Anterior Component Separation Research Articles

173 Long Term Analysis of The Evolution of Practice and Results of Abdominal Wall Reconstruction by A Single Surgeon

Abstract Background It is estimated that at least 12-15% of abdominal operations lead to incisional hernias, and Worldwide, evidence shows high rates of recurrence after surgical repair ranging from 12.7% in the Danish hernia registry to 23% in the Swedish registry. Method This is a retrospective analysis of the practice of a single surgeon at a tertiary centre. An electronic database provided all hernia surgeries done by the surgeon. A total of 185 patients with complete data were included who had open hernia repair. Electronic patient records were analysed to collect the data. Results 185 patients, with a median age of 57 years (IQR 68 – 49), and BMI of 31.14 (IQR 36.02 – 27.52), had a hernia recurrence rate of 15.6% (29/185). More than 80% of the cases were complex hernias with a European Hernia classification of M3 and/ or W3, with dense intestinal adhesions and multiple previous repairs. Variability in techniques and mesh evolved over this period, from anterior component separation to transversus abdominis release to achieve closure of the abdomen. Polypropylene meshes were used for non-contaminated or less complex cases. The use of biologics in the early years has been superseded by biosynthetic. Conclusions The creation of the abdominal wall unit and subsequent MDT at this centre resulted in a rise of total procedures, complexity of cases and patients with significant co-morbidities. Specialised abdominal wall surgeons are associated with better results when performing complex abdominal wall reconstructions.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: does IPOM plus allow to increase the indications in larger defects?

The laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) may have a limit of effectiveness, especially in defects greater than 80cm2, with a higher recurrence rate which contraindicates this technique. The purpose of this study is to analyze the indication of LVHR determining and comparing the recurrence rate according to defect size in two series. We analyzed all patients who underwent LVHR between 2007 and 2017. Patients were divided according to the ring size: < o ≥ 80cm2 into group one (G1) and group two (G2) respectively. In both groups, all three techniques were used: intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM), IPOM with closure of the defect (IPOM plus), and IPOM plus + anterior videoscopic component separation (AVCS). A total of 258 patients underwent LVHR. Mean recurrence rate was 13% in G1 and 24% in G2. A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the IPOM technique among both groups, with a higher recurrence rate when ring size was ≥ 80cm2 (p < 0.5). However, when comparing recurrence rate in IPOM plus and IPOM plus + AVCS between both groups, no significant differences were observed, yielding a p of 0.51 and 0.63, respectively. The IPOM technique has shown a limit of effectiveness in large ventral hernia defects. The combination of techniques (ring closure and AVCS) may be useful to expand the indication for this surgery to larger defects and to reduce the recurrence rate. Prospective randomized studies are required to confirm this trend.

Robotic hernia repairIII. English version : Robotic incisional hernia repair with transversus abdominis release (r‑TAR). Video report and results of acohort study.

The principle of targeted separation or weakening of individual components of the abdominal wall to relieve tension in the median line during major abdominal reconstruction has been known for over 30 years as anterior component separation (aCS) and is an established procedure. In search of alternatives with lower complication rates, posterior component separation (pCS) was developed; transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a nerve-sparing modification of pCS. With the ergonomic resources of robotics (e.g., angled instruments), TAR can be performed in a minimally invasive manner (r-TAR): hernia gaps of up to 14 cm can be closed and a large extraperitoneal mesh implanted. In this video article, the treatment of large incisional hernias using the r‑TAR technique is presented. Exemplary results of a cohort study in 13 consecutive patients are presented. The procedure is challenging, but our own results—as well as reports from the literature—are encouraging. The r‑TAR is becoming the pinnacle procedure for abdominal wall reconstruction.Supplementary InformationThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00104-021-01500-y) includes a video and an intraoperative checklist.

Three-year outcome after anterior component separation repair of giant ventral hernias: A retrospective analysis of the original technique without mesh

IntroductionIn this study we presented our results with anterior component separation technique utilized in the repair of giant ventral hernias. Our primary endpoints were the rates of surgical site occurrences and recurrence at three years. Besides we investigated the impact of components separation repair on abdominal wall functions. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the prospectively-collected data of 40 patients that were operated on between April 2004 and February 2012 for their median ventral hernias sizing larger than 15 cm in width. Our inclusion criteria for component separation program excellently corresponded today's “giant ventral hernia” standards. The method used for components separation was identical to the original Ramirez technique, and did not comprise of any mesh reinforcement. The ICU stays, prolonged intubation, early and late complications, mortality and recurrences at three years were recorded. We used a curl-up test to demonstrate the amelioration of the abdominal wall functions postoperatively. ResultsThe older age and larger defect size were the significant risk factors necessitating prolonged intensive care. Surgical site occurrences were recorded in 18 patients (45.0%). A total of 7 recurrences (17.5%) were detected at three years. Patients showed a significant improvement in raising their trunks after repair (p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that components separation technique in the original form caused excessive wound complications including skin necrosis which in turn caused delayed discharge from the hospital. The 17.5% recurrence rate seemed higher than those of more recent papers. The already-established newer modifications should be integrated in the repair method. The components separation repair clearly improves abdominal wall functions.

Medialization after combined anterior and posterior component separation in giant incisional hernia surgery, an anatomical study

BackgroundTo obtain tension-free closure for giant incisional hernia repair, anterior or posterior component separation is often performed. In patients with an extreme diameter hernia, anterior component separation and posterior component separation may be combined. The aim of this study was to assess the additional medialization after simultaneous anterior component separation and posterior component separation. MethodsFresh-frozen post mortem human specimens were used. Both sides of the abdominal wall were subjected to retro-rectus dissection (Rives-Stoppa), anterior component separation and posterior component separation, the order in which the component separation techniques were performed was reversed for the contralateral side. Medialization was measured at 3 reference points. ResultsAnterior component separation provided most medialization for the anterior rectus sheath, posterior component separation provided most medialization for the posterior rectus sheath. After combined component separation techniques total median medialization ranged between 5.8 and 9.2 cm for the anterior rectus sheath, and between 10.1 and 14.2 cm for the posterior rectus sheath (depending on the level on the abdomen). For the anterior rectus sheath, additional posterior component separation after anterior component separation provided 15% to 16%, and additional anterior component separation after posterior component separation provided 32% to 38% of the total medialization after combined component separation techniques. For the posterior rectus sheath, additional posterior component separation after anterior component separation provided 50% to 59%, and additional anterior component separation after posterior component separation provided 11% to 17% of the total medialization after combined component separation techniques. Retro-rectus dissection alone contributed up to 41% of maximum obtainable medialization. ConclusionAnterior component separation provided most medialization of the anterior rectus sheath and posterior component separation provided most medialization of the posterior rectus sheath. Combined component separation techniques provide marginal additional medialization, clinical use of this technique should be carefully balanced against additional risks.

Robotic hernia repair : PartIII: Robotic incisional hernia repair with transversus abdominis release (r-TAR). Video report and results of a cohort study

Das Prinzip der gezielten Trennung bzw. Schwächung einzelner Komponenten der Bauchdecke zur Spannungsentlastung der Medianlinie bei großen abdominellen Rekonstruktionen ist seit über 30 Jahren als anteriore Komponentenseparation (aKS) bekannt und ein etabliertes Verfahren. Auf der Suche nach Alternativen mit geringerer Komplikationsrate wurde die posteriore Komponentenseparation (pKS) entwickelt; der „transversus abdominis release“ (TAR) ist eine nervenschonende Modifikation der pKS. Mit den ergonomischen Ressourcen der Robotik (z. B. abgewinkelte Instrumente) kann der TAR minimal-invasiv durchgeführt werden (r-TAR): Bruchlücken von bis zu 14 cm lassen sich verschließen und ein großes extraperitoneales Netz implantieren. In diesem Videobeitrag wird die Versorgung großer Inzisionalhernien in der r‑TAR-Technik präsentiert. Exemplarisch werden die Ergebnisse einer Kohortenstudie an 13 konsekutiven Patienten vorgestellt. Der Eingriff ist anspruchsvoll, die eigenen Ergebnisse sind – wie auch die Berichte aus der Literatur – ermutigend. Der r‑TAR entwickelt sich zur Königsdisziplin der Bauchdeckenrekonstruktion.Zusatzmaterial onlineDie Onlineversion dieses Beitrags (10.1007/s00104-021-01480-z) enthält ein Video und eine intraoperative Checkliste.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE CHOICE OF LAPAROSCOPIC AND OPEN ALLOPLASTICS IN CASE OF INCISIONAL VENTRAL HERNIAS

The aim of the work – to increase the effectiveness of surgical treatment of incisionalventral hernias (IVH) by optimizing the choice of laparoscopic and open allohernioplasty.Material and methods. The analysis of surgical treatment of 508 patients with IVH from2009 to 2020 was conducted. According to the Europenian Herniology Association(EGA) classification (Ghent, Belgium, 2008) IVH was distributed as follows: MW1-2R0 was diagnosed in 217 (42,7%), MW3R0 – in 291 (57,3%) patients. Diastasis of therectus abdominis muscles up to 5 cm was present in 217 (42,7%) patients, diastasis5-10 cm – in 127 (25%), diastasis greater than 10 cm – in 164 (32.3%) patients.Depending on the size of the hernia and the width of diastasis of the rectus abdominis,patients were divided into 3 groups.In group I, laparoscopic allohernioplasty was performed in 109 (21,5%) patients withsmall and medium-sized IVH with diastasis of up to 5 cm, in particular the developedlaparoscopic preperitoneal in 63 patiens and laparoscopuc retromuscular alloplastiesin 46 patients. The comparison group IIa consisted of 108 (15,1%) patients whounderwent open retromuscular allohernioplasty.In group II, 64 (12,6%) patients with large IVH and diastasis of the rectus abdominis5-10 cm underwent open allohernioplasty by «sublay» technique. The comparison groupIIa consisted of 63 (12,4%) patients who were performed the open method «onlay».In group III, in 82 (16,1%) patients with giant IVH and diastasis more than 10 cm ananterior component separation technique of the abdominal wall in combination withalloplasty with intra-abdominal placement of a mesh implant with anti-adhesive coatingwas performed according to the developed method. Comparison group IIIa consistedof 82 (16,1%) patients who underwent anterior component separation technique of theabdominal wall in combination with alloplasty «onlay».Results. For small and medium-sized IVH and diastasis of the rectus abdominis musclesup to 5 cm, laparoscopic allohernioplasty with preperitoneal and retromuscularplacement of a mesh implant and elimination of diastasis is optimal in comparisonwith open retromuscular allohernioplasty, contributes to a significant decrease in theincidence of seroma from 35,2% to 3,7 %, postoperative wound suppuration – from6,5% to 0%, inflammatory infiltrate – from 4,6% to 0%, chronic postoperative pain –from 6,4% to 2,6%, hernia recurrence – from 6,4% up to 0%.The optimal method of allohernioplasty for large IVH and diastasis of the rectusabdominis muscles from 5 to 10 cm is the open «sublay» technique in comparison withthe open «onlay» technique, reduces the incidence of seroma from 23,8% to 6,3%,postoperative wound suppuration – from 4,8% to 1,6%, chronic postoperative pain –from 4,8% to 1,6%, hernia recurrence – from 7,9% to 3,1%.In case of gigantic IVH, contracture of the rectus abdominis muscles and diastasisof more than 10 cm the anterior component separation technique of the anatomicalcomponents of the abdominal wall in combination with intra-abdominal alloplasty isoptimal in comparison with the use of an anterior component separation techniqueof an abdominal wall combined with «onlay» significant improvement in treatmentoutcomes, namely, reduction of seroma frequency from 25,6% to 7,3%, postoperativewound suppuration – from 4,9% to 2,4%, postoperative wound infiltrate – from 13,4%to 2,4 %, chronic postoperative pain – from 8,1% to 1,6%, recurrence of IVH – from6,5% to 1,6%.Conclusion. Optimization of the choice of laparoscopic and open allohernioplastyenables to increase significantly ventral hernias and to decrease the quantity of thepost-operative complications.

An Integrated Surgical Management for Giant Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of Anterior Abdominal Wall

Giant dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a very rare dermal sarcoma whose diagnosis and management are important because of the high local recurrence but low metastatic potential. Complete surgical excision of giant DFSP in a single stage is difficult but has a high cure rate.A 47-year-old man presented with a gradually increasing large (18 x 15 x 7 cm) DFSP in the epigastrium. A 3 cm circumferential wide local excision (WLE) with microscopic tumor-free margin confirmed by frozen section was performed. Immediate single staged tension-free primary closure of resultant defect was done on the principle of abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in ventral hernia repair. This technique of anterior component separation and bridge meshplasty is functional, avoids multiple surgeries, is cost-effective, and can be done in a resource-limited setting in developing countries.A multidisciplinary and integrated surgical approach to treat giant DFSP over epigastrium, by three-dimensional WLE and immediate AWR with anterior component separation technique (CST) and bridging meshplasty, can be of immense help in managing such rare cases in developing countries.

Single institute experiences in anterior and posterior component separation technique for the large ventral hernia: A retrospective review

BackgroundComponent separation techniques have recently gained popularity for the repair of complex ventral hernias. Anterior and posterior component separation techniques offer similar myofascial medialization, with a differing complication profile. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy, patient morbidity and post-operative complications between anterior component separation (ACST) and transversus abdominis release (TAR) for large ventral hernias. MethodsBetween December 2017 and September 2019, data was collected and analysed for patients undergoing ACST and TAR, in terms of demographics, peri-operative events, adverse events and hernia recurrence. Results25 patients each underwent ACST and TAR during our study period. Mean age was 53.5 and 52.8 years and mean BMI was 31.4 and 29.5 respectively. The mean defect area was 120.8 cm2 and 131.9 cm2, and average mesh size was 741.8 cm2 and 1429.04 cm2 respectively in the ACST and TAR groups. Four patients undergoing TAR had intra-operative complications with none in the ACST group. In the ACST group, 8 patients had an SSI, of which 5 patients needed operative intervention, while 3 patients in the TAR group had an SSI, all of whom were managed with bedside procedures. One patient in the ACST group had a recurrence. None of the patients in the TAR group had a recurrence. ConclusionsComponent separation techniques are gaining popularity in treatment of large ventral hernias. While they have comparable outcomes with respect to recurrence, wound morbidity is more frequent and severe in the ACST group.

Early outcomes of component separation techniques: an analysis of the Spanish registry of incisional Hernia (EVEREG)

AimTo analyze the outcomes of component separation techniques (CST) to treat incisional hernias (IH) in a large multicenter cohort of patients.MethodsAll IH repair using CST, registered in EVEREG from July 2012 to December 2019, were included. Data on the pre-operative patient characteristics and comorbidities, IH characteristics, surgical technique, complications, and recurrence were collected. Outcomes between anterior (ACS) and posterior component separation (PCS) techniques were compared. Risk factors for complications and recurrences were analyzed.ResultsDuring the study period, 1536 patients underwent CST (45.5% females) with a median age of 64.0 years and median body mass index (BMI) of 29.7 kg/m2. ACS was the most common technique (77.7%). Overall complications were frequent in both ACS and PCS techniques (36.5%), with a higher frequency of wound infection (10.6% vs. 7.0%; P = 0.05) and skin necrosis (4.4% vs. 0.1%; P < 0.0001) with the ACS technique. Main factors leading to major complications were mesh explant (OR 1.72; P = 0.001), previous repair (OR 0.75; P = 0.038), morbid obesity (OR 0.67; P = 0.015), ASA grade (OR 0.62; P < 0.0001), COPD (OR 0.52; P < 0.0001), and longitudinal diameter larger than 10 cm (OR 0.58; P = 0.001). After a minimum follow-up of 6 months (median 15 months; N = 590), 59 (10.0%) recurrences were diagnosed. Operations performed in a non-specialized unit were significantly associated with recurrences (HR 4.903, CI 1.64–14.65; P = 0.004).ConclusionCST is a complex procedure with a high rate of complications. Both ACS and PCS techniques have similar complication and recurrence rates. Operations performed in a specialized unit have better outcomes.

Management of incisional hernias in liver transplant patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe an optimal management strategy for incisional hernias in liver transplant patients. METHODS: Patients were identified who underwent open preperitoneal hernia repair for incisional hernia following liver transplantation. Perioperative management and surgical technique were described; wound complications and hernia recurrence were the primary outcomes assessed. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients met our criteria. All patients were on immunosuppression, and one patient (5.9%) had sirolimus stopped prior to the operation. One patient (5.9%) quit smoking, and two patients (11.8%) required optimization of their diabetes to have an A1c ≤7.2. Two patients (11.8%) received botulinum toxin A preoperatively due to significant loss of domain. The mean size of the biologic mesh was 818.8 ± 210 cm2, one patient (5.9%) received an anterior component separation and four (23.5%) received a panniculectomy. Postoperatively, three patients (17.7%) developed wound complications and one patient required reoperation for seroma. There were no 30-day readmissions and no hernia recurrences with mean follow-up time of 21.6 ± 11.6 months. CONCLUSION: The use of preperitoneal biologic mesh is an effective method for the management of incisional hernia in liver transplant patients; perioperative optimization and care are also influential in assuring positive outcomes for patients.

Role of Indocyanine Green to Mitigate Wound Complications in Component Separation Technique for Ventral Hernia Repair-Our Early Experience.

The ease of the anterior component separation technique (ACST) makes it an attractive surgical option for ventral hernia repairs (VHR). Incorporation of indocyanine green-fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) to map soft tissue perfusion during open ACST is an effective way to minimize the wound complications. This study aims to evaluate the impact of adoption of ICG-FA on wound-related complications following open ACST in VHR. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent VHR with the open ACST at a single centre between March 2018 and July 2020. The study comprised of consecutive cases of open ACST with onlay meshplasty done before (March 2018-April 2019) and after (May 2019 to July 2020) implementation of ICG-FA for intra-operative perfusion mapping of subcutaneous tissue and skin. The pre-ICG group and post-ICG group were similar in terms of baseline patient demographics and peri-operative details. The rate of surgical site occurrence's was higher in the pre-ICG group, but this result was not statistically significant (46% vs. 26%; p value 0.189). Skin necrosis, however, was observed in significantly less patients of the post-ICG cohort (29% vs. 5%; p value 0.045). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of perfusion mapping by the use of ICG angiography to determine potential areas of decreased perfusion and thereby minimize wound complications. Using ICG-FA to guide removal of at-risk tissue to minimize wound complications may substantially improve the patients outcome.

Anterior component separation with sublay polypropylene mesh placement: An ideal way to deal with large ventral abdominal hernias.

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of open anterior component separation technique for repair of large incisional abdominal hernias. To study the effect of addition of polypropylene mesh with open anterior CST in sublay position. Study Design: Experimental study. Setting: Department of Surgery, DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi. Period: January 2016 to November 2016. Material &amp; Methods: Patients (n=19) were admitted through OPD electively by purposive non- probability sampling in accordance with the inclusion/exclusion criteria. patients were operated under general anaesthesia. Anterior CST was done by standard Ramirez technique. Polypropylene mesh was placed in sublay (retrorectus) position. Data obtained was analysed by SPSS-20 software to calculate SSI and Recurrence rate. Results: A total of 19 (n=19) patients were included in the study and operated upon.There were 61% males with average age of 42 years and 39% females of average31 years.Average defect size was 10.11 cm with SD of 1.899 cm. Recurrence rate was 5.26%. SSI rate was 10.50%. Patients were followed up for one year for Recurrence of hernia. Conclusion: Anterior component separation is an effective technique for repair of otherwise inoperable large ventral abdominal hernias especially when combined with polypropylene mesh in sublay position. Addition of mesh in sublay position with CST signifantly reduces both recurrence and SSI rate.

Prelamination of Vascularized Tensor Fascia Lata for Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

There are 2 to 5 million laparotomies performed in the United States annually. Of these, 250,000 to 350,000 will undergo a ventral hernia repair. Repairs are often complicated by recurrence and infection. These risks are significantly increased in previously infected repairs, with reported recurrence rates varying from 17% to 28% after repair of infected ventral hernias, double the rates reported for first-time uninfected repairs. We describe here a novel treatment strategy involving the creation then use of bilateral prelaminated permanent mesh-reinforced tensor fascia latae flaps for abdominal wall reconstruction in patients who have recurrent ventral hernias and had undergone previous repairs complicated by infection. Previous repairs included anterior components separation, thereby making subsequent fascial release techniques and achievement of a reinforced repair extremely unlikely. Three patients were treated by a single surgeon using this 2-stage technique. There have been no incidences of recurrence and no infections after 2 to 10 years. In these patients, the only conventional option would have been a bridged repair with absorbable mesh. Combining the advantages of permanent mesh and well-vascularized autologous tissue optimizes the repair's tensile strength while mitigating the chance of recurrent infection associated with the use of permanent mesh. We propose that this strategy may be an appropriate treatment option for patients with recurrent ventral hernias that have not responded to other conventional modalities of treatment.

Long-term results of Progrip mesh for retromuscular repair of ventral hernia

BACKGROUND: An issue that has become apparent in using Progrip in ventral hernias is the restriction in the available sizes. The area of dissection for mesh placement can be variable. This report is based on a subgroup analysis of the cases in which a combination of Progrip meshes was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of our prospective database. Cases were identified of Progrip mesh used in ventral hernia repair from 2016 to 2020. Subgroup analysis was performed of cases which Progrip meshes were combined. Telephone follow-up was done in September 2020. RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases were identified. The mean age of patients was 63.13 (26–87). Thirty-three were female. The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists grade was 2 (range: 1–4). The procedure time was 164.35 min (45–490). The mean defect size was 7.23 (2–25 cm). The mean mesh size was a 20 cm × 15 cm mesh. Follow-up was achieved in 63/68 cases. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 4 years. Recurrence was found in 4 (6%). Nine had ongoing abdominal pain. Fifty-nine (93.65%) returned to normal activity. Three returned to theater for wound dehiscence and seromas. Twelve cases required 2 meshes to be combined. All cases involved a mesh size of 30 cm × 30 cm. The mean age was 64 (44–78 years). Six were male. The mean defect size was 9 cm. The operative time was 235 min (120–320). The mean postoperative stay was 5 days (4–60). Three cases required component separation (2 anterior component separation and 1 posterior component separation). There were no recurrences or further surgery. One had ongoing pain. Nine cases had full return to activity. CONCLUSION: Combining Progrip meshes in ventral hernia is an acceptable practice. Mesh may be sutured together or overlapped with equivalent results. Extending the product range to a 30 cm × 30 cm mesh would obviate the need for mesh overlap in our practice.

Repair of giant inguino-scrotal hernia with loss of domain using minimally invasive anterior component separation technique combined with Lichtenstein tension-free mesh hernioplasty

Inguinal hernia repairs are most commonly performed surgical procedures across the world. Lichtenstein's tension free technique of open hernioplasty is the gold standard technique, while laparoscopic techniques gained popularity over recent decade. Giant inguinal hernias are rare. Giant inguinal hernia extends below the midpoint of the inner thigh, in the standing position. These are long standing conditions and at presentation years of herniation or even decades. We report a patient of 65 years of age presented with type-II left sided giant inguinoscrotal hernia from last 10 years with loss of domain. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed, omentum and ileal loops with mesentry as contained in hernia sac, which was repaired by minimally invasive anterior component separation technique to increase the intra-abdominal volume followed by omentectomy and Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty without any complications. He recovered uneventfully. Surgical management of giant inguinal hernia is significantly more challenging and unusual because of ‘loss of domain’ and returning herniated viscera into the empty abdominal cavity forcefully can lead to high intra-abdominal pressure, recurrence or abdominal compartment syndrome. There are several repair techniques in literatures such as resection of contents and increased intra-abdominal volume increasing procedures but there is no standard protocol or surgical procedure for the management of giant hernias. We describe a technique which is relatively simple, less expensive and less invasive used for type II unilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernia with loss of domain in patient with co-morbidities.

Biosynthetic Resorbable Prosthesis is Useful in Single-Stage Management of Chronic Mesh Infection After Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair.

The goal of this article was to report the results about the efficacy of treatment of chronic mesh infection (CMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) in one-stage management, with complete mesh explantation of infected prosthesis and simultaneous reinforcement with a biosynthetic poly-4-hydroxybutyrate absorbable (P4HB) mesh. This is a retrospective analysis of all patients that needed mesh removal for CMI between September 2016 and January 2019 at a tertiary center. Epidemiological data, hernia characteristics, surgical, and postoperative variables (Clavien-Dindo classification) of these patients were analyzed. Of the 32 patients who required mesh explantation, 30 received one-stage management of CMI. In 60% of the patients, abdominal wall reconstruction was necessary after the infected mesh removal: 8 cases (26.6%) were treated with Rives-Stoppa repair, 4 (13.3%) with a fascial plication, 1 (3.3%) with anterior component separation, and 1 (3.3%) with transversus abdominis release to repair hernia defects. Three Lichtenstein (10%) and 1 Nyhus repairs (3.3%) were performed in patients with groin hernias. The most frequent postoperative complications were surgical site occurrences: seroma in 5 (20%) patients, hematoma in 2 (6.6%) patients, and wound infection in 1 (3.3%) patient. During the mean follow-up of 34.5months (range 23-46months), the overall recurrence rate was 3.3%. Persistent, recurrent, or new CMIs were not observed. In our experience, single-stage management of CMI with complete removal of infected prosthesis and replacement with a P4HB mesh is feasible with acceptable results in terms of mesh reinfection and hernia recurrence.

Changes in the lateral abdominal wall following endoscopic subcutaneous anterior component separation.

Although changes in lateral abdominal wall musculature after posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release have been investigated, the effects of endoscopic subcutaneous anterior component separation (ES-ACS) on postoperative muscle anatomy have not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the lateral abdominal muscles after ES-ACS. Computed tomography (CT) images of patients who underwent ES-ACS were retrospectively evaluated. Lateral abdominal wall thickness and external oblique displacement were measured at the level of fixed retroperitoneal structures. Measurements on the ES-ACS side were compared with those on the contralateral undivided side or with preoperative images in patients with bilateral procedures. Fifteen patients met the criteria for study inclusion. Most patients (n = 13, 86.7%) underwent unilateral ES-ACS. The most commonly performed procedure was laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh-plus hernia repair (n = 12, 80.0%; the remaining patients underwent open repair). The Mean defect width was 8.4cm (range 6-15cm). There was no difference in the thickness of the lateral abdominal musculature between ES-ACS and undivided sides. There was a significant lateral displacement of the external oblique muscle from the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis on the ES-ACS side (mean distance 3.7cm; p = 0.0006). No midline hernia recurrences, iatrogenic linea semilunaris hernias, or lateral eventrations were observed during a mean follow-up period of 2.6years (range 0.5-7.4years). ES-ACS resulted in no atrophy of the lateral abdominal muscles in long-term CT follow-up. The procedure is a safe and effective adjunct to complex hernia repair in selected patients.

New techniques in ventral hernia surgery – an evolution of minimally-invasivehernia repairs

Incisional ventral hernia occurs after almost every fourth laparotomy. Still, both simple suturing of the hernia defect and open mesh repair, lead to a high incidence of infections and recurrences. In recent years, we have observed a further evolution of operational techniques used in order to reduce the number of complications. The search for effective repair methods is currently going in two directions: on the one hand, techniques to reduce tissue tension in the suture line are being developed and disseminated (including modifications to the so-called Ramirez technique); on the other hand, minimally invasive techniques are introduced that allow placement of large synthetic meshes without the need for extensive tissue dissection using open repair. In the first group of presented techniques, emphasis is put on basics and access in the following repair method: original Ramirez technique, modified Ramirez technique, anterior component separation with periumbilical perforator-sparing, endoscopic anterior component separation and transversus abdominis release. In the second part of the manuscript, attention is drawn to the following hernia repair techniques: eTEP, reversed TEP, MILOS/eMILOS, stapler repair, TAPP, TARUP, TESLA, SCOLA, REPA, LIRA, IPOM, IPOM-plus. When choosing the optimal technique for a given patient, the surgeon should first of all be guided by technical feasibility, availability of materials, their own experience, as well as the characteristics of the patient and overall burdens. Nevertheless, surgeons undertaking reconstruction of the abdominal wall in the case of hernias should know different surgical accesses and individual spaces of the abdominal integument, in which a synthetic material may be placed. However, it should be emphasized that poor ergonomics of novel techniques, complex anatomy and complicated dissection of space, as well as the need for laparoscopic suturing in a difficult arrangement of tissue layers and in a narrow space, without a full triangulation of instruments, make these operations a challenge even for a surgeon experienced in minimally invasive surgeries.

Impact of perforator sparing on anterior component separation outcomes in open abdominal wall reconstruction.

Anterior component separation (ACS) is a well-established, highly functional technique to achieve fascial closure in complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Unfortunately, ACS is also associated with an increased risk of wound complications. Perforator sparing ACS (PS-ACS) has more recently been introduced to maintain the subcutaneous perforators derived from the deep epigastric vessels. The aim of this study is to evaluate wound-related outcomes in patients undergoing open AWR after implementation of a PS-ACS technique. A prospectively collected database were queried for patients who underwent open AWR and an ACS from 2006 to 2018. Patients who underwent PS-ACS were compared to patients undergoing ACS using standard statistical methods. Patients undergoing concomitant panniculectomy were included in the standard ACS group. In total, 252 patients underwent ACS, with 24 (9.5%) undergoing PS-ACS. Age and specific comorbidities were similar between groups (all p > 0.05) except for the PS-ACS groups having a higher rate of prior tobacco use (45.8% vs 19.6%, p = 0.003). Mean hernia defect area was 381.6 ± 267.0 cm2 with 64.3% recurrent hernias, and both were similar between groups (all p > 0.05). The PS-ACS group did have more complex wounds with more Ventral Hernia Working Group Grade 3 and 4 hernias (p = 0.04). OR time and length of stay were similar between groups (all p > 0.05). Despite increased complexity, wound complication rates were much lower in the PS-ACS group (20.8% vs 46.1%, p = 0.02), and all specific wound complications were lower but not statistically different. Hernia recurrence rate was similar between PS-ACS and ACS groups (4.2% vs 7.0%, p > 0.99) with mean follow-up of 27.7 ± 26.9months. In complex AWR, preservation of the deep epigastric perforating vessels during ACS significantly lowers the rates of wound complications, despite its performance in more complex patients with an increased risk of infection. PS-ACS should be performed preferentially over a standard ACS whenever possible.