Biomarkers and heterogeneous fibroblast phenotype associated with incisional hernia

Development of incisional hernia (IH) is multifactorial but inflammation and abdominal wall ECM (extracellular matrix) disorganization are key pathological events. We investigated if the differential expression of fibroblast biomarkers reflects the cellular milieu and the dysregulated ECM in IH tissues. Expression of fibroblast biomarkers, including connective tissue growth factor, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD34 (cluster of differentiation 34), cadherin-11 and fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1), was examined by histology and immunofluorescence in the hernial-fascial ring/neck tissue (HRT) and hernia sack tissue (HST) harvested from the patients undergoing hernia surgery and compared with normal fascia (FT) and peritoneum (PT) harvested from brain-dead healthy subjects undergoing organ procurement for transplantation. The H&E staining revealed alterations in tissue architecture, fibroblast morphology, and ECM organization in the IH tissues compared to control. The biomarker for undifferentiated fibroblasts, CD34, was significantly higher in HST and decreased in HRT than the respective FT and PT controls. Also, the findings revealed an increased level of CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) with decrease in α-SMA in both HRT and HST compared to the controls. In addition, an increased level of FSP1 (fibroblast specific protein 1) and cadherin-11 in HRT with decreased level in HST were observed relative to the respective controls (FT and PT). Hence, these findings support the heterogeneity of fibroblast population at the laparotomy site that could contribute to the development of IH. Understanding the mechanisms causing the phenotype switch of these fibroblasts would open novel strategies to prevent the development of IH following laparotomy.

Use of Shear Wave Elastography to Quantify Abdominal Wall Muscular Properties in Patients With Incisional Hernia

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a potential modality that quantitatively measures the elasticity (shear wave speed [SWS]) of musculoskeletal structure. This SWS was bilaterally measured in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO) muscle, internal oblique (IO) muscle and transversus abdominis (TrA) using SWE in 28 patients with incisional hernia and 14 healthy controls. The differences in muscle thickness for IO and TrA were significant between the two groups (p < 0.05). The SWS of RA, EO, IO and TrA was significantly higher in the incisional hernia patient group than in the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed between the upper and lower points in both groups (p < 0.05). The measurements of SWS help in evaluating the elastic properties of abdominal wall muscles, which could further aid in preparing treatment plans to improve muscle strength.

[A watchful waiting strategy in ventral and inguinal hernias]

In male patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic ventral and inguinal hernias, a watchful waiting strategy should be considered. Even though one third to two thirds of these patients will eventually undergo hernia repair, they may still benefit from a watchful waiting strategy, as hernia repair is associated with a range of complications, e.g. wound infection, haematoma, seroma, fistulas and chronic pain. Delay of hernia repair in these patients is not associated with any significant increase in morbidity or mortality, and the risk of incarceration is very low.

Late metastatic endometrial carcinoma at the repair site of an abdominal wall incisional hernia

The abdominal wall is a very rare site for endometrial cancer metastases. Its appearance generally indicates advanced cancer with poor prognosis. We report a case of a 55-year-old female who presented with an incisional hernia 4 years after abdominal panhysterectomy for endometrioid adenocarcinoma in 2009. Open hernia mesh repair was performed but on follow-up, she complained of pain and a swelling at the repair site. This was radiologically diagnosed as fibromatosis, but tru-cut biopsy confirmed presence of fibromatosis as well as a metastatic endometrial carcinoma. She was started on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but had poor response, and therefore, radical excision was performed. She remained well with no metastatic recurrence at 12-month follow-up. This case illustrates late appearance of abdominal wall metastasis from abdomino-pelvic malignancies and highlights the need to exclude the presence of recurrence or metastases prior to surgical repair of incisional hernia occurring after the resection of abdominal or pelvic malignancy.

[Morphological and functional aspects of recurrent postoperative ventral hernias]

AIM

To define the optimal treatment of postoperative ventral hernias.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It was performed microscopic examination of intraoperative specimens which were obtained from 40 patients with medium, large and giant hernia. The aim was to reveal ultrastructural changes and morphological features which are associated with abdominal wall weakness in case of postoperative ventral hernia. There were 28 (70%) cases of primary postoperative hernia and 12 (30%) cases of recurrent and multiple-recurrent hernia. In 4 patients polypropylene mesh implants were implanted prior to recurrence. Tissue specimens were obtained from the top of herniation, hernial ring and in 6 cm from the hernial ring.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Electron microscopy showed that postoperative ventral hernias are accompanied by ultrastructural destructive changes in cells of the skin, aponeurosis and muscles that indicates on morphofunctional failure of abdominal wall tissues. Swelling and degradation of collagen, fibroblasts vacuolization, capillary sludge of erythrocytes, development of vacuum zones with the fragments of altered collagen fibrils, red blood cells and mast cells are morphological signs of micronecrosis followed by abdominal wall weakness and postoperative ventral hernias.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative ventral hernias are associated with morphological and functional failure of abdominal wall due to tissue destructive changes. Therefore, this obviously defective tissue can not be used per se and especially with tension. Mesh implants should be applied.

Double Prosthetic Repair for Complex Incisional Hernia Repair: Long-term Results and Evolution of the Technique

No single approach has emerged as the best way to close complex incisional hernias. The aim of this report is to present the long-term results with a double prosthetic repair. In this prospective observational study over 12 years (Group 1, 8 years; Group 2, 4 years), the following data were collected: age, gender, previous surgery, comorbidities, situation and size of defect, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and recurrence. There were 53 lateral cases and 31 midline cases. About 88.6 per cent of the lateral defects were repaired without needing to approach the intra-abdominal cavity (Type I), whereas in the patients with large medial defects this was only achieved in 6.5 per cent of the cases (93.5% required a Type II). The average length of the defects was 18 cm. Global morbidity was 18 per cent early, and 7 per cent late. The statistical analysis over time shows significant differences in the operative time, hospital stay, and consumption of analgesics (P < 0.001). The recurrence rate has not varied despite the modifications to the technique (use of lighter meshes and fixation with tacks and glue). Complex abdominal wall defects can be corrected using the double prosthetic repair technique with low morbidity rates and with practically no long-term recurrence. The combination of two meshes reduces their density and the use of combined fixation (tacks + glue) improves postoperative recovery.

[CHOICE OF THE TREATMENT TACTICS IN PATIENTS, SUFFERING POSTOPERATIVE HERNIA OF ANTERIOR ABDOMINAL WALL WITH CONCOMITANT MORBID OBESITY]

Experience of treatment of 73 patients, suffering postoperative hernia of anterior abdominal wall with concomitant obesity, was presented. In 31 (42.5%) of them in a period of reduction and stabilization of a body mass the allohernioplasty as a second stage after bariatric operation was done, and in 9 (42.5%)--simultant bariatric operations with hernioplasty and dermatolipectomy. During a follow-up period after bariatric operation and hernioplasty the hernia recurrence have occurred in 3 (9.1%) patients, after hernioplasty--in 11 (33.3%), witnessing high efficacy of staged treatment in such patients.

[FUNCTIONAL PLASTIC OF ANTERIOR ABDOMINAL WALL HERNIAS]

In order to improve the treatment efficacy of postoperative anterior abdominal wall hernias the method of plastic with restoration of anatomical and physiological properties of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall was used. After the intervention by the improved method, regardless of the location of the hernia defect yielded promising results for the conservation of anterior abdominal wall muscle function in 75% of cases completely restored functional ability of muscles recti abdomini.

Recurrent incisional hernia, enterocutaneous fistula and loss of the substance of the abdominal wall: plastic with organic prosthesis, skin graft and VAC therapy. Clinical case

Surgical wounds dehiscence is a serious post-operatory complication, with an incidence between 0.4% and 3.5%. Mortality is more than 45%. Complex wounds treatment may require a multidisciplinary management. VAC Therapy could be an alternative treatment regarding complex wound. VAC therapy has been recently introduced on skin's graft tissue management reducing skin graft rejection. The use of biological prosthesis has been tested in a contaminated field, better than synthetic meshes, which often need to be removed. The Permacol is more resistant to degradation by proteases due to its cross-links. Surgery is still considered the best treatment for digestive fistula. A 58 years old obese woman come to our attention, she was operated for an abdominal hernia. She had a post-operatory entero-cutaneous fistula. She was submitted to bowel resection, the anastomosis has been tailored and the hernia of the abdominal wall has been repaired with biological mesh for managing such condition. She had a wound dehiscence with loss of substance and the exposure of the biological prosthesis, nearly 20 cm diameter. She was treated first with antibiotic therapy and simple medications. In addiction, antibiotic therapy was necessary late associated to 7 months with advanced medications allowed a small reduction's defect. Because of its, treatment went on for two more months using VAC therapy. Antibiotic's therapy was finally suspended. The VAC therapy allowed the reduction of the gap, between skin and subcutaneous tissue, and the defect's size preparing a suitable ground for the skin graft. The graft, managed with the vac therapy, was necessary to complete the healing process.