Lateral Abdominal Wall Defects: The Importance of Anatomy and Technique for a Successful Repair

Is there a link between Spigelian and inguinal hernias? A case series

INTRODUCTION

Spigelian hernias are among the rare primary ventral hernias. Diagnosis is often difficult, as many cases are asymptomatic. Spigelian and inguinal hernias are usually considered separately in current scientific literature. With this case series, we want to illustrate a possible relationship between the neighboring hernia types.

METHODS

In this article, we report on a case series of Spigelian hernias that were operated on in five hernia centers in the period from January 1st, 2021 to October 31st, 2023. We have summarized all patient characteristics with previous operations and the result of the secondary operation.

RESULTS

We report a case series with 24 Spigelian hernias, 15 of which have a connection to previous inguinal hernias. In these cases, however, it is not certain whether these are primarily overlooked or occult hernias or whether these Spigelian hernias have arisen secondarily, as a result of previous hernia surgery. With this case series, we would like to point out a possible connection between Spigelian hernia and inguinal hernia. Further studies are needed to shed more light on this entity and explain its genesis.

Anterolateral Thigh Flap Reconstruction of Full Thickness Lateral Abdominal Wall Defect from Desmoid Tumour

Desmoid tumours are benign but locally aggressive mesenchymal neoplasms that occur most commonly in the abdomen, with the potential to invade surrounding structures causing significant morbidity. Lateral abdominal wall defects are known to be more challenging and less frequently encountered compared to ventral abdominal wall defects. Asymmetric forces caused by contraction of remnant rectus and contralateral oblique muscles increase the risk of herniation postoperatively. We report a case of a challenging abdominal wall reconstruction after desmoid tumour resection in a 62-year-old male patient who presented to our hospital with a progressively enlarging left upper back lump of 6 months duration. A venous supercharged pedicled anterolateral thigh flap was combined with PROLENE® mesh for reconstruction, and the patient recovered well with good functional and aesthetic outcomes at 2-year follow-up. The pedicled anterolateral thigh flap with venous supercharging can be effectively used for the reconstruction of extensive lateral abdominal wall defects.

Muscular groin hernias: an anatomical variation as a cause of recurrence

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to understand our center's experience with the rare entity of muscular groin hernias. Specifically, to determine this hernia's incidence and characteristics and provide valuable information to surgeons that can be utilized at the time of a hernia repair regardless of modality used.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review between 2005 and 2019. Patients who had a primary or recurrent groin hernia operation for an atypically located hernia (other than direct, indirect, or femoral) were included. Descriptive statistics were utilized to present the hernia and patient data as median (interquartile range, range).

RESULTS

There were 152 patients with 155 muscular hernias identified in primary operations and 41 patients with 41 muscular hernias identified in recurrent operations. In both primary and recurrent groups there were more males, and the males were on average younger with a higher body mass index (BMI) than females. Most muscular hernias were located lateral (76) or lateral/superior (33) to the internal ring with a median distance between 2 and 3 cm (1, 0.3-5; 2.8,2-5) from the internal ring. A concurrent ipsilateral inguinal hernia was found and repaired in 42.3% of left and 46.8% of right sided primary muscular hernia operations. A concurrent ipsilateral inguinal hernia was noted in 5% of left and 14.3% of right sided recurrent muscular operations. In left sided recurrent operations for a muscular hernia, 68.9% had a previous ipsilateral inguinal hernia repair and in right sided recurrent operations, 67.7% had a previous ipsilateral inguinal hernia repair.

CONCLUSION

This study describes a previously unidentified groin muscular hernia in both primary and recurrent hernia operations as a potential cause of hernia recurrence and identifies muscular hernia locations. This information can be utilized at the time of surgery to identify and subsequently repair these defects, leading to improved patient and hernia outcomes.

Outcomes of Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Biologic Mesh in Patients with 8 Years of Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

While many studies evaluated outcomes of abdominal wall reconstruction with biologic mesh, long-term data is lacking. In this study, we sought to analyze the outcomes of complex AWR with biologic mesh in a robust cohort of patients with a mean follow up of 8 years.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal study of AWR patients from 2005 to 2019. Hernia recurrence was the primary outcome, and surgical site occurrence was the secondary outcome. Predictive/protective factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

We identified 109 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria. Patient's mean (± SD) age was 57.5 ± 11.8 years, mean body mass index was 30.7 ± 7.2 kg/m2, and mean follow-up time was 96.2 ± 15.9 months. Fifty-six percent had clean defects, 34% had clean-contaminated defects, and 10% had contaminated/infected defects. Patients had a mean defect size of 261 ± 199.6 cm2 and mean mesh size of 391.3 ± 160.2 cm2. Nineteen patients (17.4%) developed HR at the final follow-up date. Obesity was independently associated with a four-fold higher risk of HR (hazard ratio, 3.98; 95%CI, 1.34 to 14.60, p = 0.02). SSOs were identified in 24.8% of patients. A prior hernia repair was associated with a three-fold higher risk of SSOs (Odds ratio, 3.13; 95%CI, 1.10 to 8.94, p = 0.03). No patient developed mesh infection.

CONCLUSION

These longitudinal data demonstrate that complex AWR with biologic mesh provides long-term durable outcomes with acceptable HR and SSO rates despite high contamination levels, patients complexity, and large defect size.

Lateral hernia secondary to colorectal submucosal resection repaired by robotic-assisted approach: Case report

Introduction and importance

Lateral abdominal wall defects are a rare event and commonly result from iatrogenic causes and trauma. We report the first known case of flank hernia after endoscopic submucosal resection of a colonic polyp complicated by colonic perforation.

Case presentation

This is a case of a 50-year-old male who underwent endoscopic colonic resection complicated by perforation of the colon. Eight months later, he presented with an enlarging, asymptomatic left flank bulge. CT showed a large flank hernia which was successfully repaired using a robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAP) approach.

Clinical discussion

The hypothesis is that the endoscopic resection with colonic perforation caused an iatrogenic injury to the abdominal wall creating a lateral abdominal hernia. Injury to abdominal wall musculature may take months to develop into a clinically apparent hernia. Flank hernias can be successfully repaired using a robotic minimally invasive approach.

Conclusion

Flank bulge and hernias must be included or at least be considered as consequence of a potential complication from endoscopic colonic perforation. Surgeons and endoscopists must be aware of this potential complication and its latent presentation. This case stresses the importance of long-term outcomes monitoring, particularly with innovative procedures.

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Lateral abdominal wall defects are a rare event and commonly occur due to trauma.

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Lateral hernias seldomly can be resulted from myofascial laxity and denervation injury.

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Endoscopic resection may lead thermal injury of the abdominal wall and latent hernia.

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Robotic surgery is a safe and effective platform to repair lateral abdominal hernias.

A challenge in soft tissue reconstruction: The use of pedicled anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap and gluteal fasciocutaneous rotational flap in reconstructing a huge full thickness lateral trunk defect

Introduction and importance

Lateral abdominal wall (LAW) defect presents as a rare and unique challenge to the reconstructive surgeons.

Case presentation

We report a huge recurrent right lateral abdominal DFSP with local invasion in a 35-year-old lady. After wide local excision, the reconstruction was done by using pedicled anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap and gluteal fasciocutaneous rotational flap.

Clinical discussion

The goal of reconstruction of the lateral abdominal wall is similar to that of the anterior abdominal wall, namely to provide a static repair that will not attenuate and form a bulge or hernia over time. Anchoring a mesh to stable fixation points is expected to ensure structural integrity in the LAW defect. However, we selected fascial inset from our flaps which did not lead to hernia formation or a bulge following a 7-month postoperative review. In terms of soft tissue coverage, the pedicled anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap and gluteal fasciocutaneous rotational flap were used. The standard free flap will require more complexity of works, especially if the recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction are remotely situated or sometimes not even available.

Conclusion

Huge full-thickness LAW defect following an oncological resection can be reconstructed with combination of simpler locoregional flaps which yield good functional and aesthetic outcome.

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The lateral abdominal wall reconstruction is rarely discussed compared to the anterior abdominal wall reconstruction.

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The goal of reconstruction is to provide a static repair that will not stretch or attenuate and form a bulge or hernia over time.

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The full-thickness lateral abdominal wall defect was successfully reconstructed with pedicled anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap and gluteal fasciocutaneous rotational flap.

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Pedicled anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap has many advantages namely a long pedicle, a wide arc of rotation, a large potential skin paddle, and a low donor site morbidity.

Laparoscopy for the Treatment of Congenital Hernia: Use of Surgical Meshes and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Clinically Relevant Animal Model

More than a century has passed since the first surgical mesh for hernia repair was developed, and, to date, this is still the most widely used method despite the great number of complications it poses. The purpose of this study was to combine stem cell therapy and laparoscopy for the treatment of congenital hernia in a swine animal model. Porcine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded on polypropylene surgical meshes using a fibrin sealant solution as a vehicle. Meshes with (cell group) or without (control group) MSCs were implanted through laparoscopy in Large White pigs with congenital abdominal hernia after the approximation of hernia borders (implantation day). A successive laparoscopic biopsy of the mesh and its surrounding tissues was performed a week after implantation, and surgical meshes were excised a month after implantation. Ultrasonography was used to measure hernia sizes. Flow cytometry, histological, and gene expression analyses of the biopsy and necropsy samples were performed. The fibrin sealant solution was easy to prepare and preserved the viability of MSCs in the surgical meshes. Ultrasonography demonstrated a significant reduction in hernia size 1 week after implantation in the cell group relative to that on the day of implantation (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry of the mesh-infiltrated cells showed a non-significant increase of M2 macrophages when the cell group was compared with the control group 1 week after implantation. A significant decrease in the gene expression of VEGF and a significant increase in TNF expression were determined in the cell group 1 month after implantation compared with gene expressions in the control group (p < 0.05). Here, we propose an easy and feasible method to combine stem cell therapy and minimally invasive surgical techniques for hernia repair. In this study, stem cell therapy did not show a great immunomodulatory or regenerative effect in overcoming hernia-related complications. However, our clinically relevant animal model with congenital hernia closely resembles the clinical human condition. Further studies should be focused on this valuable animal model to evaluate stem cell therapies in hernia surgery.

Imaging Postoperative Abdominal Hernias: A Review with a Clinical Perspective

Postoperative internal hernia is a challenging but critical diagnosis in postoperative patients presenting with acute abdomen. Postoperative internal hernias are increasingly being recognized after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and bariatric surgeries. These internal hernias have a high risk of closed-loop obstruction and bowel ischemia; therefore, prompt recognition is necessary. Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice in cases of postoperative acute abdomen. Understanding the types of postoperative internal hernia and their common imaging features on CT is crucial for the abdominal radiologist. Postoperative external hernias are usually a result of defect or weakness of the abdominal wall created because of the surgery. CT helps in the detection, delineation, diagnosis of complications, and surgical planning of an external hernia. In this article, the anatomy, pathophysiology, and CT features of common postoperative hernias are discussed. Afterreading this review, the readers should be able to (1) enumerate the common postoperative internal and external abdominal hernias, (2) explain the pathophysiology and surgical anatomy of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-related hernia, (3) identify the common imaging features of postoperative hernia, and (4) diagnose the complications of postoperative hernias.

Minimally invasive repair for lateral ventral hernia: tailored approach from a hernia centre at a tertiary care institution

INTRODUCTION

Lateral ventral hernia (LVH) is rare and can be primary or secondary. Surgical treatment of this rare hernia type is challenging due the anatomic location and technical challenges in placement and secure anchoring of mesh.

METHOD

Patient demographic data, intra-operative data and post-operative outcomes on all LVH repairs performed with endo-laparoscopic and robotic approach between 2016 to 2018 were reviewed and analysed.

RESULTS

22 LVH were repaired in 21 patients. 9 had primary hernia and 13 had secondary hernia. All patients underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for hernia repair with no conversion to open surgery. Fascial defect closure and placement of mesh were performed in all cases. Different approaches were utilized: 9 hernia repaired with laparoscopic intra-peritoneal on-lay mesh technique with defect closure (IPOM +), 4 had laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair (TAPP), another 4 had extended totally extra-peritoneal repair (eTEP), 3 had robotic TAPP (rTAPP) and 2 repaired with trans-abdominal partial extra-peritoneal (TAPE) approach. 4 (19%) of the patients developed post-operative seroma which were managed conservatively. No other significant complication was noted, and no chronic pain or recurrence reported within a minimum follow-up of 12 months.

CONCLUSION

This case series gives a broad outline of possible MIS options available for LVH repair and recommendations for a tailored approach. The surgical technique needs to be individualized according to the size and anatomic location of the defect, other intra-operative findings and patient characteristics.

Video-Assisted Mini-Open Sublay (VAMOS): A Simple Hybrid Approach for Lateral Incisional Hernias

Purpose

The purpose is to present a new hybrid approach of lateral incisional hernia repair associated with reduced operative trauma and anatomically optimal mesh placement.

Methods

Video-Assisted Mini-Open Sublay (VAMOS) consists of a laparoscopic atraumatic dissection of the hernia sac, diaphanoscopy, laparoscopically-assisted closure of the fascial gap and mesh placement in sublay position through a minimized skin incision. Feasibility of this concept was assessed in a cohort of 7 consecutive patients.

Results

VAMOS approach was feasible in all 7 patients. Median hernia size was 8 cm, the median skin incision width was 7.7 cm. Median operative time was 86 min. In all patients a sufficient mesh overlap on all sides of the fascial gap was ensured. On short-term follow-up no procedure related complications were recorded, seroma formation occurred in 2 patients. Pain medication was necessary for median 4.9 days. There was no need for pain medication on day 14, whatsoever.

Conclusion

Initial VAMOS results show that the technique is simple, time-saving and safe. It provides a substantial reduction in postoperative pain compared to an open approach. Through implantation in the intermuscular sublay position and minor access-related trauma, it is possible to achieve a biomechanically optimal mesh position, to lay the foundations for adequate remodelling of the abdominal wall, and to prevent recurrence as well as local complications. All in all, VAMOS appears to have several advantages over current surgical strategies.