Unusual cause of pneumomediastinum in a laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax: a rare complication of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Increasing utilization of a laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) approach for inguinal hernia repairs has led to rare complications. We describe a rare case of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax following a laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair in a 29-year-old male. Mechanisms posited include extraperitoneal carbon dioxide migration via the retroperitoneal space and dissection along the fascia transversalis and endothoracic fascia anteriorly to enter the mediastinum. Intra-operatively the patient coughed vigorously, potentially propagating the extent of extraperitoneal gas dissection and exacerbating these complications. Given the potential morbidity, it is important for surgeons and anaesthetists to recognize these complications.

Pneumothorax as a rare complication during laparoscopic total extra-peritoneal inguinal hernia repair: A case report and review of the literature

Totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) and trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair are the two most commonly performed types of laparoscopic hernia repair procedures. Herein, we present a rare case of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum that ensued during a TEP inguinal hernia repair. A 73-year-old man presented for elective laparoscopic right-sided hernia repair. After intubation, a 10-mm and two 5-mm trocars were placed in the peri-umbilical and midline area, respectively. A balloon dissector was inserted from the 10-mm trocar to develop the retro-rectus space and carbon dioxide was insufflated up to a pressure of 14 mmHg. About 55 min after insufflation, the patient presented subcutaneous emphysema, oxygen saturation dropped from 100% to 96% and pCO₂ increased to 55 mmHg. Due to concerns for pulmonary embolism, he immediately underwent a chest computed tomography, which revealed pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema extended throughout the neck, thorax and upper abdomen. The patient was successfully treated conservatively with oral analgesia and supplemental oxygen and was discharged on the 4^th post-operative day without any further complications.

Clinical curative effect of Mesalt combined with Mepilex dressing in postoperative infection of inguinal hernia

Background

Inguinal hernia is a common surgical disease. Tension-free hernioplasty is currently commonly used for its treatment, with multiple advantages such as simple surgical method, low recurrence rate, and ability to be performed in primary care hospitals, but the risk of incision infection still exists. Mild infection can be cured by local washing, dressing, and systemic antibiotics. If the infection is severe, the wound may not heal after removing the patch, and secondary suturing is needed.

Material/Methods

A total of 60 patients with postoperative infection after tension-free repair of inguinal hernia were randomly divided into control (n=30) and treatment (n=30) groups. Patients in the treatment group received Mesalt combined with Mepilex for dressing while the patients in the control group received conventional gauze for dressing. Pain degree, wound healing time, and dressing times were observed.

Results

The clinical therapeutic effect in the treatment group was significantly better than in the control group. The treatment group exhibited significantly less pain when patients receive dressing, shorter wounds healing time (15±3.5 vs. 30±5.0), and less dressing frequency (10±2.1 vs. 20±2.4).

Conclusions

Mesalt combined with Mepilex can effectively improve postoperative infection after inguinal hernia treatment, obviously reducing pain, shorting wound healing time, and decreasing dressing frequency. It can be widely used in clinical practice.