Abdominal Wall Research Articles

Outcomes of posterior sheath supplementation with Vicryl mesh in TAR-a single-center study.

In the Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) procedure, ideally, the posterior sheath is completely reapproximated to establish an interface isolating the polypropylene mesh from visceral contents. When primary closure of the posterior sheath is unachievable, Vicryl mesh is commonly used to supplement the posterior sheath closure and an uncoated polypropylene mesh is placed superficial to the Vicryl mesh. The long-term implications of utilizing Vicryl mesh as an antiadhesive barrier are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to assess our outcomes when utilizing Vicryl mesh to supplement the posterior sheath defects when placed underneath polypropylene mesh in patients undergoing posterior component separation. Adult patients who underwent VHR with concurrent TAR procedure with a permanent synthetic mesh and posterior sheath supplementation with Vicryl mesh in the Cleveland Clinic Center for Abdominal Core Health between January 2014 and December 2022 were queried retrospectively from a prospectively collected database in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative. We evaluated 30-day wound morbidity, perioperative complications, long-term mesh-related complications, and pragmatic hernia recurrence. 53 patients who underwent TAR procedure with posterior sheath supplementation using Vicryl mesh and had a minimum 12-month follow-up were identified. Of the53 patients, 94.3% presented with recurrent hernias, 73.6% had a midline hernia, 7.5% had a flank hernia, and 18.9% had concurrent parastomal hernia. The mean hernia width was 24.9 cm (± 8.8 cm). No Vicryl mesh-related operative complications were identified in our study, with no instances of mesh erosion, fistulas, or interventions for small bowel obstruction. Skin necrosis requiring reoperations was observed in three patients (5.7%), leading to permanent mesh excision in two cases (3.8%) without intraabdominal visceral involvement. Throughout the 12-month follow-up, 23 incidences (43.4%) of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) and surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI) were documented. Our findings suggest that posterior sheath supplementation with Vicryl mesh is a feasible approach to achieve posterior sheath closure in challenging abdominal wall reconstruction cases. Given the absence of notable mesh-related complications and a similar hernia recurrence rate to cases without posterior sheath supplementation, Vicryl mesh can be used to safely achieve posterior sheath closure in complex reconstructions with insufficient native tissue.

Surgical management of right hepatectomy after coronary artery bypass grafting using the right gastroepiploic artery: a case report and literature review

BackgroundCoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) is a well-established, safe procedure. However, problems with RGEA grafts in subsequent abdominal surgeries can lead to fatal complications. This report presents the first case of right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma after CABG using the RGEA.Case presentationWe describe a case in which a right hepatectomy for an 81-year-old male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma was safely performed after CABG using a RGEA graft. Preoperatively, three-dimensional computed tomography (3D- CT) images were constructed to confirm the run of the RGEA graft. The operation was conducted with the standby of a cardiovascular surgeon if there was a problem with the RGEA graft. The RGEA graft had formed adhesions with the hepatic falciform ligament, necessitating meticulous dissection. After the right hepatectomy, the left hepatic lobe descended into the vacated space, exerting traction on the RGEA. However, this traction was mitigated by suturing the hepatic falciform ligament to the abdominal wall, ensuring stability of the RGEA. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.ConclusionIt is crucial to confirm the functionality and anatomy of the RGEA graft preoperatively, handle it gently intraoperatively, and collaborate with cardiovascular surgeons.

Abstract PO2-28-04: Pregnancy-associated relapse of triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract Introduction: Pregnancy Triple-negative breast cancer(TNMC) is the absence of ER PR and HER2 receptor expression. It constitutes about 15-20% of all breast cancers and is known to be the aggressive form with a high relapse rate (1). Interestingly, it usually affects women aged < 40 and has a low survival rate in African-American females. This case is a typical presentation of a 38-year-old young woman with PMH of T2NO right triple-negative breast cancer diagnosed in 2017 s/p right mastectomy with sentinel LN biopsy, received immunotherapy and chemotherapy, has been cancer-free for two years, and developed metastatic cancer during her pregnancy. In this case, we understand the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of TNBC during pregnancy. Case: A 38-year-old African American woman, G0, T2NO triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma, underwent a right breast mastectomy and sentinel LN biopsy. She received treatment with (Anti-PD-L1 Antibody) concomitant with weekly paclitaxel and Doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide (AC) chemotherapy. However, she had a residual 4cm tumor for which she was treated with adjuvant therapy with capecitabine for six months. A repeat Mammogram in 2019 showed no evidence of malignancy. In 2021, the patient was G2P2L1, admitted to the hospital after having a seizure. CT reported cystic/necrotic left parietal lesion mass effect with 8mm right-sided midline shift with metastasis to lungs and abdominal wall. She underwent L parietal craniectomy with resection of the tumor. At 32 weeks of gestation , chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel was given after her C-section and Gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic lesions. She developed super refractory seizures, was induced into a coma with therapeutically anesthetic agents, and passed eventually. Discussion: Little literature exists on pregnancy-associated relapse of triple-negative breast cancer and its deterioration. Our patient was in remission for two years and was diagnosed with metastatic cancer during her second pregnancy. John et al., (2018) discussed an interesting association between breastfeeding, parity, and occurrence of TNBC, that there is a two-fold increased risk of developing TNBC with high parity(3 full-term pregnancies) and short-term breastfeeding (< 12 months) (2). Studies have also shown that cancers during or postpartum pregnancy are aggressive with more tumor burden and metastasize to the lungs, liver, and brain, which is consistent with our patient. (3) Conclusion: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is diagnostically and therapeutically challenging during or in the postpartum period and with a high propensity of the triple-negative type. It requires a multidisciplinary team approach, awareness in the African American population, clinical suspicion of breast mass during pregnancy warrants imaging, and prolonged breastfeeding postpartum. Diagnosis is usually delayed due to pregnancy, and more research is needed on the diagnostic modalities during pregnancy for early treatment initiation. References Almansour NM. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Brief Review About Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Signaling Pathways, Treatment and Role of Artificial Intelligence. Front Mol Biosci. 2022 Jan 25;9:836417. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.836417. PMID: 35145999; PMCID: PMC8824427. John EM, Hines LM, Phipps AI, et al. Reproductive history, breast-feeding and risk of triple-negative breast cancer: The Breast Cancer Etiology in Minorities (BEM) study. International Journal of Cancer. 2018;142(11):2273. doi:10.1002/ijc.31258 Amant F, Deckers S, Van Calsteren K, Loibl S, Halaska M, Brepoels L, et al. Breast cancer in pregnancy: recommendations of an international consensus meeting. Eur J Cancer (2010) 46(18):3158–68. 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.09.010 Citation Format: Vaidarshi Abbagoni. Pregnancy-associated relapse of triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-28-04.

Self-organising maps in the analysis of strains of human abdominal wall to identify areas of similar mechanical behaviour

The study refers to the application of a type of artificial neural network called the Self-Organising Map (SOM) for the identification of areas of the human abdominal wall that behave in a similar mechanical way. The research is based on data acquired during in vivo tests using the digital image correlation technique (DIC). The mechanical behaviour of the human abdominal wall is analysed during changing intra-abdominal pressure. SOM allow to study simultaneously three variables in four time/load steps. The variables refer to the principal strains and their directions. SOM classifies all the abdominal surface data points into clusters that behave similarly in accordance with the 12 variables. The analysis of the clusters provides a better insight into abdominal wall deformation and its evolution under pressure than when observing a single mechanical variable. The presented results may provide a better understanding of the mechanics of the living human abdominal wall. It might be particularly useful when selecting proper implants as well as for the design of surgical meshes for the treatment of abdominal hernias, which would be mechanically compatible with identified regions of the human anterior abdominal wall, and possibly open the way for patient-specific solutions.

County-Level Atrazine Use and Gastroschisis

The incidence of gastroschisis, a birth defect involving the herniation of the small bowel through the abdominal wall, has increased in the US since the 1960s. The pesticide atrazine is a hypothesized cause of gastroschisis; however, examination of the association between atrazine and gastroschisis has been limited. To evaluate national trends in gastroschisis incidence, maternal and infant characteristics associated with gastroschisis, and whether county-level atrazine use is associated with gastroschisis. This retrospective, repeated cross-sectional study examined birth certificate data of all live births in the US and data on atrazine use from the US Geological Survey from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2019. The data analysis was performed between August 5, 2021, and May 26, 2023. County-level atrazine use. The primary outcome was gastroschisis incidence. Covariates included maternal age, race and ethnicity, body mass index (measured by weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), parity, insurance type, Chlamydia infection during pregnancy, smoking, and rurality. Mixed-effects logistic regression models (year fixed effects and county random effects) were constructed using different county-level atrazine exposure variables (1-, 5-, and 10-year means). Between 2009 and 2019, 39 282 566 live births were identified, with 10 527 infant diagnoses of gastroschisis. Infants with gastroschisis were more likely to have mothers who identified as non-Hispanic White (61% vs 54%; P < .001), had a lower body mass index (median [IQR], 23.4 [20.8-27.2] vs 25.4 [22.0-30.8]; P < .001), were more likely to be nulliparous (median [IQR], 0 [0-1] vs 1 [0-2]; P < .001), and were more commonly covered by Medicaid (63% vs 43%; P < .001). During the study period, the rate (per 1000 live births) of gastroschisis decreased from 0.31 (95% CI, 0.29-0.33) to 0.22 (95% CI, 0.21-0.24). The median (IQR) county-level atrazine use estimates were higher among infants with gastroschisis (1 year, 1389 [IQR, 198-10 162] vs 1023 [IQR, 167-6960] kg; 5 years, 1425 [IQR, 273-9895] vs 1057 [IQR, 199-6926] kg; 10 years, 1508 [IQR, 286-10 271] vs 1113 [IQR, 200-6650] kg; P < .001). In adjusted models, higher county levels of atrazine (each 100 000-kg increase) were associated with a higher incidence of gastroschisis (1 year: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01-1.24]; 5 years: AOR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.02-1.30]; 10 years: AOR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.07-1.38]). In this cross-sectional study, higher county levels of atrazine were associated with infant diagnoses of gastroschisis. While atrazine is the second-most used herbicide in the US, numerous countries around the world have banned it out of concern for adverse effects on human health. These findings suggest that exploring alternatives to atrazine in the US may be warranted.

Collateral after Splenic Vein Thrombosis

A 46-year-old man presented to the emergency department because of relapsing abdominal pain in the left abdominal quadrants. At admission, he was in good general condition and his vital signs were normal. The only abnormal laboratory findings were a C-reactive protein of 30 mg/L and thrombocytes of 127 G/L. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a thrombosis of the distal splenic vein (panel A, double arrow) with the presence of a superior and an inferior spleno-mesenteric collateral (panel A, asterisks). The axial CT scan (panel V, arrows) and Doppler sonography (panel C)  showed that the thick collaterals developed below the abdominal wall. A gastroscopy showed stage I fundic varices, but no esophageal varices. (1-10) This patient was diagnosed with a smoldering multiple myeloma 5 years earlier with regular follow-up in the hemato-oncology department. No other pro-thrombotic conditions were found and in a follow-up CT scan 6 months later the findings were un-changed despite anticoagulation. Splenic vein thrombosis is frequently diagnosed in the chronic stage, when collaterals have already developed (11-18). In this case, the presence of two major spontaneous shunts between the splenic vein and the superior mesenteric vein is preventing complications (19-23) such as porto-systemic encephalopathy and variceal bleeding

Polypropylene mesh coated with hyaluronic acid/polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel for preventing bowel adhesion

Polypropylene (PP) mesh is the most widely used prosthetic material in hernia repair. However, the efficacy of implanted PP mesh is often compromised by adhesion between viscera and PP mesh. Thus, there is a recognized need for developing an anti-adhesive PP mesh. Here, a composite hydrogel coated PP mesh with the prevention of adhesion after hernia repair was designed. The composite hydrogel coating was prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) by using the freezing-thawing (FT) method. To overcome the shortcoming of the long time of the traditional freezing-thawing method, a small molecule 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DHPA) was introduced to promote the formation of composite hydrogel. The as-prepared composite hydrogel coating displayed modulus more closely resembling that of native abdominal wall tissue. In vitro studies illustrated that the resulting meshes showed excellent coating stability, hemocompatibility, and non-cytotoxicity. In vivo experiments using a rat abdominal wall defect model demonstrated that the composite hydrogel coated PP mesh could prevent the formation of adhesion, alleviate the inflammatory response, and reduce the deposition of collagen around the damaged tissue. These disclosed results manifested that the PP mesh coated with HA/PVA composite hydrogel might be a promising application in preventing adhesion for hernia repair.

Analgesic Effectiveness of Liposomal Bupivacaine versus Plain Local Anesthetics for Abdominal Fascial Plane Blocks: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.

Liposomal bupivacaine is reported to prolong the duration of analgesia when used for abdominal fascial plane blocks compared to plain local anesthetics; however, evidence from randomized trials is mixed. This meta-analysis aims to compare the analgesic effectiveness of liposomal bupivacaine to plain local anesthetics in adults receiving abdominal fascial plane blocks. Randomized trials comparing liposomal bupivacaine and plain (nonliposomal) local anesthetics in abdominal fascial plane blocks were sought. The primary outcome was area under the curve rest pain between 24 to 72 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included rest pain at individual timepoints (1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h); analgesic consumption at 0 to 24, 25 to 48, and 49 to 72 h; time to analgesic request; hospital stay duration; and opioid-related side effects. Data were pooled using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random effects method. Sixteen trials encompassing 1,287 patients (liposomal bupivacaine, 667; plain local anesthetics, 620) were included. The liposomal bupivacaine group received liposomal bupivacaine mixed with plain bupivacaine in 10 studies, liposomal bupivacaine alone in 5 studies, and both preparations in 1 three-armed study. No difference was observed between the two groups for area under the curve pain scores, with a standardized mean difference (95% CI) of -0.21 cm.h (-0.43 to 0.01; P = 0.058; I2 = 48%). Results were robust to subgroup analysis based on (1) potential conflict of interest and (2) mixing of plain local anesthetics with liposomal bupivacaine. The two groups were not different for any of the day 2 or day 3 secondary outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests similar analgesic effectiveness between liposomal bupivacaine and plain local anesthetics when used for fascial plane block of the abdominal wall. The authors' analysis does not support an evidence-based preference for liposomal bupivacaine compared to plain local anesthetics for abdominal fascial plane blocks.

Cloacal Exstrophy with Normal Penis and Urethra – A Rare Variant

ABSTRACT Classically, cloacal exstrophy presents with omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spinal defects. We report a rare variant of cloacal exstrophy in a 6-day-old male with an intact lower abdominal wall, normal penis, and urethra. Only two such cases have been reported in the literature.

Acellular Bovine Pericardial Patch for Difficult Abdominal Closure in the Pediatric Population: Our Experience with Review of Literature

ABSTRACT Aims: Closure of congenital body wall defects in children can be a challenging task for the pediatric Surgeon. Biological prosthesis has been increasingly used for high-risk wound closure in adult patients with excellent outcomes and use in the pediatric population has also been reported. Here, we aim to study the outcome of abdominal wound repair with a tissue-engineered acellular bovine pericardial patch. Methods: Over a period of 21 months, a total of 15 children had undergone abdominal wound repair with bioprostheses, i.e., bovine pericardial patch at our institute. Patient demographics, cause of defect, an indication of patch use, rate of infection, postoperative recovery, recurrence, and outcome were studied. Results: A total of 15 patients underwent abdominal wall closure with acellular bovine pericardial patch. Nine out of 15 patients were neonates, of whom five had gastroschisis, two had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and two had ruptured omphalocele major. Of the rest 6 patients, 2 were patients of bladder exstrophy, 2 were older children of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with incisional hernias, and 2 were older children with omphalocele major. Out of the five patients with gastroschisis, two died during the early postoperative period due to sepsis. The wound healed in the rest 13 patients with mild skin dehiscence in two patients. Only one child had a recurrence. Conclusion: Reconstruction with acellular bovine pericardial patch is a viable option in children with high-risk abdominal wounds as it allows tensionless repair with excellent healing and minimal complications. Recurrence, if any, may disappear with time as remodeling of the prosthesis occurs along with the growth of the body wall of the child.

Optimizing the Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in Breast Reconstruction: Lessons Learned from 110 Consecutive Flaps

Background: The pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMCF) in autologous breast reconstruction has been superseded by abdominal free tissue transfer. Common complaints of the LDMCF include the asymmetric back scar, need for prosthesis, and high seroma rates. We believe that the LDMCF remains versatile, with distinct advantages over other autologous options: the flap can be harvested unilaterally or bilaterally, not ‘burning any bridges’ for future reconstruction in unilateral breast reconstruction; the recovery is relatively easy, without complications such as risk of long-term abdominal wall weakness; and the aesthetic results are comparable, if not superior, leading to a more “youthful” result. Methods: We performed a retrospective review over an 8-year period. Results: A total of 106 patients underwent 110 breast reconstructions. Complications included four of 106 patients (3.8%) with seroma, three of 78 (3.8%) with periprosthetic implant infection, and one case of partial flap loss. Conclusions: We learned the following: (1) Direct-to-implant can be performed in most LDMCF patients, avoiding the use of tissue expanders; (2) High BMI patients may not require an implant; (3) Back donor site aesthetics can be improved using a “bra-line-back-lift” approach; (4) Use of liposomal bupivacaine intercostal blocks and modified enhanced recovery after surgery protocol can reduce length-of-stay to overnight; (5) We achieved low seroma rates using topical fibrin glue and closed suction drains; (6) Low and high BMI patients who may not qualify for free tissue transfer are usually still surgical candidates with LDMCF; and (7) Short and long-term recovery are faster than free tissue transfer, with minimal long-term deficit.

63. Concomitant Panniculectomy With Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (CP-AWR): A Propensity-Scored Matched Study Of Quality Improvement Over 21-years

63. Concomitant Panniculectomy With Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (CP-AWR): A Propensity-Scored Matched Study Of Quality Improvement Over 21-years

Prevention of post-operative adhesions: Model development and pilot outcomes of human placental stem cell-based interventions.

Abdominal adhesions are the most common surgical complication and without reliable prophylactics. This study presents a novel rat model for abdominal adhesions and reports pilot results of human placental stem cell (hPSC)-based therapies. Forty-four (n = 44) male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-350 g) were used in the experiment. Of these, thirty-eight (n = 38) were included in a preliminary data set to determine a minimum treatment effect. Adhesions were created in a reproducible model to the abdominal wall and between organs. Experimental groups included the control group (Model No Treatment, MNT), Plasmalyte A (Media Alone, MA, 10 mL), hPSC (5 × 106 cells/10 mL Plasmalyte A), hPSC-CM (hPSC secretome, conditioned media) in 10 mL Plasmalyte A, Seprafilm™ (Baxter, Deerfield, IL), and sham animals (laparotomy only). Treatments were inserted intraperitoneally (IP) and the study period was 14 days post-operation. Results are reported as the difference between means of an index statistic (AIS, Animal Index Score) and compared by ANOVA with pairwise comparison. The overall mean AIS was 23 (SD 6.16) for the MNT group with an average of 75% of ischemic buttons involved in abdominal adhesions. Treatment groups MA (mean overall AIS 17.33 SD 6.4), hPSC (mean overall AIS 13.86 SD 5.01), hPSC-CM (mean overall AIS 13.13 SD 6.15), and Seprafilm (mean overall AIS 13.43 SD 9.11) generated effect sizes of 5.67, 9.14, 9.87, and 9.57 decrease in mean overall AIS, respectively, versus the MNT. The presented rat model and scoring system represent the clinical adhesion disease process. hPSC-based interventions significantly reduce abdominal adhesions in this pilot dataset.

Spontaneous Abdominal Wall Endometriosis: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Excision and Repair

Spontaneous Abdominal Wall Endometriosis: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Excision and Repair

Comparative study of open onlay mesh repair versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal dual mesh repair for ventral hernia

Background: Ventral abdominal wall hernia surgery is a common procedure in the armamentarium of surgeons. The most common forms of these surgical procedures in adults are the repair of incisional hernias and surgery for paraumbilical hernias. Aims and Objectives: Open onlay mesh repair versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal dual mesh repair (intraperitoneal onlay mesh[IPOM]) for ventral hernia compared to the duration of surgery, post-operative pain, postoperative complications, post-operative hospital stay, return to normal activity, recurrence, and cosmesis. Materials and Methods: The prospective non-randomized study was done in the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, between January 2021 and June 2022 including 100 patients was applied for treatment of ventral hernia repair. Fifty patients were subjected to Group A (open onlay mesh repair) and 50 patients were subjected to Group B (laparoscopic intraperitoneal dual mesh repair). Results: The mean surgery durations were significantly lower in laparoscopic repair when compared to open repair (P&lt;0.001). Themean post-operative stay in the hospital was shorter for the laparoscopic group than for the open hernia group (10.28±2.100 vs. 8.02±1.378 days; P≤0.001). Return to activity or normal daily work is significantly lower in the laparoscopic group as compared to open repair of hernia (5.12±0.659 vs. 2.94±0.550 days; P&lt;0.001). There were fewer post-operative complications with laparoscopy. Conclusion: Laparoscopic intraperitoneal dual mesh repair (IPOM) for ventral hernia in our experience was safe and resulted in fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and better cosmesis results. Hence, it should be considered the better choice for ventral hernia repair.

The Effect of Early Mobilization on Incerased Intestinal Peristaltic Post Sectio Caesarea at Grandmed Lubuk Pakam Hospital in 2023

Sectio Caesarea is a surgical process with the aim of removing the fetus through an incision in the abdominal wall which is connected to the autonomic nervous system, so that bowel movements become slow and cause problems. Caesarean section deliveries are increasingly being performed and their success is high, although they are still considered the last solution. Cesarean section operations are common for mothers who are about to give birth. So that post-operative intestinal peristalsis can return immediately, mobilization is necessary. If there is no mobilization, the motility function of the intestines and bladder will take a long time to return to normal so that the mother will have difficulty defecating. This research aims to measure how much mobilization increases intestinal peristalsis in post-caesarean section surgery patients. The research is quantitative research with a One Group pre-post test design. The sample consisted of 25 post-cesarean section mothers with primigravida births. The instruments used are SOP sheets and observations. Data analysis using the Paired T-test with an error of 0.05 showed that the average intestinal peristalsis before the intervention was 7.20 while after the intervention it was 8.04. The results of the Paired T-test show that the p-value is 0.000, which means that there is an effect of mobilization on increasing intestinal peristalsis in post caesarean section patients at GrandMed Lubuk Pakam Hospital. It is recommended that you always implement post caesarean section mobilization measures in accordance with the SOP.

Camper’s and Scarpa’s fasciae: Anatomic landmark to differentiate between lymph node and abdominal wall involvement in a case of lymphoma

Cutaneous involvement of MALT lymphoma can either be primary or secondary, Secondary spread to the skin is considered disseminated extra-nodal disease involvement, which is classifies as a stage IV disease. We described a case of a 44-year-old woman with MALT lymphoma of the lacrimal glands with biopsy-proven lymphoma involvement in the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior abdominal wall. This involvement is manifested as multiple small discrete solid enhancing subcutaneous nodules. Although such findings on conventional CT scans are usually non-specific and may present in various systemic conditions, the knowledge of the patient’s prior clinical history should alert interpreting radiologists to be aware of cutaneous and subcutaneous involvement of lymphoma. This awareness can help plan the use of imaging-guided tissue biopsy for a minimally-invasive and safe acquisition of tissue specimen for histopathological diagnosis.

Evaluation of the Clinical Advantages of Laparoscopic Transverse Abdominal Wall Suspension in the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective: To evaluate the clinical advantages of laparoscopic transverse abdominal wall suspension in treating pelvic organ prolapse. Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse and underwent surgical treatment in our hospital between January 2022 and December 2023 were selected. According to different surgical methods, they were divided into an observation group (given laparoscopic transverse abdominal wall suspension) and a control group (given transvaginal mesh implantation), with 30 subjects/group. The data on perioperative-related indicators, quality of life scores, postoperative recurrence, and complications of the two groups of patients were collected. Results: The postoperative hospitalization days and intraoperative bleeding volume of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group, but had longer operation time than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The differences between the two groups were statistically significant 6 months after surgery, and the Pelvic Floor Disease Quality of Life Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Both groups of patients completed 12 months of follow-up without any postoperative recurrence. The number of complications in the observation group was slightly lower than that of the control group (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic transverse abdominal wall suspension was more effective in treating pelvic organ prolapse and is an ideal surgical procedure.

Surgical repair of incarcerated umbilical hernia in a white German Spitz

BackgroundAn umbilical hernia is common, but its incarcerated form is quite rare in dogs. An incarcerated hernia is characterized by the entrapment of herniated contents within the hernial sac, often accompanied by a constricted or narrower ring. It is usually refractory to the conservative approach, i.e., manual reduction, and surgical treatment is crucial to avert the risk of ischemia that can potentially lead to necrosis and gangrene in the involved tissues.Case presentationA 7-month-old female white German Spitz of 13.22 kg was presented with an ovoid swelling in the umbilicus, including a history of intermittent vomiting, progressive hyporexia, and weakness. Physical examinations led to a presumptive diagnosis of irreducible umbilical hernia after ultrasonography had shown a defect in abdominal wall continuity. Surgical intervention further confirmed an umbilical hernia with the incarceration of an omental flap. Herniorrhaphy was performed after resolving the incarceration and returning the content (i.e., omental flap) to the abdominal cavity. Postoperatively, supportive medications and routine care were provided. The external sutures were removed after two weeks, and periodic follow-ups revealed no complications. Ultrasonography was performed again on the 78th postoperative day, which indicated no breach in the abdominal wall integrity around the umbilicus. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of a successfully treated incarcerated umbilical hernia in a white German Spitz.ConclusionsUmbilical hernias in young Spitz dogs can undergo incarceration over time if left untreated during the early stages. Meticulous diagnosis and specific treatment including surgical correction are essential for optimal outcome, avoiding further complications.

The utilization of chitosan/bletilla striata hydrogels to elevate anti-adhesion, anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenesis properties of polypropylene mesh in abdominal wall repair

Abstract Polypropylene (PP) mesh is commonly used in abdominal wall repair due to its ability to reduce the risk of organ damage, infections, and other complications. However, the PP mesh often leads to adhesion formation and does not promote functional tissue repair. In this study, we synthesized one kind of aldehyde Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSPA) modified chitosan (CS) hydrogel based on Schiff base reaction. The hydrogel exhibited a porous network structure, a highly hydrophilic surface, and good biocompatibility. We wrapped the PP mesh inside the hydrogel and evaluated the performance of the resulting composites in a bilateral 1 × 1.5 cm abdominal wall defect model in rats. The results of gross observation, histological staining, and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the positive impact of the CS hydrogel on anti-adhesion and wound healing effects. Notably, the addition of BSPA to the CS hydrogel further improved the performance of the composites in vivo, promoting wound healing by enhancing collagen deposition and capillary rearrangement. This study suggested that the BSPA-modified CS hydrogel significantly promoted the anti-adhesion, anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenesis properties of PP meshes during the healing process. Overall, this work offers a novel approach to the design of abdominal wall repair patches.