Surgical site occurrences, not body mass index, increase the long-term risk of ventral hernia recurrence

The impact of smoking on ventral and inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Individual studies indicate poorer outcomes for smokers after hernia repair. Previous meta-analyses have examined the impact of smoking on specific outcomes such as recurrence and surgical site infection, but there has been a lack of comprehensive consensus or systematic review on this subject. Addressing this gap, our study undertakes a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of smoking on the outcomes of ventral hernia repair (VHR) and inguinal hernia repair.

SOURCE

A thorough search of Cochrane Central, Scopus, SciELO, and PubMed/MEDLINE, focusing on studies that examined the effect of smoking on inguinal and VHR outcomes was conducted. Key outcomes evaluated included recurrence, reoperation, surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infection (SSI), and seroma.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Out of 3296 screened studies, 42 met the inclusion criteria. These comprised 25 studies (69,295 patients) on VHR and 17 studies (204,337 patients) on inguinal hernia repair. The analysis revealed that smokers had significantly higher rates of recurrence (10.4% vs. 9.1%; RR 1.48; 95% CI [1.15; 1.90]; P < 0.01), SSO (13.6% vs. 12.7%; RR 1.44; 95% CI [1.12; 1.86]; P < 0.01) and SSI (6.6% vs. 4.2%; RR 1.64; 95% CI [1.38; 1.94]; P < 0.01) following VHR. Additionally, smokers undergoing inguinal hernia repair showed higher recurrence (9% vs. 8.7%; RR 1.91; 95% CI [1.21; 3.01]; P < 0.01), SSI (0.6% vs. 0.3%; RR 1.6; 95% CI [1.21; 2.0]; P < 0.001), and chronic pain (9.9% vs. 10%; RR 1.24; 95% CI [1.06; 1.45]; P < 0.01) rates. No significant differences were observed in seroma (RR 2.63; 95% CI [0.88; 7.91]; P = 0.084) and reoperation rates (RR 1.48; 95% CI [0.77; 2.85]; P = 0.236) for VHR, and in reoperation rates (RR 0.99; 95% CI [0.51; 1.91]; P = 0.978) for inguinal hernias between smokers and non-smokers. Analysis using funnel plots and Egger's test showed the absence of publication bias in the study outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive meta-analysis found statistically significant increases in recurrence rates, and immediate postoperative complications, such as SSO and SSI following inguinal and VHR. Also, our subgroup analysis suggests that the MIS approach seems to be protective of adverse outcomes in the smokers group. However, our findings suggest that these findings are not of clinical relevance, so our data do not support the necessity of smoking cessation before hernia surgery. More studies are needed to elucidate the specific consequences of smoking in both inguinal and ventral hernia repair.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

ID CRD42024517640.

The current role of barbed sutures in fascial closure of ventral hernia repair: a multicenter study using the abdominal core health quality collaborative database

BACKGROUND

Barbed sutures (BS) have been increasingly used in the last two decades across surgical disciplines but little is known about how widespread their adoption has been in ventral hernia repair (VHR). The aim of this study was to document the use of barbed sutures in VHR in a multicenter database with associated clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

METHOD

Prospectively collected data from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database was retrospectively reviewed, including all adult patients who underwent VHR with fascial closure from 2020 to 2022. A univariate analysis compared patients with BS against non-barbed sutures (NBS) across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative timeframes including patient-reported outcomes concerning quality of life and pain scores.

RESULTS

A total of 4054 patients that underwent ventral hernia repair with BS were compared with 6473 patients with non-barbed sutures (NBS). Overall, BS were used in 86.2% of minimally invasive ventral hernia repairs and about 92.2% of robotic surgery compared to only 9.6% of open procedures. Notable differences existed in patient selection, including a higher BMI (32 vs 30.5; p < 0.001), more incisional hernias (63.3% vs 51.1%; p < 0.001), wider hernias (4 cm vs 3 cm; p < 0.001), and higher ASA score (p < 0.001) in patients with BS. Outcomes in patients with BS included a shorter length of stay (mean days; 1.4 vs 2.4; p < 0.001), less SSI (1.5% vs 3.6%; p < 0.001), while having similar SSO (7.6% vs 7.3%; p = 0.657), readmission (3.0 vs 3.2; p = 0.691), and reoperation (1.5% vs 1.45%; p = 0.855), at a longer operative time (p < 0.001). Hernia-specific questionnaires for quality of life (HerQLes) and pain in patients with BS had a worse preoperative score that was later matched and favorable compared to NBS (p = 0.048). PRO concerning hernia recurrence suggest around 10% at two years of follow-up (p = 0.532).

CONCLUSION

Use of barbed sutures in VHR is widespread and highly related to MIS. Outcomes from this multicenter database cannot be reported as superior but suggest that barbed sutures do not have a negative impact on outcomes.

Year-Over-Year Ventral Hernia Recurrence Rates and Risk Factors

Importance

Recurrence is one of the most challenging adverse events after ventral hernia repair as it impacts quality of life, utilization of resources, and subsequent need for re-repair. Rates of recurrence range from 30% to 80% after ventral hernia repair.

Objective

To determine the contemporary ventral hernia recurrence rate over time in patients with previous hernia repair and to determine risk factors associated with recurrence.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based study used the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative registry to evaluate year-over-year recurrence rates in patients with prior ventral hernia repair between January 2012 and August 2022. Patients who underwent at least 1 prior ventral hernia repair were included and categorized into 2 groups based on mesh or no-mesh use. There were 43 960 eligible patients; after exclusion criteria (patients with concurrent inguinal hernias as the primary diagnosis, nonstandard hernia procedure categories, American Society of Anesthesiologists class unassigned, or no follow-up), 29 834 patients were analyzed in the mesh group and 5599 in the no-mesh group.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Ventral hernia recurrence rates. Risk factors analyzed include age, body mass index, sex, race, insurance type, medical comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, smoking, indication for surgery, concomitant procedure, hernia procedure type, myofascial release, fascial closure, fixation type, number of prior repairs, hernia width, hernia length, mesh width, mesh length, operative approach, prior mesh placement, prior mesh infection, mesh location, mesh type, postoperative surgical site occurrence, postoperative surgical site infection, postoperative seroma, use of drains, and reoperation.

Results

Among 29 834 patients with mesh, the mean (SD) age was 57.17 (13.36) years, and 14 331 participants (48.0%) were female. Among 5599 patients without mesh, the mean (SD) age was 51.9 (15.31) years, and 2458 participants (43.9%) were female. When comparing year-over-year hernia recurrence rates in patients with and without prior mesh repair, respectively, the Kaplan Meier analysis showed a recurrence rate of 201 cumulative events with 13 872 at risk (2.8%) vs 104 cumulative events with 1707 at risk (4.0%) at 6 months; 411 cumulative events with 4732 at risk (8.0%) vs 184 cumulative events with 427 at risk (32.6%) at 1 year; 640 cumulative events with 1518 at risk (19.7%) vs 243 cumulative events with 146 at risk (52.4%) at 2 years; 731 cumulative events with 670 at risk (29.3%) vs 258 cumulative events with 73 at risk (61.4%) at 3 years; 777 cumulative events with 337 at risk (38.5%) vs 267 cumulative events with 29 at risk (71.2%) at 4 years; and 798 cumulative events with 171 at risk (44.9%) vs 269 cumulative events with 19 at risk (73.7%) at 5 years. Higher body mass index; immunosuppressants; incisional and parastomal hernias; a robotic approach; greater hernia width; use of a biologic or resorbable synthetic mesh; and complications, such as surgical site infections and reoperation, were associated with higher odds of hernia recurrence. Conversely, greater mesh width, myofascial release, and fascial closure had lower odds of recurrence. Hernia type was the most important variable associated with recurrence.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, the 5-year recurrence rate after ventral hernia repair was greater than 40% and 70% in patients with and without mesh, respectively. Rates of ventral hernia recurrence increased over time, underscoring the importance of close, long-term follow up in this population.

Transversus abdominis release with biosynthetic mesh for large ventral hernia repair: a 5-year analysis of clinical outcomes and quality of life

INTRODUCTION

Transversus abdominis release (TAR) may provide an optimal plane for mesh placement for large ventral hernias requiring medial myofascial flap advancement. Long-term outcomes of TAR for large ventral hernia repair (VHR) remains under-studied. This study aims to assess longitudinal clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) following large VHR with TAR and resorbable biosynthetic mesh.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical outcomes and prospective QoL was performed for patients undergoing VHR with poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh and TAR from 2016 to 2021. Patients with ≤ 24 months of follow-up, defects ≤ 150 cm2, and parastomal hernias were excluded. Cost-related data was collected for each patient's hospital course. QoL was compared using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Median age and BMI were 61 years (53.2-68.1 years) and 31.4 kg/m2 (26.1-35.3 kg/m2). Average hernia defect was 390cm2 ± 152.9 cm2. All patients underwent previous abdominal surgery and were primarily Ventral Hernia Working Group 2 (58.6%). Two hernia recurrences (6.9%) occurred over the median follow-up period of 63.1 months (IQR 43.7-71.3 months), with no cases of mesh infection or explantation. Delayed healing and seroma occurred in 27 and 10.3% of patients, respectively. QoL analysis identified a significant improvement in postoperative QoL (p < 0.005), that continued throughout the 5-year follow-up period, with a 41% overall improvement. Cost analysis identified the hospital revenue generated was approximately equal to the direct costs of patient care. Higher costs were associated with ASA class and length of stay (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Large VHR with resorbable biosynthetic mesh and TAR can be performed safely, with a low recurrence and complication rate, acceptable hospital costs, and significant improvement in disease-specific QoL at long-term follow-up.

Ten-year outcomes following ventral hernia repair: making the case for better post-market surveillance in the USA

BACKGROUND

We sought to identify the 10-year complication and recurrence rates and associated sociodemographic and operative characteristics associated with non-mesh versus mesh-based ventral hernia repairs (VHRs).

METHODS

This was an IRB-approved (2020H0317) retrospective longitudinal study of patients undergoing mesh or non-mesh VHR from 2009-2019 at a single tertiary-care institution. The electronic medical record was used to collect sociodemographic, clinical, and intraoperative details, and early (≤ 30 days) and long-term (> 30-day) postoperative complications. Up to ten-year follow-up was obtained for long-term complications, categorized as: hernia recurrence reoperation (HRR), major complications requiring emergency surgery (MCES) (defined as non-elective operations related to the abdominal wall), and non-recurrence procedural intervention (NRPI) (defined as any procedures related to the abdominal wall, bowel, or mesh). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were obtained for each long-term complication.

RESULTS

Of the 645 patients identified, the mean age at index operation was 52.51 ± 13.57 years with 50.70% female. Of the index operations, 21.24% were for a recurrence. Procedure categories included: 57.36% incisional, 37.21% non-incisional umbilical, 8.22% non-incisional epigastric, 3.88% parastomal, 0.93% diastasis recti, and 0.47% Spigelian hernias. Operative approaches included open (n = 383), laparoscopic (n = 267), and robotic (n = 21). Fascial closure (81.55%) and mesh use (66.2%) were performed in the majority of cases. Median follow-up time was 2098 days (interquartile range 1320-2806). The rate of short-term complications was 4.81% for surgical site infections, 15.04% for surgical site occurrences, and 13.64% for other complications. At 10 years, the HRR-free survival probability was 85.26%, MCES-free survival probability was 94.44%, and NRPI-free survival probability was 78.11%.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of patients experienced long-term recurrence and complications requiring intervention after index VHR. For many patients, a ventral hernia develops into a chronic medical condition. Improved efforts at post-market surveillance of operative approaches and mesh location and type should be undertaken to help optimize outcomes.

Body Mass Index Within Multifactor Predictors of Ventral Hernia Recurrence: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background A ventral hernia is a protrusion of the peritoneum through the defective abdominal wall. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of hernial recurrence. One of the most common risk factors is obesity, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as increased body mass index (BMI). Few studies have explored the effects of BMI and other factors on hernia recurrence. Hence, we aimed to investigate the role of increased BMI in hernia recurrence in conjunction with various risk factors such as age, sex, type of hernia, the time elapsed between the occurrence and recurrence, complications of hernia, and procedure. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). All the patients were admitted between 2015-2022. A total of 1676 medical records were obtained from all patients who underwent hernia repair more than once or were diagnosed with a recurrent hernia during the study period. Results Our study revealed an insignificant correlation between a BMI of more than 25 kg/m² and the recurrence of inguinal hernias, predominantly indirect hernias. Furthermore, overweight and obese patients experience a longer interval between the first and second hernia repairs. Interestingly, all the patients with inguinal and umbilical hernias had the same diagnosis at the second presentation. However, the findings also included a significant increase in umbilical hernias in individuals with a high BMI and higher recurrence rates among male patients with inguinal hernias. Conclusion BMI higher than 25 kg/m² increases recurrence rates for umbilical hernias but decreases the recurrence of inguinal hernias.

Short-term complications after onlay versus preperitoneal mesh repair of umbilical hernias: a prospective randomized double-blind trial

PURPOSE

To compare the incidence of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) following onlay versus preperitoneal mesh placement in elective open umbilical hernia repairs.

METHODS

This study presents a secondary analysis of a randomized double-blind trial conducted on female patients with primary umbilical hernias admitted to a general hospital, in a residency training program setting. Fifty-six subjects were randomly assigned to either onlay (n=30) or preperitoneal (n=26) mesh repair group. Data on baseline demographics, past medical history, perioperative details, postoperative pain (visual analogue scale (VAS)), wound-related complications, and recurrence were assessed using a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding patients' demographics, comorbidities, or defect size. Operative time averaged 67.5 (28-110) min for onlay and 50.5 (31-90) min for preperitoneal repairs, p=.03. The overall rate of SSOs was 21.4% (n=12), mainly in the onlay group (33% vs 7.7%; p=0.02, 95% CI 0.03-0.85) and mostly due to seromas. There were no between-group significant differences in postoperative VAS scores at all timepoints. After a maximum follow-up of 48 months, one recurrence was reported in the onlay group. By logistic regression, the onlay technique was the only independent risk factor for SSOs.

CONCLUSION

The presented data identified a decreased wound morbidity in preperitoneal umbilical hernia repairs, thus contributing to the limited body of evidence regarding mesh place selection in future guidelines. Further cases from this ongoing study and completion of follow-up are expected to also compare both techniques in terms of long-term outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) UTN code: U1111-1205-0065 (date of registration: March 27, 2018).

[Predictors of postoperative complications in patients with ventral hernia]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate potential predictors of 1-month postoperative complications after primary ventral hernia repair using database of the 1^st Clinic of the Samarkand State Medical University.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort study included 348 patients who underwent ventral hernia surgery in the 1^st Clinic of the Samarkand State Medical University between January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2021. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

More than one complication within 1-month after surgery developed in 87 (25%) patients. Those factors associated with complications in univariate analysis (p<0.05) and clinically important factors were included in multivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, age, body mass index, hypertension, hernia size, hospital-stay and surgery time were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Age, BMI, hypertension, anamnesis and size of hernia, as well as surgery time correlated with postoperative complications. Therefore, these factors should be used in preoperative risk assessment.

The European Hernia Society Prehabilitation Project: A Systematic Review of Intra-Operative Prevention Strategies for Surgical Site Occurrences in Ventral Hernia Surgery

Background

Ventral hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. To reduce the risk of complications, pre- and intra-operative strategies have received increasing focus in recent years. To assess possible preventive surgical strategies, this European Hernia Society endorsed project was launched. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current literature focusing on pre- and intra-operative strategies for surgical site occurrences (SSO) and specifically surgical site infection (SSI) in ventral hernia repair.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Databases used were Pubmed and Web of Science. Original retrospective or prospective human adult studies describing at least one intra-operative intervention to reduce SSO after ventral hernia repair were considered eligible.

Results

From a total of 4775 results, a total of 18 papers were considered suitable after full text reading. Prehospital chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) scrub appears to increase the risk of SSO in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair, while there is no association between any type of surgical hat worn and the incidence of postoperative wound events. Intraoperative measures as prophylactic negative pressure therapy, surgical drain placement and the use of quilt sutures seem beneficial for decreasing the incidence of SSO and/or SSI. No positive effect has been shown for antibiotic soaking of a synthetic mesh, nor for the use of fibrin sealants.

Conclusion

This review identified a limited amount of literature describing specific preventive measures and techniques during ventral hernia repair. An advantage of prophylactic negative pressure therapy in prevention of SSI was observed, but different tools to decrease SSIs and SSOs continuously further need our full attention to improve patient outcomes and to lower overall costs.

Long-term reoperation rate following primary ventral hernia repair: a register-based study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyse the risk for reoperation following primary ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

The study was based on umbilical hernia and epigastric hernia repairs registered in the population-based Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) 2010-2019. Reoperation was defined as repeat repair after primary repair.

RESULTS

Altogether 29,360 umbilical hernia repairs and 6514 epigastric hernia repairs were identified. There were 624 reoperations registered following primary umbilical repair and 137 following primary epigastric repairs. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) for reoperation was 0.292 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.109-0.782) after open onlay mesh repair, 0.484 (CI 0.366-0.641) after open interstitial mesh repair, 0.382 (CI 0.238-0.613) after open sublay mesh repair, 0.453 (CI 0.169-1.212) after open intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair, 1.004 (CI 0.688-1.464) after laparoscopic repair, and 0.940 (CI 0.502-1.759) after other techniques, when compared to open suture repair as reference method. Following umbilical hernia repair, the risk for reoperation was also significantly higher for patients aged < 50 years (HR 1.669, CI 1.389-2.005), for women (HR 1.401, CI 1.186-1.655), and for patients with liver cirrhosis (HR 2.544, CI 1.049-6.170). For patients undergoing epigastric hernia repair, the only significant risk factor for reoperation was age < 50 years (HR 2.046, CI 1.337-3.130).

CONCLUSIONS

All types of open mesh repair were associated with lower reoperation rates than open suture repair and laparoscopic repair. Female sex, young age and liver cirrhosis were risk factors for reoperation due to hernia recurrence, regardless of method.

Complicated Abdominal Wall Hernias in the Elderly: Time Is Life and Comorbidities Matter

BACKGROUND

Abdominal wall hernias represent a common problem that can present as surgical emergencies with increased morbidity and mortality. The data examining outcomes in elderly patients with hernia emergencies is scant.

METHODS

The 2007-2017 ACS-NSQIP database was queried. Patients ≥65 years old with a diagnosis of acute complicated abdominal wall hernia were included. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify independent predictors of 30-day mortality and surgical site infection (SSI).

RESULTS

Main predictors of 30-day mortality were admission from nursing home or chronic care facility (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.10-2.38, P = .014), transfer from outside ED (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.31-2.51, P < .001), days from admission to operation (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.08, P = .002), recent significant weight loss (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.12-3.37, P = .018), pre-operative septic shock (OR = 4.13, 95% CI: 2.44-6.99, P < .001), ventilator dependence (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.29-4.81, P = .006), and ASA status. When compared to open repair, laparoscopic repair emerged as protective against SSI (OR = .34, 95% CI: .17-.66, P = .001). Bowel resection (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.63-2.84, P < .001) and increasing wound class were risk factors for SSI.

CONCLUSION

In the elderly patient presenting with an acute complicated abdominal wall hernia, time to surgery is crucial for survival, and comorbidities influence outcome. Laparoscopy is an option in management due to its decreased risk of surgical site infection without increased mortality, whenever patient factors are favorable for this approach.

Biologic vs Synthetic Mesh for Single-stage Repair of Contaminated Ventral Hernias: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Biologic mesh is widely used for reinforcing contaminated ventral hernia repairs; however, it is expensive and has been associated with high rates of long-term hernia recurrence. Synthetic mesh is a lower-cost alternative but its efficacy has not been rigorously studied in individuals with contaminated hernias.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether synthetic mesh results in superior reduction in risk of hernia recurrence compared with biologic mesh during the single-stage repair of clean-contaminated and contaminated ventral hernias.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This multicenter, single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2012 to April 2019 with a follow-up duration of 2 years. The trial was completed at 5 academic medical centers in the US with specialized units for abdominal wall reconstruction. A total of 253 adult patients with clean-contaminated or contaminated ventral hernias were enrolled in this trial. Follow-up was completed in April 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Retromuscular synthetic or biologic mesh at the time of fascial closure.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the superiority of synthetic mesh vs biologic mesh at reducing risk of hernia recurrence at 2 years based on intent-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcomes included mesh safety, defined as the rate of surgical site occurrence requiring a procedural intervention, and 30-day hospital direct costs and prosthetic costs.

RESULTS

A total of 253 patients (median [IQR] age, 64 [55-70] years; 117 [46%] male) were randomized (126 to synthetic mesh and 127 to biologic mesh) and the follow-up rate was 92% at 2 years. Compared with biologic mesh, synthetic mesh significantly reduced the risk of hernia recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.23-0.42; P < .001). The overall intent-to-treat hernia recurrence risk at 2 years was 13% (33 of 253 patients). Recurrence risk with biologic mesh was 20.5% (26 of 127 patients) and with synthetic mesh was 5.6% (7 of 126 patients), with an absolute risk reduction of 14.9% with the use of synthetic mesh (95% CI, -23.8% to -6.1%; P = .001). There was no significant difference in overall 2-year risk of surgical site occurrence requiring a procedural intervention between the groups (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.60-2.44; P = .58). Median (IQR) 30-day hospital direct costs were significantly greater in the biologic group vs the synthetic group ($44 936 [$35 877-$52 656] vs $17 289 [$14 643-$22 901], respectively; P < .001). There was also a significant difference in the price of the prosthetic device between the 2 groups (median [IQR] cost biologic, $21 539 [$20 285-$23 332] vs synthetic, $105 [$105-$118]; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Synthetic mesh demonstrated superior 2-year hernia recurrence risk compared with biologic mesh in patients undergoing single-stage repair of contaminated ventral hernias, and both meshes demonstrated similar safety profiles. The price of biologic mesh was over 200 times that of synthetic mesh for these outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02451176.

Technique of Abdominal Wall Tissue Expansion for the Treatment of Massive Complicated Ventral Hernias

Abdominal wall tissue expansion is a unique technique that seeks to augment and expand both the fascial and subcutaneous tissues/skin layers to achieve durable closure of otherwise challenging ventral hernias. In addition to allowing primary fascial closure in a majority of cases, this technique enables reduced tension on the closure, potentially decreasing the recurrence rate. This article describes the senior author’s surgical technique for abdominal wall tissue expansion in massive complicated ventral hernias. The plastic surgeon is at a unique advantage to assist with the repair of massive complicated ventral hernias given their comfort with complex tissue handling and expandable devices. This specialized technique thus provides an opportunity for plastic surgeons to serve as expert co-surgeons with general surgery colleagues to help achieve superior outcomes in patients with these challenging hernias.

Umbilical hernia repair and recurrence: need for a clinical trial?

INTRODUCTION

Umbilical hernia repair, despite its perceived simplicity, is associated with recurrence between 2.7 and 27%, in mesh repair and non mesh repair respectively. Many factors are recognized contributors to recurrence however multiple defects in the linea alba, known to occur in up to 30% of patients, appear to have been overlooked by surgeons.

AIMS

This systematic review assessed reporting of second or multiple linea alba defects in patients undergoing umbilical hernia repair to establish if these anatomical variations could contribute to recurrence along with other potential factors.

METHODS

A systematic review of all published English language articles was undertaken using databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from January 2014 to 2019. The search terms 'Umbilical hernia' AND 'repair' AND 'recurrence' were used across all databases. Analysis was specified in advance to avoid selection bias, was registered with PROSPERO (154173) and adhered to PRISMA statement.

RESULTS

Six hundred and forty-six initial papers were refined to 10 following article review and grading. The presence of multiple linea alba defects as a contributor to recurrence was not reported in the literature. One paper mentioned the exclusion of six participants from their study due multiple defects. In all 11 factors were significantly associated with umbilical hernia recurrence. These included: large defect, primary closure without mesh, high BMI in 5/10 publications; smoking, diabetes mellitus, surgical site Infection (SSI) and concurrent hernia in 3/10. In addition, the type of mesh, advanced age, liver disease and non-closure of the defect were identified in individual papers.

CONCLUSION

This study identified many factors already known to contribute to umbilical hernia recurrence in adults, but the existence of multiple defects in the linea, despite it prevalence, has evaded investigators. Surgeons need to be consider documentation of this potential confounder which may contribute to recurrence.

Prophylactic Single-use Negative Pressure Dressing in Closed Surgical Wounds After Incisional Hernia Repair: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to evaluate whether the prophylactic application of a specific single-use negative pressure (sNPWT) dressing on closed surgical incisions after incisional hernia (IH) repair decreases the risk of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) and the length of stay.

BACKGROUND

The sNPWT dressings have been associated to several advantages like cost savings and prevention of SSOs like seroma, hematoma, dehiscence, or wound infection (SSI) in closed surgical incisions. But this beneficious effect has not been previously studied in cases of close wounds after abdominal wall hernia repairs.

METHODS

An RCT was undertaken between May 2017 and January 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03576222). Participating patients, with IH type W2 or W3 according to European Hernia Society classification, were randomly assigned to receive intraoperatively either the sNPWT (PICO)(72 patients) or a conventional dressing at the end of the hernia repair (74 patients). The primary endpoint was the development of SSOs during the first 30 days after hernia repair. The secondary endpoint included length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 23.0.

RESULTS

At 30 days postoperatively, there was significatively higher incidence of SSOs in the control group compared to the treatment group (29.8% vs 16.6%, P < 0.042). There was no SSI in the treatment group and 6 cases in the control group (0% vs 8%, P < 0.002). No significant differences regarding seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, and length of stay were observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of prophylactic sNPWT PICO dressing for closed surgical incisions following IH repair reduces significatively the overall incidence of SSOs and the SSI at 30 days postoperatively.

Management of epigastric, umbilical, spigelian and small incisional hernia as a day case procedure: results of long-term follow-up after open preperitoneal flat mesh technique

PURPOSE

To investigate short and long-term outcome after the open preperitoneal flat mesh technique (OPFMT) for umbilical, epigastric, spigelian, small incisional and "port-site" hernia performed as a day case procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed records of patients who underwent OPFMT for umbilical, epigastric, Spigelian, small incisional and "port-site" hernia in ambulatory settings between 2004 and 2020 at Clinical Center of Serbia. Demographic and clinical characteristics, operative data and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for mesh infection and recurrence.

RESULTS

Overall, 476 patients were divided according to the type of hernia. Early postoperative complications were similar in all study groups. Mesh infection, chronic pain and recurrence were different between groups (p = 0.013, p = 0.019 and p = 0.011, respectively). Overall recurrence rate after OPFMT was 2.5%. Hernia defect, hematoma and length of postoperative stay at the Day Surgery Unit were identified as potential predictors of mesh infection (Odds ratio 6.449, 22.143 and 1.546, respectively; p = 0.027, p = 0.011 and p = 0.038, respectively) while mesh infection was the only potential predictor of recurrence in univariate analysis. Hematoma was an independent predictor of recurrence (Odds ratio 27.068; 95% Confidence interval 2.355-311.073; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The OPFMT performed under local anesthesia as a day case procedure is a safe technique associated with favorable long-term outcome. Hematoma is an independent predictor of mesh infection occurrence.

Delayed primary closure (DPC) of the skin and subcutaneous tissues following complex, contaminated abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR): a propensity-matched study

BACKGROUND

Wound complications following abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in a contaminated setting are common and significantly increase the risk of hernia recurrence. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of short-term negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) followed by operative delayed primary closure (DPC) of the skin and subcutaneous tissue after AWR in a contaminated setting.

METHODS

A prospective institutional hernia database was queried for patients who underwent NPWT-assisted DPC after contaminated AWR between 2008 and 2020. Primary outcomes included wound complication rate and reopening of the incision. A non-DPC group was created using propensity-matching. Standard descriptive statistics were used, and a univariate analysis was performed between the DPC and non-DPC groups.

RESULTS

In total, 110 patients underwent DPC following AWR. The hernias were on average large (188 ± 133.6 cm²), often recurrent (81.5%), and 60.5% required a components separation. All patients had CDC Class 3 (14.5%) or 4 (85.5%) wounds and biologic mesh placed. Using CeDAR, the wound complication rate was estimated to be 66.3%. Postoperatively, 26.4% patients developed a wound complication, but only 5.5% patients required reopening of the wound. The rate of recurrence was 5.5% with mean follow-up of 22.6 ± 27.1 months. After propensity-matching, there were 73 patients each in the DPC and non-DPC groups. DPC patients had fewer overall wound complications (23.0% vs 43.9%, p = 0.02). While 4.1% of the DPC group required reopening of the incision, 20.5% of patients in the non-DPC required reopening of the incision (p = 0.005) with an average time to healing of 150 days. Hernia recurrence remained low overall (2.7% vs 5.4%, p = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

DPC can be performed with a high rate of success in complex, contaminated AWR patients by reducing the rate of wound complications and avoiding prolonged healing times. In patients undergoing AWR in a contaminated setting, a NPWT-assisted DPC should be considered.

METHODS FOR ASSESSING THE RISKS OF COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH HERNIAS OF THE ANTERIOR ABDOMINAL WALL. REVIEW

The work is based on the analysis of literature data devoted to the problem of assessing postoperative complications in patients with primary and incisional hernias of the anterior abdominal wall. The main purpose of this review is identifying existing methods for assessing local, general perioperative complications and determining of the most reliable prognostic scales and methods for assessing risk factors among the existing ones.

The first part of the article is devoted to the assessment of the general condition of patients with hernias of the anterior abdominal wall. The existing scales for assessing modifiable risk factors (MFR), methods of preventing complications, including abdominal bandage, are considered. The main risk factors were determined: CDC wound class, patient age, hernia size, smoking, diabetes, risk 3 and higher according to ASA.

In the second part, the assessment of risk factors for complications from the surgical site is considered. The problem of terminology standardization, the difference between surgical site infection (SSI), adverse surgical events (SSO) and surgical site occurrences requiring procedural interventions (SSOPI) is described. Scales for assessing the risks of perioperative complications are presented. The evolution of SSO assessment methods from a four level to a three level scale is described. The Russian experience in assessing the combination of MFR is presented.

The third part describes the importance of evaluating post traumatic stress disorder in patients as a risk factor for an unfavorable course of the postoperative period. The European EuraHS QoL Questionnaire, recommended for use in the European Hernia Registry, is presented. The section also highlights the relevance of the selection of patients with hernias in outpatient surgery and one day hospitals.

The main idea of developing modern methods for assessing complications after hernioplasty is a comprehensive assessment of the patient's individual profile before operations for primary and incisional hernias in different risk groups. Priority should be given to tailored specific electronic questionnaires.