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

Incisional hernias post renal transplant: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Incisional hernia (IH) post renal transplant (RT) is relatively uncommon and can be challenging to manage clinically due to the presence of the kidney graft and patient immunosuppression. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesises the current literature in relation to IH rates, risk factors and outcomes post RT.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched up to July 2023. The most up to date Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines were followed. Pertinent clinical information was synthesised. A meta-analysis of the pooled proportions of IH rates, the rates of patients requiring surgical repair and the rates of recurrence post RT are reported.

RESULTS

Twenty studies comprising 16,018 patients were included in this analysis. The pooled rate of IH occurrence post RT was 4% (CI 3-5%). The pooled rate of IH repair post RT was 61% (CI 14-100%). The pooled rate of IH recurrence after repair was 16% (CI 9-23%). Risk factors identified for IH development post RT are BMI, immunosuppression, age, smoking, incision type, reoperation, concurrent abdominal wall hernia, lymphocele formation and pulmonary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

IH post RT is uncommon and the majority of IH post RT are repaired surgically on an elective basis.

Abdominal wall complications after kidney transplantation: A clinical review

Introduction

Abdominal wall complications are common after kidney transplantation, and although they have a minor impact on patient and graft survival, they increase the patient's morbidity and may have an impact on quality of life. Abdominal wall complications have an overall incidence of 7.7–21%.

Methods

This review will explore the natural history of abdominal wall complications in the kidney transplant setting, with a special focus on wound dehiscence and incisional herni, with a particular emphasis on risk factors, clinical characteristics, and treatment.

Results

Many patient‐related risk factors have been suggested, including older age, obesity, and smoking, but kidney transplant recipients have an additional risk related to the use of immunosuppression. Wound dehiscence usually does not require surgical intervention. However, for deep dehiscence involving the fascial layer with concomitant infection, surgical treatment and/or negative pressure wound therapy may be required.

Conclusions

Incisional hernia (IH) may affect 1.1–18% of kidney transplant recipients. Most patients require surgical treatment, either open or laparoscopic. Mesh repair is considered the gold standard for the treatment of IH, since it is associated with a low rate of postoperative complications and an acceptable rate of recurrence. Biologic mesh could be an attractive alternative in patients with graft exposition or infection.

A preventable cause of transplant hydroureteronephrosis: inguinal herniation of the transplant ureter: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Transplant ureter obstruction is an important cause of graft loss after kidney transplantation. Most cases occur early after transplantation and are related to surgical causes or ischaemic strictures. Underlying mechanisms of late ureteral obstruction are less well understood.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 61-year-old man who showed gradual decline in renal allograft function and hydronephrosis nine years after transplantation, due to an inguinal herniation of the transplant ureter. After urinary diversion using a percutaneous nephrostomy, graft function restored and the patient underwent surgery. The ureter was reduced from the inguinal hernia and re-implanted in the bladder, with primary closure of the abdominal wall defect. Postoperative course was uneventful and serum creatinine returned to baseline levels.

DISCUSSION

Search of relevant literature revealed a number of similar cases, which allowed identification of risk factors associated to the development of uretero-inguinal herniation leading to obstructive nephropathy. Diagnosis of this rare cause of transplant dysfunction and operative treatment strategies are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Inguinal herniation of the transplant ureter leading to ureteral obstruction is a rare, probably underreported, cause graft of dysfunction. Therefore, we advocate elective repair of inguinal or incisional hernias in renal transplant recipients.

Incisional Lumbodorsal Hernias Following Retroperitoneal Robotic Partial Nephrectomies for Small Renal Masses at a High-Volume Tertiary Referral Center

Introduction: Herein we evaluate the incidence of incisional lumbodorsal hernia (ILDH) after retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (RRPN) and associated patient-specific and tumor-specific risk factors. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate the role of routine lumbodorsal fascial closure for the prevention of ILDH. Methodology: This is a retrospective review of our robotic partial nephrectomy database of all RRPNs performed at Washington University School of Medicine from 2000 to 2020. Postoperative imaging was reviewed for evidence of ILDH. A clinically significant hernia was defined as the protrusion of visceral organ(s) through the lumbodorsal fascia. Patient and tumor characteristics, and fascial closure techniques were analyzed to determine predictors of ILDH. Results: In total, 150 patients underwent RRPN between 2007 and 2020 with an average follow-up of 4.9 (1-37) months. Twelve (8%) ILDHs were identified. Ten (6.7%) patients had herniated retroperitoneal fat whereas 2 (1.3%) patients had herniated colon. All were asymptomatic and managed conservatively. On matched cohort comparison, patients with ILDH had larger tumors than patients without an incisional hernia (3.9 cm vs 2.8 cm, p = 0.029). In general, patient factors were no different between patients with and without ILDH. However, coronary artery disease (CAD) was more prevalent in patients with ILDH (33.3% vs 10.9%, p = 0.028). Patients with ILDH were more likely to have a port site extended for specimen extraction (66.7% vs 38.2%, p = 0.069). Lumbodorsal fascial closure and type of suture material were not associated with prevention of ILDH (p = 0.545, p = 0.637). Conclusion: The radiographic incidence of lumbar incisional hernias after RRPN without routine fascial closure of the extraction incision was 8%. All were asymptomatic and did not require surgical repair. Larger tumor size and CAD were associated with ILDH.

A systematic review of outcome reporting in incisional hernia surgery

Background

The incidence of incisional hernia is up to 20 per cent after abdominal surgery. The management of patients with incisional hernia can be complex with an array of techniques and meshes available. Ensuring consistency in reporting outcomes across studies on incisional hernia is important and will enable appropriate interpretation, comparison and data synthesis across a range of clinical and operative treatment strategies.

Methods

Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE (from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. All studies documenting clinical and patient-reported outcomes for incisional hernia were included.

Results

In total, 1340 studies were screened, of which 92 were included, reporting outcomes on 12 292 patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. Eight broad-based outcome domains were identified, including patient and clinical demographics, hernia-related symptoms, hernia morphology, recurrent incisional hernia, operative variables, postoperative variables, follow-up and patient-reported outcomes. Clinical outcomes such as hernia recurrence rates were reported in 80 studies (87 per cent). A total of nine different definitions for detecting hernia recurrence were identified. Patient-reported outcomes were reported in 31 studies (34 per cent), with 18 different assessment measures used.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates the significant heterogeneity in outcome reporting in incisional hernia studies, with significant variation in outcome assessment and definitions. This is coupled with significant under-reporting of patient-reported outcomes.

Obstructive Uropathy Due to an Unusual Inguinal Hernia 35 Years After Kidney Transplant

In a kidney transplant recipient, bladder and graft ureter displacement into a groin hernia is a highly unusual cause of obstructive uropathy that may lead to graft dysfunction or graft loss. We report the case of a White man, 56 years old, who had previously, at the age of 19 years, undergone a kidney transplant from a deceased donor, to mitigate chronic glomerulonephritis. The patient presented to us with a reducible left inguinal hernia with worsening kidney function, and we used the Lichtenstein hernioplasty technique to surgically repair the hernia, which was followed by an uneventful postoperative course. Existing literature has identified few cases of kidney graft dysfunction due to inguinal hernias. Groin hernia repair of this type in this specific circumstance remains a subject of debate. However, in our opinion, with attention to appropriate reductions of immunosuppressive therapy, the Lichtenstein technique is safe for transplant recipients and the use of mesh greatly reduces the risk of hernia recurrence.

Incisional hernia repair outcome after renal transplantation in a reference center. Our experience of 7 years

INTRODUCTION

Incisional hernias secondary to renal transplantation (IHRT) are considered complex hernias because they are lateral to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The presence of the graft in the iliac fossa and the proximity to the inguinal area, costal margin and iliac bones, as zones with difficult fixation for prostheses, increases repair complexity. In addition, these patients have specific characteristics, such as treatment with immunosuppressive medication, that could alter postoperative evolution. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained in IHRT repair at a tertiary hospital, and to compare these data with the international literature.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of patients treated surgically for IHRT in our unit from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2018. Preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors and postoperative complications during follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients underwent hernia repair, finding a 4% hernia recurrence rate during a median follow-up of 27.5 months (20-39). The most frequently used technique was the posterior transversus abdominis release component separation technique in 42%, followed by preperitoneal repair in 27% and interoblique repair in 12%. The overall postoperative morbidity was 23%, which was frequently related to the surgical site (12%).

CONCLUSIONS

IHRT repair is a safe procedure at our medical center, with an acceptable rate of hernia recurrence, but it is not without complications.

Laparoscopic Repair of Boundary Incisional Hernia in a Kidney Transplant Patient: A Safe Tacks-Fibrin Glue Combined Mesh Fixation Technique

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernia in renal transplant patients is a complication that negatively affects the global outcome of transplant and quality of life. The repair of this condition was classically made by open repair with mesh. Increasing evidence suggests that laparoscopic repair could be advocated as the technique of choice in these patients with optimal results. However, the fixation of mesh should be performed by a mixed combination of fibrin sealant (lateral margin of wall defect) and tacks (medial margin). The tacks fixation of the mesh along the lateral margin of the wall defect, close to the graft, is generally difficult for the small size of the remaining aponeurotic plane and dangerous for the underlying presence of the graft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case of incisional hernia in a kidney transplant recipient was repaired by laparoscopic mesh technique. The polypropylene-polyglycolic acid composite mesh was fastened with a mixed technique of absorbable tacks for medial margin of the defect and fibrin sealant for the lateral side in contiguity with graft surface.

RESULTS

The patient was discharged after 4 days. The 6-month follow-up did not show mesh displacement or recurrence of hernia.

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic mesh repair may become the criterion standard for kidney transplant patients affected by incisional hernia. The difficulties of mesh fixation close to the graft can be overcome by the combination of fibrin sealant glue and absorbable tacks at different margins of the wall defect. This technique may offer advantages for this population of patients.

Surgical outcomes of renal transplant recipients after abdominal surgery not connected with transplantation. A retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Due to the increasing number of patients after kidney transplantation, elective and emergency surgery of transplanted patients is becoming a relevant challenge in clinical routine. The current data on complication rate of patients after kidney transplantation, which must undergo another elective or emergency abdominal surgery, is inhomogeneous. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of renal transplant patients undergoing abdominal and abdominal wall surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed an observational study of patients after kidney transplantation undergoing graft-unrelated abdominal surgery between 2005 and 2015. We randomly created a non-transplanted control for a case-matched controlled analysis. Primary endpoint was the comparison of complication rate. Secondary, a risk analysis of all patients was performed and differences in mortality, length of hospital stay and reoperation rates were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall 101 kidney transplanted patients were eligible for inclusion. 20 (19.8%) died after graft-unrelated surgery and 60 (59.4%) suffered from postoperative complications. Case-matched analysis could be performed for 84 out of these 101 patients. We found no significant difference in morbidity rate (58.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.090). Transplanted patients had, however, a significantly higher mortality (19% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.001), a longer hospital stay (28.2 vs. 16.9 days, p = 0.020) and a higher rate of re-operations (38.1% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.017). .

CONCLUSIONS

Patients after renal transplantation undergoing graft-unrelated abdominal surgery have a significantly increased mortality risk, are more frequently re-operated and have to stay significantly longer in hospital than non-transplanted patients.

Outcomes Following Colorectal Resection in Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at increased risk of requiring colorectal resection compared to the general population. Given the need for lifelong immunosuppression and the physiologic impact of years of renal replacement, we hypothesized that colorectal resection may be riskier for this unique population.

METHODS

We investigated the differences in mortality, morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and cost between 2410 KTR and 1,433,437 non-KTR undergoing colorectal resection at both transplant and non-transplant centers using the National Inpatient Sample between 2000 and 2013, adjusting for patient and hospital level factors.

RESULTS

In hospital, mortality was higher for KTR in comparison to non-KTR (11.1 vs 4.3%, p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] _2.683.59_4.81) as were overall complications (38.5 vs 31.5%, p = 0.001; aOR _1.081.30_1.56). LOS was significantly longer (10 vs 7 days, p < 0.001; ratio _1.421.53_1.65) and cost was significantly greater ($23,056 vs $14,139, p < 0.001; ratio _1.421.54_1.63) for KTR compared to non-KTR. While LOS was longer for KTR undergoing resection at transplant centers compared to non-transplant centers (aOR 1.68 vs 1.53, p = 0.03), there were no statistically significant differences in mortality, overall morbidity, or cost by center type.

CONCLUSIONS

KTR have higher mortality, higher incidence of overall complications, longer LOS, and higher cost than non-KTR following colorectal resection, regardless of center type. Physicians should consider these elevated risks when planning for surgery in the KTR population and counsel patients accordingly.

Optimal surgical management in kidney and pancreas transplantation to minimise wound complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Immunosuppression in transplant patients increases the risk of wound complications. However, an optimal surgical approach to kidney and pancreas transplantation can minimise this risk.

Materials and methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine factors contributing to incisional hernia formation in kidney and pancreas transplant recipients. Bias appraisal of studies was conducted via the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We considered recipient factors, surgical methods, and complications of repair.

Results

The rate of incisional hernia formation in recipients of kidney and pancreas transplants was 4.4% (CI 95% 2.6-7.3, p < 0.001). Age above or below 50 years did not predict hernia formation (Q (1) = 0.09, p = 0.77). Body mass index (BMI) above 25 (10.8%, CI 95% 3.2-30.9, p < 0.001) increased the risk of an incisional hernia. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) use significantly reduced the risk of incisional hernia from 11.9% (CI 95% 4.3-28.7, p < 0.001) to 3.8% (CI 95% 2.5-5.7, p < 0.001), Q (1) = 4.25, p = 0.04. Sirolimus significantly increased the rate of incisional hernia formation from 3.7% (CI 95% 1.7-7.1, p < 0.001) to 18.1% (CI 95% 11.7-27, p < 0.001), Q (1) = 13.97, p < 0.001. While paramedian (4.1% CI 95% 1.7-9.4, p < 0.001) and Rutherford-Morrison incisions (5.6% CI 95% 2.5-11.7, p < 0.001) were associated with a lower rate of hernia compared to hockey-stick incisions (8.5% CI 95% 3.1-21.2, p < 0.001) these differences were not statistically significant (Q (1) = 1.38, p = 0.71). Single layered closure (8.1% CI 95% 4.9-12.8, p < 0.001) compared to fascial closure (6.1% CI 95% 3.4-10.6, p < 0.001) did not determine the rate of hernia formation [Q (1) = 0.55, p = 0.46].

Conclusions

Weight reduction and careful immunosuppression selection can reduce the risk of a hernia. Rutherford-Morrison incisions along with single-layered closure represent a safe and effective technique reducing operating time and costs.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis of methods of mesh fixation during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Ventral hernia repairs are common and have high recurrence rates. They are usually repaired laparoscopically with an intraperitoneal mesh, which can be fixed in various ways. The aim was to evaluate the recurrence rates for the different fixation techniques.

METHODS

This systematic review included studies with human adults with a ventral hernia repaired with an intraperitoneal onlay mesh. The outcome was recurrence at least 6 months after operation. Cohort studies with 50 or more participants and all RCTs were included. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched on 22 September 2016. RCTs were assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and cohort studies with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Studies comparing fixation techniques were included in a network meta-analysis, which allowed comparison of more than two fixation techniques.

RESULTS

Fifty-one studies with a total of 6553 participants were included. The overall crude recurrence rates with the various fixation techniques were: absorbable tacks, 17·5 per cent (2 treatment groups); absorbable tacks with sutures, 0·7 per cent (3); permanent tacks, 7·7 per cent (20); permanent tacks with sutures, 6·0 per cent (25); and sutures, 1·5 per cent (6). Six studies were included in a network meta-analysis, which favoured fixation with sutures. Although statistical significance was not achieved, there was a 93 per cent chance of sutures being better than one of the other methods.

CONCLUSION

Both crude recurrence rates and the network meta-analysis favoured fixation with sutures during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Laparoscopy After Liver Transplant: Result of an Initial Series

There are few reports about laparoscopic approach after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this paper is to analyze in terms of feasibility and therapeutic effectiveness an initial experience with laparoscopy in patients who have had a liver transplantation.

METHODS

Laparoscopic procedures were divided into "early" and "late" laparoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 10 laparoscopic procedures after LT were performed in 9 patients: 3 early and 7 late. The early laparoscopic procedures were performed in 3 patients who had a torpid evolution in their liver transplant: 2 were diagnostic only and 1 was also therapeutic. There were no intraoperative events or conversions. We recorded 2 complications. In 7 patients a late laparoscopy was performed: 4 in the upper abdomen and 3 in the lower abdomen. Of the 4 in the upper abdomen, 3 were liver procedures and 1 was in the transverse colon, on the other side; in addition, 2 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs and 1 laparoscopic appendectomy also were performed. None of these 7 cases was converted, and there were no intraoperative events.

CONCLUSIONS

The early postoperative period, in critically ill patients diagnostic and eventually therapeutic laparoscopy was feasible and effective in our cases. Late laparoscopy in the upper abdomen is difficult due to adhesions and adds to the risk of poor graft function, but was feasible for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Late laparoscopy in the lower abdomen with good graft function has the same safety and efficacy as those performed on nontransplanted patients.

Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia in solid organ-transplanted patients: the method of choice?

Due to immunosuppressive (IS) therapy, incisional hernias are overrepresented in the organ-transplanted (Tx) population with larger defects, a high rate of recurrence, and a tendency toward more seromas and infectious problems. Thirty-one Tx/IS patients with a control group of 70 non-IS patients with incisional hernia (6/7 recurrences) were included in a prospective interventional study. Both cohorts were treated with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Follow-up time and rate was 37 months and 95%. One hundred LVHR's were completed as there was one conversion in the Tx/IS group. No late infections or mesh removals occurred. Recurrence rates were 9.7% vs. 4.2% (P = 0.37) and the overall complication rates were 19% vs. 27% (P = 0.80). The Tx/IS group had a higher mesh-protrusion rate (29% vs. 13%, P = 0.09), but also larger hernias. Polycystic kidney disease was overrepresented in the Tx cohort (44% of kidney-Tx). Incisional hernias in Tx/IS patients may be treated by LVHR with the same low complication rate and recurrence rate as non-IS patients. By LVHR, the highly problematic seroma/infection problems encountered in Tx/IS patients treated by conventional open technique seem almost eliminated. The minimally invasive procedure seems particularly rational in the Tx/Is population and should be the method of choice. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00455299, date: 5 May 2006).

[Multimodal oncological therapy concepts, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs: effects on surgical morbidity and mortality]

Systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiotherapy for patients with malignant tumors lead to unfavorable surgical conditions with increased risks of postoperative complications. For gastric cancer and cancer of the esophagogastric junction, surgery after neoadjuvant treatment is associated with a mortality of approximately 5 %. Given the increase in metastatic surgery for colorectal carcinoma, surgeons should be aware of the specific side effects of therapeutic drugs to ensure an optimal course of treatment. The impact of chemotherapy-induced hepatic lesions on postoperative development is unclear. Bevacizumab treatment should be stopped at least 5 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events, bleeding and wound healing complications. Immunosuppressive and immunomodulating agents alter wound healing and preoperative alterations should be carefully evaluated. For patients with chronic corticosteroid therapy, perioperative supplementation should be considered when planning surgery as well as routine dosages.

Surgical procedures not connected with transplantation in patients after kidney or kidney and pancreas transplant with stable function of graft

The aim of the study was to evaluate complication during and after surgical procedure without connection with transplantation among patients after kidney, kidney and pancreas transplantation with stable function of graft.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

54 patients underwent 62 surgical procedures without connection with transplantation procedure. Main characteristic: standard immunosuppressive treatment, main age 51.1±13.95 years, men 77.4%, hospitalization time 5.27±3.31 day, group 1 - 55 procedures among patients after kidney transplantation, group 2 - 7 procedure among patients after kidney and pancreas transplantation.

RESULTS

Procedures from general surgery comprised 60% [cholecystectomy 19 (51%), left hemicolectomy 1 (3%), esophagus removal 1 (3%), hernia repair 8 (22%), nefrectomy 3 (8%), pancreas transplantation in patients with functional renal graft 1 (3%), laparotomy 4 (11%), vascular surgery 27% (correction of arteriovenosus fistula 13 (76%), by-pass surgery 1 (6%), embolectomy 1 (6%), implantation of aortal - iliac stentgraft 1 (6%), surgery of iliac artery 1 (6%)]. There has been no difference between parameters measured before and after procedure: creatinine (p=0.93), GFR (p=0.07), urea (p=0.25), glycaemia (p=0.322), glycated hemoglobin (p=0.3), C-peptide (p=0.3). In both groups were no differences in levels of creatinine (p=0.78) and urea (p=0.23), measured in the next years after surgical procedure. Mortality 0%, lost of graft 0%, in - hospital morbidity 10 (16.2%) (hematoma 1.6%, endocavitary electrode 1.6%, wound healing defect 16.2%). Morbidity in group 1 - 12.7%, group 2 - 48.8%, p=0.04.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical procedures performed in a specialist center do not impaire prognosis of patients with stable function of graft, after kidney, kidney and pancreas transplantation.