Patients who had PUH repair in combination with another major surgical operation such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy and inguinal hernia repair 5) Patients with recurrent PUH. Institute Ethical Committee clearance was obtained for this study.

RESULTS

Out of 40 patients with PUH, 20 received open meshplasty and 20 patients received laparoscopic meshplasty. Postoperative pain and length of hospital stay is significantly less in laparoscopic PUH repair. Postoperative complications like wound infection, seroma, and haematoma are relatively less in laparoscopic group though statistically not significant.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic PUH repair has significantly better outcome in terms of postoperative pain and postoperative hospital stay.

Long term results of open complex abdominal wall hernia repair with self-gripping mesh: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In case of complex ventral hernias, Rives-Stoppa and component separation technique are considered as favourable treatment techniques. However, mesh-related complications like recurrence, infection and chronic pain are still a common problem after mesh repair. Previous studies have reported promising results of the use of a self-gripping mesh (ProGrip™) in incisional hernia repair. This study aimed to evaluate the long term results of this mesh for complex ventral hernia treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with complex ventral hernia undergoing repair between June 2012 and June 2015, using the ProGrip™-mesh in retromuscular position, were included. All patients visited the outpatient clinic to evaluate short term complications and recurrence. After at least one year, telephone interviews were conducted to evaluate long term results.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients (median age 59 years) were included. 40 patients (87%) were diagnosed with incisional hernia. Seven patients (18%) had incisional hernia combined with another hernia. Four patients (8.7%) had an umbilical hernia, one patient (2.2%) had an epigastric hernia and one patient (2.2%) had rectus diastasis. 39 patients completed follow-up. Median follow-up was 25 months (IQR: 19-35 months). 28 patients (72%) did not report any complaints. Nine patients reported pain (average VAS of 1.7). Two patients developed a recurrence requiring reoperation. One patient developed mesh infection requiring reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Long term results of the use of a self-gripping mesh for complex abdominal wall hernias show a low recurrence rate, even in complex hernia cases. This makes the mesh a good choice in this difficult patient group.

Differences in midline fascial forces exist following laparoscopic and open transversus abdominis release in a porcine model

INTRODUCTION

Posterior component separation herniorrhaphy via transversus abdominis release (TAR) permits midline reapproximation of large fascial defects. To date, no report delineates the reduction in tensile force to reapproximate midline fascia following TAR. We hypothesized that open and laparoscopic TAR would provide similar reductions in midline reapproximation forces in a porcine model.

METHODS

Under general anesthesia, a 20-cm midline laparotomy was created and bilateral lipocutaneous flaps were raised to expose the anterior rectus sheath. Five stainless steel hooks were placed at 1-cm intervals lateral to the midline at three locations: 5 cm above, at, and 5 cm below the umbilicus bilaterally. Baseline force measurements were taken by pulling each lateral point to midline. Laparoscopic TAR was performed unilaterally by incising the parietal peritoneum and transversus muscle lateral to the linea semilunaris. Open TAR was performed contralaterally, and force measurements were repeated. Comparisons were made to baseline and between the groups.

RESULTS

Following laparoscopic TAR, 87 % (13/15) of points showed significant reduction compared to baseline forces, whereas only 20 % (3/15) of open TAR points had significant force reductions. Compared to open TAR, three locations favored the laparoscopic approach [1 cm lateral to midline, 5 cm above the umbilicus (p = 0.04; 95 % CI 0.78-1.00), 2 cm lateral to midline at the umbilicus (p = 0.04; 95 % CI 0.80-1.00), and 1 cm lateral to midline 5 cm below the umbilicus (p = 0.05; 95 % CI 0.79-1.00)]. The mean length of TAR was longer for laparoscopic than open at 27.29 versus 19.55 cm (p < 0.0001; 95 % CI 6.46-9.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Open TAR reduced midline tensile force at few locations, suggesting that the mechanism by which TAR facilitates herniorraphy may not solely be through reductions in linea alba tensile forces. At specific locations, laparoscopic TAR provides superior reduction in midline closure force compared to open TAR, likely as a result of a longer muscle release.

Current Trends in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical technique, postoperative complications, and possible recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) in comparison with open ventral hernia repair (OVHR), based on the international literature.

Database:

A Medline search of the current English literature was performed using the terms laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and incisional hernia repair.

Conclusions:

LVHR is a safe alternative to the open method, with the main advantages being minimal postoperative pain, shorter recovery, and decreased wound and mesh infections. Incidental enterotomy can be avoided by using a meticulous technique and sharp dissection to avoid thermal injury.

Evolution and advances in laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair

Primary ventral hernias and ventral incisional hernias have been a challenge for surgeons throughout the ages. In the current era, incisional hernias have increased in prevalence due to the very high number of laparotomies performed in the 20^th century. Even though minimally invasive surgery and hernia repair have evolved rapidly, general surgeons have yet to develop the ideal, standardized method that adequately decreases common postoperative complications, such as wound failure, hernia recurrence and pain. The evolution of laparoscopy and ventral hernia repair will be reviewed, from the rectoscopy of the 4^th century to the advent of laparoscopy, from suture repair to the evolution of mesh reinforcement. The nuances of minimally invasive ventral and incisional hernia repair will be summarized, from preoperative considerations to variations in intraoperative practice. New techniques have become increasingly popular, such as primary defect closure, retrorectus mesh placement, and concomitant component separation. The advent of robotics has made some of these repairs more feasible, but only time and well-designed clinical studies will tell if this will be a durable modality for ventral and incisional hernia repair.

Is There an Association between Component Separation and Venous Thromboembolism? Analysis of the NSQIP

Background:

Patients undergoing incisional/ventral hernia repair are at risk of developing several postoperative complications particularly venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing incisional/ventral hernia repair and to determine the association between component separation and VTE.

Methods:

We reviewed the 2005–2011 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases to identify patients undergoing incisional/ventral hernia repair. Preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were compared between a component separation group and a non–component separation group. The χ² tests and Fisher’s exact test were used for categorical variables and t tests for continuous variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine preoperative predictors for complications in both groups.

Results:

Thirty-four thousand five hundred forty-one patients were included in our study; 501 patients underwent a component separation procedure. A higher rate of wound complications, minor/major morbidity, mortality, and return to the operating room occurred in the component separation group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in deep vein thrombosis/thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism rates between the 2 groups (P = 0.780 and P = 0.591, respectively). Several risk factors were significantly associated with postoperative complications in both groups.

Conclusions:

Component separation is used for large and complex incisional/ventral hernia repairs to achieve tension-free midline closure. Although component separation hernia repair is associated with higher incidence of wound complication, morbidity, and mortality, perhaps because of the complexity of the defects, it does not seem to be associated with increased VTE rates.

Outcome of four years experience in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

OBJECTIVE

To find out the short term outcomes of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) during the last four years.

METHODS

It was a descriptive and prospective case series of 53 consecutive patients out of 107 at Department of General Surgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Unit II, Karachi, from January 2009 to December 2012. These patients were admitted through out patient department with complain of lump, pain and discomfort. Most of the patients were obese. All patients were clinically examined and baseline investigations done. Fifty three (49.5%) patients underwent laparoscopic repair with mesh placement and remaining 54 by open surgical repair.

RESULTS

Among 53 patients, mean age was 46 years range (30 - 55). While females were 33(62.2%) and males 20(37.7%). We observed variety of hernias, in which midline and epigastric hernia were predominant. The commonest symptom was lump and dragging sensation. The duration of symptoms ranged between 6 months to one year. About 53 patients (49.5%) had laparoscopic repair with mesh placement. Average hospital stay was two days. Out of 53 patients, 4 (7.5%) had cellulitis at trocar site, seroma in 2(3.7%), 2(3.7%) patient complained of persistent pain postoperatively, port site minor infection was in 2(3.7%) patients, while conversion to open approach was done in 2 (3.7%), postoperative ileus was observed in one (1.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the evidence that, laparoscopic repair with mesh placement in ventral hernia is safe and effective approach compared to open surgical procedure. It has a low complication rate, less hospital stay and low recurrence.

Incisional reinforcement in high-risk patients

Hernia formation after surgical procedures continues to be an important cause of surgical morbidity. Incisional reinforcement at the time of the initial operation has been used in some patient populations to reduce the risk of subsequent hernia formation. In this article, reinforcement techniques in different surgical wounds are examined to identify situations in which hernia formation may be prevented. Mesh use for midline closure, pelvic floor reconstruction, and stoma site reinforcement is discussed. Additionally, the use of retention sutures, closure of the open abdomen, and reinforcement after component separation are examined using current literature. Although existing studies do not support the routine use of mesh reinforcement for all surgical incisions, certain patient populations appear to benefit from reinforcement with lower rates of subsequent hernia formation. The identification and characterization of these groups will guide the future use of mesh reinforcement in surgical incisions.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) has established itself as a well-accepted option in the treatment of hernias. Clear benefits have been established regarding the superiority of LVHR in terms of fewer wound infections compared with open repairs. Meticulous technique and appropriate patient selection are critical to obtain the reported results.

Open ventral hernia repair with component separation

In this article, the authors describe their current operative technique for open ventral hernia repair using component separation. Although methods of anterior component separation are described, in their current practice, the authors primarily use posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release to permit dissection beyond the retrorectus space. This method adheres to the literature-supported principles of a tension-free midline fascial closure with wide mesh overlap of mesh positioned in a sublay position. The authors' experience with this method supports a low recurrence rate and reduced wound morbidity.

A Comparative Analysis between Laparoscopic and Open Ventral Hernia Repair at a Tertiary Care Center

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair reportedly yields lower postoperative complications than open repair. We hypothesized that patients undergoing laparoscopic repair would have lower postoperative infectious outcomes. Also, certain preoperative patient characteristics and preoperative hernia characteristics are hypothesized to increase complication risk in both groups. All ventral hernia repairs performed at University of Virginia from January 2004 to January 2006 were reviewed. Primary outcomes included wound healing complications and hernia recurrence. Categorical data were analyzed with χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Continuous variables were evaluated with independent t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. A total of 268 repairs (110 open, 158 laparoscopic) were evaluated. Patient and hernia characteristics were similar between groups, though the percents of wound contamination (5.4% vs 0.6%; P = 0.02) and simultaneous surgery (7.2% vs 0%; P = 0.001) were greater in the open procedures. Univariate analysis also revealed that open cases had a greater incidence of postoperative superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (30.0% vs 10.7%; P < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that both diabetes and open repair were associated with an increased risk of superficial SSI ( P = 0.019; odds ratio = 3.512; 95% confidence interval = 1.229–10.037 and P = 0.001; odds ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.9–11.2, respectively). Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair yielded lower rates of postoperative superficial SSI than open surgery. Other pre-operative patient characteristics and preoperative hernia characteristics, with the exception of diabetes, were not found to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications.

Does expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh really shrink after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair?

BACKGROUND

The shrinkage of mesh has been cited as a possible explanation for hernia recurrence. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is unique in that it can be visualized on computed tomography (CT). Some animal studies have shown a greater than 40% rate of contraction of ePTFE; however, very few human studies have been performed.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 815 laparoscopic incisional/ventral hernia (LIVH) repairs were performed by a single surgical group. DualMesh Plus (ePTFE) (WL Gore & Associates, Newark, DE) was placed in the majority of these patients using both transfascial sutures and tack fixation. Fifty-eight patients had postoperative CTs of the abdomen and pelvis with ePTFE and known transverse diameter of the implanted mesh. The prosthesis was measured on the CT using the AquariusNet software program (TeraRecon, San Mateo, CA), which outlines the mesh and calculates the total length. Data were collected regarding the original mesh size, known linear dimension of mesh, seroma formation, and time interval since mesh implantation in months.

RESULTS

The mean shrinkage rate was 6.7%. The duration of implantation ranged from 6 weeks to 78 months, with a median of 15 months. Seroma was seen in 8.6% (5) of patients. No relationship was identified between the percentage of shrinkage and the original mesh size (P = 0.78), duration of time implanted (P = 0.57), or seroma formation (P = 0.074). In 27.5% (16) of patients, no shrinkage of mesh was identified. Of the patients who did experience mesh shrinkage, the range of shrinkage was 2.6-25%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are markedly different from animal studies and show that ePTFE has minimal shrinkage after LIVH repair. The use of transfascial sutures in addition to tack fixation may have an implication on the mesh contraction rates.

A novel laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy training system

Surgical simulation offers a safe opportunity to develop the skills required for the operating room. Box trainers are an excellent low-cost training option but there are limited options for teaching laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. We developed a realistic and cost-effective box system for laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy that will enhance training experience before entering the operating theater.

Mesh Repair for Midline Ventral Hernia Without Lateral Fixation of the Mesh

The Rives-Stoppa repair is the current standard of care for the open treatment of midline ventral hernia. Transfascial, lateral fixation of the mesh has always been considered an important part of this technique. I reviewed cases of patients with a primary or recurrent midline, ventral hernia who had an open repair using the Rives-Stoppa technique with the exception of mesh fixation. Heavy weight polypropylene mesh was sutured to the midline of the posterior rectus sheath with two to three interrupted stitches. Multiple metal clips were attached to the periphery of the mesh for later identification. Physical exams and CT scans were done on all patients postoperatively to assess the integrity of the repair. From November 2008 to January 2010 13 patients had an open repair using a modified Rives-Stoppa technique. All patients had an intact repair based on physical exam and a contiguous rectus abdominis muscle layer based on CT evaluation. Lateral fixation of heavy weight polypropylene mesh is not necessary when performing a retro-muscular repair using the Rives-Stoppa technique.

Experience of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair in kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients

Despite the wide popularity of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) in the nontransplant population, there are very few reports of LIHR available in abdominal organ transplant patients and none exclusively on kidney and/or pancreas (KP) transplant patients. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of LIHR in KP transplant recipients performed over a period of 4 years and compared the results with LIHR in non-transplant patients during the same period. A total of 36 transplant patients were compared with 62 nontransplant patients. There were five patients converted to the open procedure in the transplant and four in nontransplant patients (p-NS). There were three seromas and one patient had a bowel perforation in the transplant group versus eight seromas, one bowel perforation and one small bowel obstruction noted in the nontransplant group. One patient in each group had a mesh infection requiring explant. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.2 years in the transplant group and 3 years in the nontransplant group. Overall there were five recurrences in the transplant group and four in the nontransplant group (p = NS). These results suggest that that LIHR is a safe and effective alternative to open repair.

Adverse effects of polyvinylidene fluoride-coated polypropylene mesh used for laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay repair of incisional hernia

BACKGROUND

Polyvinylidene fluoride-coated polypropylene meshes have been developed specifically for intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair. They combine a macroporous design with biomechanical characteristics compatible with the abdominal wall and are reported to have favourable antiadhesive properties. This retrospective study reports complications related to one of these materials, DynaMesh.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients underwent intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with DynaMesh at one of two hospitals. Patients characteristics, surgical procedures and postoperative analgesia were comparable at both sites.

RESULTS

Six patients developed DynaMesh-related complications that required surgical reintervention by laparotomy within 1 year of operation. Surgical reintervention was for adhesions in five patients and the mesh had to be explanted in three. One mesh was explanted because of early infection. Adhesions to DynaMesh were found in two patients who had surgery for unrelated reasons.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay DynaMesh repair was associated with a high rate of complications.