Abdominal Wall Hernias: Imaging Features, Complications, and Diagnostic Pitfalls at Multi–Detector Row CT

Prevalence of Umbilical Hernias by Computed Tomography

INTRODUCTION

Umbilical hernias (UHs) are commonly underdiagnosed due to their asymptomatic presentation. The aim was to determine the prevalence of UHs by computed tomography (CT) in a trauma center, to assess the magnitude of their underdiagnosis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed, using CT studies to evaluate the integrity of the abdominal wall. The images were obtained from consecutive cases of adult patients (≥18 y) from the database of the radiology and imaging service during a 4-mo period. The sociodemographic features, type of CT scan, and description of the abdominal wall were obtained and compared with the radiology report. In the case of UH presence, the transversal, cephalocaudal, and anteroposterior lengths, as well as its content, were registered.

RESULTS

A total of 472 CT scans were included with a 67.6% (n = 319) prevalence of UH. These were most common in men (58.9%, n = 188/319), but women were more likely to have UH ≥ 10 mm (55%, n = 72/131). Of those with UH, 63.6% were unreported by radiology. The most common content was peritoneal fat (87.5%). UH had medians (interquartile range) of 9.1 mm (6.8, 12.5), 8.3 mm (6, 11.5), and 12.8 mm (8.6, 18.2) in its transversal, cephalocaudal, and anteroposterior lengths, respectively. Transversal length had a high positive correlation with cephalocaudal length (r = 0.877). This datum relationship can be explained by at least 76% due to this factor. Interobserver reliability analyses resulted in substantial reliability (ICC>0.85 and k > 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

CT is an effective imaging tool for diagnosing UH. There is a high prevalence among the general adult population, with a high radiologic underreporting.

Underdiagnosis of umbilical hernias in CT scans in a multicenter study - the radiologically neglected pathology and its surgical implications

PURPOSE

Umbilical hernias (UH) have a higher prevalence than previously considered. With the high workload radiologists must endure, UH can be missed when interpreting a computed tomography scan (CT). The clinical implications of its misdiagnosis are yet to be determined. Unreporting could lead to content lesions in surgical approaches and other potential complications. The aim was to determine the prevalence of UH using CT scans, and the incidence of radiological reporting.

METHODS

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed in four tertiary-level hospitals. CT scans were reviewed for abdominal wall defects at the umbilicus, and radiological reports were examined to compare findings. In the case of UH, transversal, anteroposterior, and craniocaudal lengths were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 1557 CTs were included, from which 971 (62.4%, 95% CI 0.59-0.64) had UH. Out of those, 629 (64.8%, 95% CI 0.61-0.67) of the defects were not included in the radiological report. Smaller UH (x̄: 7.7 × 6.0 mm) were more frequently missed. Of the reported UH, 187 (54.7%) included at least one axis measurement, 289 (84.5%) content description, and 146 (42.7%) whether or not there were complication signs.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of UH, and a high incidence of under-reporting. This raises the question of whether this is a population-based finding or the norm worldwide. The reason of under-reporting and the clinical implications of these must be addressed in further studies.

The Role of MRI in Groin Pain Syndrome in Athletes

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is one of the most frequent injuries in competitive sports. Stresses generated in the lower limbs by quick turns and accelerations, such as in soccer, basketball or hockey, can produce localized regions of increased forces, resulting in anatomical lesions. The differential diagnoses are numerous and comprise articular, extra-articular, muscular, tendinous and visceral clinical conditions and a correct diagnosis is crucial if treatment is to be efficient. MRI is the gold standard of diagnostic techniques, especially when an alternative pathology needs to be excluded and/or other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or radiography do not lead to a diagnosis. This paper, based on the current literature, gives a comprehensive review of the anatomy of the pubic region and of the typical MRI findings in those affected by GPS. Many clinical conditions causing GPS can be investigated by MRI within appropriate protocols. However, MRI shows limits in reliability in the investigation of inguinal and femoral hernias and therefore is not the imaging technique of choice for studying these clinical conditions.

Uncovering a Rare Case of Hepatic Round Ligament Epigastric Hernia

Abdominal wall hernias are one of the most common surgical diseases present in both males and females nowadays. However, with only a few cases reported in the literature, hepatic round ligament hernias are a rare clinical manifestation. This case shows how a common symptom such as epigastric pain can be associated with this rare condition. In general, abdominal computed tomography (CT) images are the choice of study to evaluate complications and the involvement of different intestinal sections. Some laboratory tests can be performed to suspect intestinal ischemia secondary to strangulated hernias. Primary repair utilizing mesh is the preferred surgical treatment. This procedure can be performed through laparoscopic or open technique, depending on the surgeon's skills and patient preference.

The Role of Imaging in the Pre- and Postoperative Evaluation of Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernia repair is the most frequently performed surgical procedure. Imaging has a fundamental role in initial assessment and postoperative evaluation of inguinal hernias. Clinical implications of radiology in the preoperative setting include diagnosis of occult/complicated hernias and enhancement of diagnostic certainty. Postoperatively, imaging may assist the detection and characterization of complications. Familiarity with the normal appearance of the postoperative groin area and surgical techniques is required to avoid misinterpretation. This pictorial essay provides an overview of the expected postoperative imaging findings and highlights the role of imaging in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of inguinal hernias, with emphasis on ultrasonography.

Acute Traumatic Lumbar Hernia: Report of Two Cases

Acute traumatic lumbar hernia (ATLH) is rare in blunt trauma and can be overlooked due to the presence of multiple injuries following the trauma incidence. ATLH is usually found at the time of radiological examination or during surgical exploration. Awareness of the clinicians about the possibility of ATLH can enhance early diagnosis and reduce the occurrence of serious complications including bowel obstruction and strangulation. Herein, we present two cases of ATLH in which one of them was treated conservatively in the acute stage and the other patient was treated surgically. Conservative management can be adopted in the acute stage with the delayed repair of the hernia after resolving the muscles' contusion. However, early operative intervention is essential if conservative management failed or in the event of acute deterioration of the patient's condition.

Spontaneous posterior rectus sheath hernia: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Hernias of the posterior rectus sheath are very rare abdominal wall hernias with only around 15 reported cases to date.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

This case report examines a 27-year-old female who is presented with epigastric abdominal pain and vomiting. An Abdomen CT scan was done and showed signs of SBO and herniation of the small bowel at the posterior rectus sheath. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy that showed right-sided posterior rectus sheath obstructed hernia, which was repaired with primary closure. Postoperatively, the patient was doing well and was discharged on postoperative day 3 in good general condition.

CONCLUSION

The patient had no complaints during her follow-up at one month. Due to its rarity and potential complications, it is also important to report this case to enhance the evidence base for posterior rectus sheath hernia and to familiarise this uncommon condition to radiologists, clinicians, and surgeons.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) complications: what diagnostic radiologists should know

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective therapy for portal hypertension complications and can successfully treat variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. Although TIPS is relatively safe, procedural- or shunt-related morbidity can reach 20%, and procedural complications have a fatality rate of 2%. Delayed recognition and treatment of TIPS complications can lead to life-threatening clinical scenarios. Complications can vary from stent migration or malpositioning to nontarget organ injury, TIPS dysfunction, encephalopathy, or liver failure. This review aims to outline the role of diagnostic radiology in assessing post-TIPS complications.

Emergency Surgery Rates Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Access Sensitive Surgical Conditions

INTRODUCTION

Access sensitive surgical conditions should be treated electively with optimal access but result in emergency operations when access is limited. However, the rates of emergency procedures for these conditions are unknown.

METHODS

Cross-sectional retrospective review of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent access sensitive surgical procedures (abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, colectomy for colorectal cancer, or incisional hernia repair) between 2014 and 2018. Risk-adjusted outcomes using a multivariable logistical regression that adjusted for patient factors (age, sex, race, and Elixhauser comorbidities), hospital characteristics (ownership, size, geographic region, surgical volume) and type of operation were compared between planned and emergency (urgent and emergent) surgical procedures. Outcome measures were rates of emergency procedures as well as associated postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 744,818 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing access sensitive surgical procedures, 259,541 (34.9%) were done in the emergency setting. Risk-adjusted rates of emergency surgery varied widely across hospital service areas from 23.28% (lowest decile) to 54.88% (highest decile) (Odds Ratio 4.74; P < 0.001). Emergency procedures were associated with significantly higher rates of 30-d mortality (8.15% versus 3.65%, P < 0.001) and readmissions (16.28% versus 12.88%, P < 0.001) compared to elective procedures. Sensitivity analysis with younger and healthier beneficiaries demonstrated persistently high rates (23.3%) of emergency surgery with wide regional variation and worse patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency surgery for access sensitive surgical conditions is extremely common and varied almost fivefold across United States hospital service areas. This suggests there are opportunities to improve access for these common surgical conditions.

Stomach Within a Large Inguinal Hernia

We are reporting a case of massively enlarged left inguinal hernia containing the stomach and presenting with coffee ground emesis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) identified a non-ischemic stomach with three small gastric ulcers. The patient opted for non-surgical management.

Usefulness of dynamic ultrasound in the diagnosis of epigastric herniation of stomach

Introduction

Abdominal wall hernia contents usually consist of omental or mesenteric fat or loops of small or large bowel. Gastric involvement has been only rarely reported.

Case report

We present a case of a 62-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital due to epigastric pain and vomiting. On physical examination, the only observed abnormality was a soft, painless, epigastric bulge located in the upper midline. Based on the clinical presentation, the patient was diagnosed with a probable epigastric hernia. Dynamic ultrasound evaluation of the palpable bulge confirmed the presence of epigastric hernia demonstrating the movement of abdominal contents through a large wall defect. Surprisingly, the herniated contents were found to contain also the anterior wall of the distal stomach together with omental fat and vessels. The patient opted for surgery, which confirmed the presence of an epigastric hernia containing the distal portion of stomach.

Discussion

In this case, dynamic ultrasound provided added value over computed tomography by clearly demonstrating stomach passing from the abdominal cavity to enter into the hernia sac and it is therefore reported for both its rarity and interest. To our knowledge, this is the first such ultrasound-based case report presented in literature and certainly the best sonographically documented.

Conclusion

We anticiapte that this case report will promote the use of dynamic ultrasound in current practice as an effective imaging tool to recognise unusual types of hernias.

DECOMP Report: Answers surgeons expect from an abdominal wall imaging exam

Abdominal wall (AW) hernias are a common problem faced by general surgeons. With an essentially clinical diagnosis, abdominal hernias have been considered a simple problem to be repaired. However, long-term follow-up of patients has shown disappointing results, both in terms of complications and recurrence. In this context, preoperative planning with control of comorbidities and full knowledge of the hernia and its anatomical relationships with the AW has gained increasing attention. Computed tomography (CT) appears to be the best option to determine the precise size and location of abdominal hernias, presence of rectus diastase and/or associated muscle atrophy, as well as the proportion of the hernia in relation to the AW itself. This information might help the surgeon to choose the best surgical technique (open vs MIS), positioning and fixation of the meshes, and eventual need for application of botulinum toxin, preoperative pneumoperitoneum or component separation techniques. Despite the relevance of the findings, they are rarely described in CT scans as radiologists are not used to report findings of the AW as well as to know what information is really needed. For these reasons, we gathered a group of surgeons and radiologists to establish which information about the AW is important in a CT. Finally, a structured report is proposed to facilitate the description of the findings and their interpretation.

Effects of Kinesiotaping along with abdomen and pelvic floor exercise on diastasis recti abdominis for postpartum women in normal delivery versus LSCS

Introduction and Aim: Women are prone to massive stretching on the abdomen at postpartum period. Hence, the need for the study is to determine the prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis at postpartum period. The aim of the study is to increase the abdominal strength among postpartum women with DRAM (Diastasis Recti Abdominis Muscle) by abdominal and pelvic floor exercise along with Kinesiotaping (KT). Methodology: A total of 50 subjects with diastasis recti were selected based on selection criteria, divided into two groups – group A with 25 subjects who have undergone Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD) and group B with 25 subjects who have undergone Lower Section Caesarian Section (LSCS). The reason for the review was disclosed to the patient and definite concern was acquired, in view of particular testing technique. Pre-tests were done using Vernier calipers, followed with pre-test intervention procedures started with abdomen exercises (Abdominal tuck-in), SLR (Straight Leg Raise) and pelvic floor exercise (pelvic bridging and Kegel’s exercises). The activities were done for 30minutes each day 2 meetings for a considerable length of time. After the end of treatment, post-test was finished utilizing a similar result measure.In view of the information gathered from every one of the examples, measurable examination was finished.  Results: On looking at pre and post-test inside group A and group B values, it showed identical distinction between group A and group B. Group A (KT with practice for NVD), showed better improvement. Additionally, group B (KT with practice for LSCS) showed a decent improvement yet not that as group A. Conclusion: This study concludes that abdominal exercises along with Kinesiotaping among postpartum women undergone NVD had considerable effects in reducing diastasis recti abdominis. It assists with increasing the abs strength and reestablishing post pregnancy stomach productivity.

Sciatic foramen anatomy and common pathologies: a pictorial review

This article reviews the relevant anatomy, imaging features on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and management of common processes involving the sciatic foramen. The anatomy of the sciatic foramen is complex and provides an important conduit between the pelvis, gluteus, and lower extremity. This paper reviewed the anatomy, common pathologies, and imaging features of this region including trauma, infection, nerve entrapment, tumor spread, hernia, and vascular anomaly.

Relatório DECOMP: Respostas que os cirurgiões esperam de um exame de imagem da parede abdominal

RESUMO Hérnias da parede abdominal são um problema bastante comum enfrentado pelo cirurgiões gerais. De diagnóstico essencialmente clínico, as hérnias abdominais durante muito tempo têm sido consideradas um problema de simples reparo. Entretanto, o acompanhamento de longo prazo dos pacientes têm demonstrado resultados desapontadores, tanto em termos de complicações quanto risco de recidiva da hérnia. Neste contexto, o planejamento pré-operatório com controle de comorbidades e pleno conhecimento da hérnia e suas relações anatômicas com a parede abdominal têm ganho cada vez mais atenção. A tomografia de abdome parece ser a melhor opção para determinar o tamanho e localização precisos das hérnias abdominais, presença de diastase de músculo reto e/ou atrofia da parede associada, assim como proporção da hérnia em relação a parede abdominal. Essas informações podem auxiliar o cirurgião na escolha da melhor técnica cirúrgica (aberta vs. MIS), posicionamento e fixação das telas, e eventual necessidade de aplicação de toxina botulínica, pneumoperitônio pré-operatório ou técnicas de separação de componentes. Apesar da relevância dos achados, eles são raramente descritos em exames de tomografia uma vez que os radiologistas não estão acostumados a olhar para a parede abdominal assim como não sabem quais as informações são realmente necessárias. Por estes motivos, nós reunimos um grupo de cirurgiões e radiologistas visando estabelecer quais são as informações da parede abdominal mais importantes em um exame de tomografia assim como propor um laudo estruturado para facilitar a descrição dos achados e sua interpretação.

Pre- and postsurgical imaging findings of abdominal wall hernias based on the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification

Abdominal wall hernias are common and can present as technical challenges to surgeons. When large, hernias diminish quality of life. Various classifications of incisional hernias have been proposed; however, there are many terms, sometimes causing confusion (1). Radiologists must know the normal anatomy of the abdominal wall, the CT protocol, and what if any maneuvers can be performed to better identify an abdominal wall defect. The description of the radiological approach for primary and incisional wall hernias is based on the 2007 European Hernia Society classification, with particular emphasis on presurgical and postsurgical imaging findings. This classification provides a simple and reproducible method to describe hernias to offer proper surgical management. We highlight this classification so that radiologists and surgeons can have a unified language.

Postoperative complications of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, and surgery is the most common treatment. Several surgical options are available, but each is associated with a range of potential complications. The timely and efficient identification of these complications is vital for effective clinical management of these patients in order to minimise their morbidity and mortality. This review aims to describe the range of commonly performed surgical treatments for colorectal surgery. In addition, frequent post-surgical complications are explored with investigative options explained and illustrated.

Strangulated Amyand's hernia: management during the COVID-19 pandemic

Amyand’s hernia, presence of the appendix within an inguinal hernial sac, is a rare condition. We report a case of a 68-year-old woman who presented during the COVID-19 pandemic with an acute right groin pain due to a tender incarcerated inguinal hernia. Cross-sectional imaging confirmed an Amyand’s hernia. She proceeded to open appendectomy via the inguinal canal and primary suture repair of her inguinal hernia. Patient was discharged the following day. Surgical management of Amyand’s hernia varies depending on the resources, clinical findings and personal experience. In our opinion and experience, open hernia reduction, appendectomy and primary tissue repair repairs the most effective and appropriate approach especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Complicated abdominal wall hernia mimicking an abdominal wall abscess: A case report

Abdominal wall hernias are a common imaging finding. Their most common complications include bowel obstruction, incarceration, strangulation and trauma. We report an exceptional case of spigelian hernia in 55 years old women complicated by perforation and massive subcutaneous emphysema which was correctly diagnosed by CT scan. This case showed the interest of CT scan with multiplanar reconstructions in the confirmation of the diagnosis.

Imaging and Treatment of Complications of Abdominal and Pelvic Mesh Repair

Surgical mesh is used most frequently for tension-free repair of abdominal wall hernias in adults, because the rate of hernia recurrence is lower with mesh than with primary soft-tissue repair. Since the introduction of polypropylene mesh in the middle of the 20th century, many mesh materials and configurations for specific surgical procedures have been developed. In addition to abdominal wall hernia repair, mesh may be used for repair of diaphragmatic hernias, urinary incontinence in women (female slings), genitourinary prolapse (vaginal mesh and sacrocolpopexy), rectal prolapse (rectopexy), and postprostatectomy male urinary incontinence (male slings). General mesh repair complications include chronic pain; fluid collections such as seromas, hematomas, and abscesses; adhesions that may lead to intestinal blockage; erosion into solid or hollow viscera including enterocutaneous fistulizing disease; and mesh failure characterized by mesh shrinkage, detachment, and migration with repair malfunction. Several mesh complications are often diagnosed with imaging, primarily with CT and less frequently with MRI and US, despite variable mesh visibility at imaging. This article reviews the common surgical mesh applications in the abdomen and pelvis, discusses imaging of mesh repair complications, and provides complication treatment highlights.^©RSNA, 2020.

Interstitial incisional hernia of greater omentum: An incidental finding during routine cadaveric dissection

Omental herniation, located between the rectus abdominis muscle and the anterior blade of the rectus sheath, can be triggered after a transverse suprapubic incision. It causes the development of an incisional interstitial hernia (IIH), which is an extremely rare and poorly understood condition. Based on this information, our work presents the first anatomical description of incisional interstitial hernia found during routine dissection at the Human Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Ceará in a formalized female corpse.

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.

Bowel ultrasonography in acute abdomen: beyond acute appendicitis

Acute abdomen is a common reason for consultation in the emergency department. A broad spectrum of entities, including diverse diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, can cause acute abdomen. Although computed tomography is the technique most widely used to evaluate acute abdomen in the emergency department, abdominal ultrasound is often performed first and allows bowel disease to be suspected. This article describes the ultrasound features of diverse bowel diseases that can cause acute abdomen, such as acute diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation, bowel ischemia, intraabdominal fat necrosis, and miscellaneous processes such as endometriosis, foreign bodies, or vasculitis. Radiologists must be familiar with the different features of abnormal bowel that can be detected incidentally in patients without clinical suspicion of bowel disease. This article focuses on ultrasonographic signs of bowel disease; other articles in this series cover the ultrasonographic signs of acute appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and infectious diseases.

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.

Amyand's Hernia: Perforated Appendix in an Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia

Amyand’s hernia is an unusual condition characterized by the presence of a normal or inflamed appendix located within an inguinal hernia. We present a rare situation wherein a 56-year-old male patient presented with an incarcerated inflamed appendix in a right inguinal hernia. He was emergently taken to the operating room, with diagnostic laparoscopy changed to open, due to incarcerated cecum and terminal ileum. The incarcerated segment had to be resected with primary anastomosis. The inflamed and purulent contents were washed out, and the hernia defect was left unrepaired due to the presence of abscess in the inguinal canal. 

Computed tomography options in the evaluation of hernia repair outcomes using "titanium silk" mesh implants

BACKGROUND

According to experimental studies, mesh implants may reduce in size up to 50.8% during their integration into soft tissues. This results in impaired mobility of the anterior abdominal wall and hernia recurrences, as well as affects patients' quality of life. Due to unsatisfactory radiographic contrast of polymeric mesh implants, changes in their size can be rarely confirmed using imaging methods. Medical devices made of metal alloys have the best radiographic contrast.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic contrast of mesh implants made of titanium filaments and to determine the sizes and locations of the implants after the anterior abdominal wall hernia repair.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The study included 40 patients with inguinal, umbilical, and postoperative ventral hernias. Surgical hernia repair was performed using a mash implant made of titanium filaments, "titanium silk". Multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) was performed on Days 3 and 90 after surgery, followed by an assessment of the size and location of the mesh implant.

RESULTS

90 days after the anterior abdominal wall hernia repair, the locations of the titanium silk mesh implants in the tissues corresponded to their intraoperative setting. There were no statistically significant changes in the sizes of mesh implants on Day 90, compared with Day 3.

CONCLUSION

The titanium silk mesh implants have satisfactory radiographic contrast, which allows imaging of their location and size in the tissues using MSCT and comprehensive evaluation of hernia repair outcomes using instrumental methods of examination.

Abdominal wall sonography: a pictorial review

The anterior abdominal wall, which is composed of three layers (skin and adipose tissues; the myofascial layer; and the deep layer, consisting of the transversalis fascia, preperitoneal fat, and the parietal peritoneum), has many functions: containment, support and protection for the intraperitoneal contents, and involvement in movement and breathing. While hernias are often encountered and well reviewed in the literature, the other abdominal wall pathologies are less commonly described. In this pictorial review, we briefly discuss the normal anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall, describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy, and present a wide range of pathologic abnormalities beyond hernias. Sonography emerges as the diagnostic imaging of first choice for assessing abdominal wall disorders, thus representing a valuable tool for ensuring appropriate management and limiting functional impairment.

Evaluation of the use of component separation in elderly patients: results of a large cohort study with 30-day follow-up

BACKGROUND

The incidence of massive ventral hernias among the elderly will increase as the population ages. Advanced age is often viewed as a contraindication to elective hernia repair. A relationship between age and complications of component separation procedures for ventral hernias is not well established. This study evaluated the effect of age on the peri-operative safety of AWR.

METHODS

The 2005-2013 ACS-NSQIP participant use data were reviewed to compare surgical site infection (SSI), overall morbidity, and serious morbidity in non-emergent component separation procedures among all age groups. All patients were stratified into four age quartiles and evaluated. Baseline characteristics included age, body mass index (BMI) and ASA 3 or 4 criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were reported as appropriate.

RESULTS

4485 patients were identified. Majority of the cases were clean (76.8%). Patients were divided into the following quartiles based on age. The older quartile had a mean age of 72.7 ± 4.87 years. There were baseline differences in BMI and chronic comorbidity severity (measured by incidence of ASA score of 3 or 4) between the age groups, with the oldest group having lower BMI but higher rate of ASA 3 or 4 (p < 0.0001 for both). The rate of postoperative SSI was significantly different between age quartile groups (ranging from 16.3% from the youngest group to 9.4% for the oldest group, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for other baseline differences, advanced age was independently associated with lower SSI rate (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.73). There was no significant difference in overall morbidity (p = 0.277) and serious morbidity (p = 0.131) between groups.

CONCLUSION

AWR is being performed with safety across all age groups. In selected patients of advanced age, AWR can be performed with similar safety profile and low SSI rate.

What's New in the Management of Incarcerated Hernia

Management of incarcerated hernias is a common issue facing general surgeons across the USA. When hernias are not able to be reduced, surgeons must make decisions in a short time frame with limited options for patient optimization. In this article, we review assessment and management options for incarcerated ventral and inguinal hernias.

CT and MRI features of tumors and tumor-like lesions in the abdominal wall

Masses involving the abdominal wall are common in clinical practice and have many etiologies, including tumors and tumor-like lesions. Abdominal wall tumors include primary and secondary tumors, the former of which constitute a heterogeneous group of soft tissue tumors with their own unique spectrum. Tumor-like lesions, such as hernias, are more common and must be distinguished from true tumors. Medical imaging is valuable for discovering, diagnosing, and evaluating the extent of abdominal wall masses. With the increasing application of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), determining a diagnosis or narrowing the differential diagnosis is often possible, thus facilitating effective management. In this article, we comprehensively review the spectrum of common abdominal wall masses and present the CT and MRI features of typical cases in our hospital. A systematic stepwise diagnostic approach is also proposed for clinical practice.

Spigelian Hernia Including the Urinary Bladder: A Rare Potential Cause of Surgical Complication

Spigelian hernia is a rare type of anterior abdominal wall hernia. While it is itself very rare, seeing urinary bladder in this hernia is even rarer. Here, in this case, we specifically illustrate a rare case of Spigelian hernia including the urinary bladder, diagnosed with computerized tomography.

Preoperative Abdominal Computed Tomography at Rest and During Valsalva’s Maneuver to Evaluate Incisional Hernias

Background. Incisional hernias (IHs) can develop in up to 15% of patients who underwent an abdominal surgical procedure. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the best examination to evaluate these patients before surgical repair. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of the abdominal CT scan during Valsalva’s maneuver in patients who are candidates for surgery. Methods. A retrospective cohort analysis conducted on prospectively recorded data was performed on 26 consecutive patients affected by IHs who underwent a preoperative abdominal CT scan both at rest and during Valsalva’s maneuver between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016. Results. Five patients (19%) had IH classified as M1-M2, 10 (39%) as M3, and 11 (42%) as M4-M5. Both the median IH orifice area (IHOA) and the median volume of the IH increased during straining ( P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). The percentage of the difference in volume ratios increased as the localization of the IH moved caudally. At the binary logistic regression analysis M3 IH, body mass index >28, IHOA > 156 cm2 at rest, and IHOA > 138 cm2 during Valsalva’s maneuver were risk factors for posterior component separation. Conclusions. The preoperative CT scan both at rest and during Valsalva’s maneuver seemed useful to estimate the risk of difficult IH repairs. Moreover, it could allow surgeons to decide if the patient should be addressed to more specialized centers.

Age-related changes in inguinal region anatomy from 0 to 19 years of age

Knowledge of the age-related changes in inguinal region anatomy is essential in pediatric urological and abdominal surgery, yet little is published. This study aimed to determine the position of inguinal region structures and growth of the surrounding pelvis and inguinal ligament in subjects from 0 to 19 years of age. Anonymized contrast-enhanced CT DICOM datasets of 103 patients (63 male: 40 female) aged from 0 to 19 years had left and right sides analyzed by three independent observers. Exclusion criteria were applied. Growth of the pelvis and inguinal ligament were determined using fixed bony reference points. The position of the deep inguinal ring and femoral vasculature were determined as ratio of inguinal ligament length, measured from the anterior superior iliac spine. Growth of the pelvis in vertical and horizontal dimensions and of the inguinal ligament followed a positive polynomial relationship with increasing age, with no observed increase in growth rate during puberty. From 0 to 19 years, the deep inguinal ring moved superolaterally with respect to the inguinal ligament (from 0.74 to 0.60 of the distance along the inguinal ligament) and the femoral artery and vein moved medially (from 0.50 to 0.58, and 0.61 to 0.65 of the distance along the inguinal ligament, respectively). The position of the femoral artery, vein, and deep inguinal ring followed a logarithmic relationship with age. No significant left:right side or male:female differences were observed. From 0 to 19 years of age the femoral vasculature and deep inguinal ring change position as the pelvis grows around them. Clin. Anat. 32:794-802, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mind the gap: imaging spectrum of abdominal ventral hernia repair complications

Ventral hernia repair with or without mesh placement is a commonly done procedure. Laparoscopic approach is more preferred than open in recent surgical practice. Complications occur as like any other abdominal surgeries and are dependent on multiple factors. Complications such as collections, adhesions, and related changes are non-specific. Specific complications related to hernia repair include recurrent hernia, mesh infection, mesh migration, and fistula formation. Post inguinal hernia repair chronic inguinal pain is gaining more attention with increasing use of image-guided nerve interventions for symptomatic management. Imaging plays a vital role in defining and delineating the type and extent of complications. Prior knowledge of the surgical indication and technique helps in better imaging interpretation of complications. This article describes the role of imaging in diagnosis of complications in general ventral hernia surgery setting.

Radiographic and surgical findings of type I obturator hernias in patients with refractory groin pain

Groin pain is a common complaint in the general population, with an underlying etiology that may be difficult to diagnose. Although uncommon, type I obturator hernias may be a significant source of chronic or refractory groin pain. In this review, we discuss the commonly missed findings of type I obturator hernias at CT and MRI, as well as correlate these findings with images obtained at the time of laparoscopic repair.

Clinical Relevance of Petit's Triangle: A Forgotten Landmark

This rare case details a right-sided hydronephrotic kidney herniated through Petit's triangle. Petit's triangle is an anatomical landmark that is usually not clinically significant and only alluded to during multiple-choice examinations. This case describes the clinical ramification of this area of weakness and allows us to revisit and relearn the anatomy, and its relevance in clinical practice.

Strangulated Interstitial Hernia with Strangulated Cryptorchid Testis-First Case Report in the Medical Literature

Interstitial hernias are a rare subtype of abdominal hernias, where sac is present in between the abdominal wall layers. Although, difficult to diagnose clinically, they are usually detected on imaging studies. Interstitial hernias presenting with undescended testis are common. Even after a meticulous online search of the medical literature, we could not find a case report of 'Strangulation of Interstitial hernia, with a strangulated undescended testis in an elderly man. We hereby present this extremely rare case, and possibly, this could be the first of its kind, case report in the medical literature. Our aim is to present a combination of rare presentations in an elderly cryptorchid person with strangulated interstitial hernia. A 65-year male patient presented with 4 days of pain abdomen and vomiting. He was having features of toxaemia. Ultrasonography revealed interstitial hernia with bowel loops. During surgery, gangrenous bowel loops with the sac between the interstitial planes, with strangulated cryptorchid testis, were found. Strangulated interstitial hernia in elderly cryptorchid person, leading to the strangulation of the undescended testis, is extremely rare, and this could be the first case reported in the medical literature.

Spontaneous posterior rectus sheath hernia: a case report

Background

Hernias of the posterior rectus sheath are very rare abdominal wall hernias with only a handful of cases reported in the literature to date. As an uncommon disease, it is important to recognize and report this case in order to enhance scientific knowledge of this disease.

Case presentation

This case report presents a spontaneous posterior rectus sheath herniation in a 79-year-old white man with previous abdominal surgery for appendicitis. His herniation was discovered incidentally during an examination for his chief complaints of lower abdominal pain and diarrhea which were later diagnosed as Salmonella-related gastroenteritis. A computed tomography scan of his abdomen and pelvis showed abdominal wall hernia with loops of small bowel extending into his rectus abdominis muscle. In this case, it was decided to leave the situation alone for now due to no evidence of bowel obstruction and the low risk of this hernia getting strangulated, which otherwise would have warranted urgent surgery.

Conclusions

This report adds to the limited stock of available literature on this unusual issue and strengthens the evidence base on the best approach to support informed clinical decision making. The significant clinical implication of such case reports is increased identification rate of rare clinical conditions which otherwise often go unnoticed.

Don't Forget the Abdominal Wall: Imaging Spectrum of Abdominal Wall Injuries after Nonpenetrating Trauma

Abdominal wall injuries occur in nearly one of 10 patients coming to the emergency department after nonpenetrating trauma. Injuries range from minor, such as abdominal wall contusion, to severe, such as abdominal wall rupture with evisceration of abdominal contents. Examples of specific injuries that can be detected at cross-sectional imaging include abdominal muscle strain, tear, or hematoma, including rectus sheath hematoma (RSH); traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH); and Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) (closed degloving injury). These injuries are often overlooked clinically because of (a) a lack of findings at physical examination or (b) distraction by more-severe associated injuries. However, these injuries are important to detect because they are highly associated with potentially grave visceral and vascular injuries, such as aortic injury, and because their detection can lead to the diagnosis of these more clinically important grave traumatic injuries. Failure to make a timely diagnosis can result in delayed complications, such as bowel hernia with potential for obstruction or strangulation, or misdiagnosis of an abdominal wall neoplasm. Groin injuries, such as athletic pubalgia, and inferior costochondral injuries should also be considered in patients with abdominal pain after nonpenetrating trauma, because these conditions may manifest with referred abdominal pain and are often included within the field of view at cross-sectional abdominal imaging. Radiologists must recognize and report acute abdominal wall injuries and their associated intra-abdominal pathologic conditions to allow appropriate and timely treatment. ^© RSNA, 2017.