Asymptomatic Hernia Research Articles

Demand for Surgical Procedures Following COVID-19: The Need for Operational Strategies That Optimize Resource Utilization and Value.

Demand for Surgical Procedures Following COVID-19: The Need for Operational Strategies That Optimize Resource Utilization and Value.

A rare case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in adult: an incidental finding during an elective procedure

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia consists of a defect of the diaphragm that allows the passage of abdominal viscera into the thorax. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia most commonly present in infancy and childhood due to respiratory distress. However, a few of them may escape into adulthood. A very few of these adult cases may be identified during a routine medical checkup for various other reasons without any cardio-respiratory problems. In our case report, we have diagnosed incidentally an asymptomatic left diaphragmatic hernia with cardio-mediastinal shifting in a 38 years old female admitted for left breast fibroadenoma excision during a routine pre-anesthetic check-up and underwent breast surgery without any cardio-respiratory problems.

A Down Syndrome-Newborn with Asymptomatic Right Bochdalek Hernia

Konjenital diyafragma hernisi, diyafragmada defektler sonucu gelişen kalıtsal anomalilerdir. Diyafragmadaki konjenital defektten dolayı abdominal yapılar torakal kaviteye herniyason yapar. Akciğer grafisinde bağırsak anslarının toraksta görülmesi büyük oranda tanı koydurur. Diyafragma hernileri özefageal hiatustan (hiatal), paraözefageal, retrosternal (Morgagni) veya posterolateral (Bochdalek) bölgelerden gelişebilir. Bu olgu sunumunda Down sendromlu yenidoğan bir bebeğin sağ Bochdalek hernisi tanı süreci, cerrahi işlemi ve literatür karşılaştırması anlatılmıştır.

Functional outcomes in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients undergoing incisional hernia repair: Replacing one problem with another? A prospective cohort study in 1312 patients

Incisional hernias can be associated with pain or discomfort. Surgical repair especially mesh reinforcement, may likewise induce pain. The primary objective was to assess the incidence of pain after hernia repair in patients with and without pre-operative pain or discomfort. The secondary objectives were to determine the preferred mesh type, mesh location and surgical technique in minimizing postoperative pain or discomfort. A registry-based prospective cohort study was performed, including patients undergoing incisional hernia repair between September 2011 and May 2019. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 3-6 months were included. The incidence of hernia related pain and discomfort was recorded perioperatively. A total of 1312 patients were included. Pre-operatively, 1091 (83%) patients reported pain or discomfort. After hernia repair, 961 (73%) patients did not report pain or discomfort (mean follow-up = 11.1 months). Of the pre-operative asymptomatic patients (n = 221), 44 (20%, moderate or severe pain: n = 14, 32%) reported pain or discomfort after mean follow-up of 10.5 months. Of those patients initially reporting pain or discomfort (n = 1091), 307 (28%, moderate or severe pain: n = 80, 26%) still reported pain or discomfort after a mean follow-up of 11.3 months postoperatively. In symptomatic incisional hernia patients, hernia related complaints may be resolved in the majority of cases undergoing surgical repair. In asymptomatic incisional hernia patients, pain or discomfort may be induced in a considerable number of patients due to surgical repair and one should be aware if this postoperative complication.

Watchful waiting is an appropriate option for peritoneal dialysis candidates with an asymptomatic ventral hernia.

Expert consensus recommends that all ventral hernias be repaired prior to, or concomitantly with, peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion. We examined the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing initial PD catheter insertion, with asymptomatic ventral hernias that were not repaired and rather managed using a watchful waiting approach. A single-center, retrospective review of patients undergoing PD catheter insertion from 2005-2019 was performed. Patients who did not undergo repair of a pre-existing ventral hernia at the time of their initial PD catheter insertion were included. The primary endpoint was ventral hernia repair following PD catheter insertion. Forty-one patients were included. Most patients presented with an umbilical hernia (78%). Six patients (15%) underwent ventral hernia repair at a median postoperative interval of 12months [IQR 8-16], due to abdominal discomfort and hernia enlargement (n = 2) and incarceration (n = 2). Two patients remained asymptomatic, yet underwent ventral hernia repair at the time of renal transplantation. The cumulative incidence of ventral hernia repair within 12 and 24 months of PD catheter insertion was 13% and 21%, respectively. Watchful waiting may be an acceptable option for select patients with asymptomatic ventral hernias at the time of initial PD catheter placement. These findings highlight the need to better identify factors associated with asymptomatic ventral hernias that do not warrant concomitant repair to aid surgeons in the decision-making process.

Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair in Bariatric Patients: the Role of Defect Size and Deferred Repair.

To analyze the safety of laparoscopic ventral hernia delayed repair in bariatric patients with a composite mesh. This retrospective single-center observational trial analyzed all bariatric/obese patients with concomitant ventral hernia who underwent laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair before bariatric surgery (group A) and laparoscopic delayed repair after weight loss obtained by the bariatric procedure (group B). Group A (30 patients) had a mean BMI of 37.8 ± 5.7kg/m2 (range: 34.0-74.2kg/m2); group B (170 patients) had a mean BMI of 24.6 ± 4.5kg/m2 (range 19.0-29.8kg/m2) (p < 0.05). Mean operative time: group A, 51.7 ± 26.6min (range 30-120); group B 38.9 ± 21.5min (range 25-110) (p < 0.05). Average length of stay: group A, 2.0 ± 2.7days (range 1-5) versus group B, 2.8 ± 1.9days (range 1-4) (p > 0.5). Recurrent hernia group A 1/30 (3.3%) versus recurrent hernia group B 4/170 (2.3%) (p > 0.5). Bulging: group A, 3/30 (10.0%) versus group B, 0/170 (0%) (p = 0.23). The present study demonstrates the safety of performing LDR in patient candidates for bariatric surgery in cases of a large abdominal hernia (W2-W3) with a low risk of incarceration or an asymptomatic abdominal hernia. In the case of a small abdominal hernia (W1) or strongly symptomatic abdominal hernia, repair before bariatric surgery, along with subsequent bariatric surgery and any revision of the abdominal wall surgery with weight loss, is preferable.

Approaching Surgical Triage During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Approaching Surgical Triage During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

High prevalence of asymptomatic internal hernias after laparoscopic anterior resection in a retrospective analysis of postoperative computed tomography.

Internal hernia (IH) after laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resection (small bowel herniating underneath the neo-descending colon) can be a potentially devastating complication, resulting in acute small bowel obstruction or ischemia. IH has been described as a rare occurrence in a few retrospective case series; however, patients undergoing laparoscopic resection seem to be more prone to this complication. We assessed the prevalence of IH in a large cohort of patients who had undergone laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resection for colon or rectal cancer (CRC). A database of consecutive patients at a single institution from 2012 to 2017 was reviewed. Postoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans performed for routine cancer follow-up between 3 and 36months after surgery were assessed retrospectively. During the study period, 276 patients had undergone anterior resection for CRC, with 206 (75%) having been performed laparoscopically. A total of 198 eligible patients were identified, and a follow-up CT scan was available in 105 (53%) of these patients (median time to CT 10months, range 3-34). Only one of the 198 (0.5%) patients presented with an acute small bowel obstruction secondary to an IH during follow-up. However, the prevalence of asymptomatic IH was noted to be much higher in the postoperative CT scans occurring in 22 of 105 (21%) patients. Asymptomatic IH after laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resection is common. Given the potential risk of acute small bowel obstruction and ischemia, routine closure of the mesenteric defect should be considered.

Contemporary practice and perceptions surrounding the management of asymptomatic umbilical hernias in children: A survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association

PurposeTo explore variation in perceptions regarding the natural history of asymptomatic umbilical hernias, and to characterize the influence of clinical and nonclinical factors on decision-making surrounding timing of repair. MethodsThis was a survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association. Branching logic and Likert scale questions were used to explore perceptions surrounding natural history (risk of complications and likelihood of spontaneous closure), preferred age for repair, and influence of anatomic, caregiver, sociodemographic, and biological factors on operative timing. Results44% of members completed the survey (371/846). The most common age respondents would consider elective repair was 3 years (37%), although the majority preferred to wait until 4 or 5 years (54%). Most respondents estimated a <1% risk of complications for unrepaired defects, and much greater variability was found in the perceived likelihood of spontaneous closure over time. Decision-making surrounding operative timing was most influenced by anatomic factors (larger defects, proboscoid changes, and interval growth) and parental anxiety surrounding need for emergency surgery, cosmesis, and stigma of parental neglect. ConclusionPractice and perceptions surrounding management of asymptomatic umbilical hernias vary widely. More robust epidemiological data are needed to define the likelihood of spontaneous closure in the context of age and physical exam findings. Collaborative efforts between surgeons and referring providers are also needed to optimize management of caregiver anxiety and expectations surrounding need for surgical referral and repair. Level of evidenceLevel V (expert opinion).

Long-term outcomes after bilateral transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for asymptomatic contralateral inguinal hernia.

Surgical management of an asymptomatic inguinal hernia is controversial but given that most of the patients will develop symptoms, the hernioplasty seems to be a reasonable option. We aimed to compare postoperative outcomes after transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair between patients with symptomatic bilateral hernia (SBH) and patients with one symptomatic hernia and an asymptomatic contralateral hernia (ACH). A consecutive series of patients undergoing bilateral laparoscopic TAPP from July 2014 to June 2018 were included. Symptomatic hernia was defined as a groin bulge associated to pain and altered patient's daily activities. Patients were divided into two groups, those with SBH and those with one symptomatic hernia in whom an ACH was diagnosed by physical examination or ultrasound when clinical assessment was inconclusive. Demographics, operative, and postoperative outcomes were compared. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed before and after surgery in both groups. A total of 305 bilateral TAPP repairs were included; 102 (33, 4%) patients had SBH and 203 (66, 6%) had ACH. There were no significant differences between groups regarding age, gender, body mass index, active smoking, and comorbidities. Operative time (SBH: 125 vs. ACH: 132min, p = 0.13) and overall 30-day morbidity were similar between groups (SBH: 14, 7% vs. ACH: 13, 8%, p = 0.82). After a mean follow-up of 30 (10-48) months, the recurrence rate was 1, 4% and 2, 2% in SBH and ACH, respectively (p = 0.53). QoL after surgery improved significantly and similarly in both groups. Bilateral laparoscopic TAPP in the setting of an asymptomatic hernia did not increase morbidity and had similar outcomes when compared to patients with bilateral symptoms. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation of the contralateral groin should be routinely performed, mainly by physical examination, and a bilateral repair may be proposed if an asymptomatic contralateral hernia is detected.

Trocar Site HERnias After Bariatric Laparoscopic Surgery (HERBALS): a Prospective Cohort Study

BackgroundThe exact prevalence of trocar site hernias after bariatric procedures is not yet known. Recent metaanalysis data indicated concerning rates of up to 25%. We conducted a prospective cohort study to estimate the prevalence and analyze the role of fascia closure in the development of trocar hernias.MethodA total of 365 patients who were operated for obesity in our department between 2009 and 2018 were included. All patients were invited for a follow-up ultrasonography scan in order to detect abdominal wall defects. The role of intraoperative fascia closure in the development of trocar site hernias was evaluated, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to detect potential risk factors.ResultsThe overall prevalence of trocar hernias detected by ultrasonography was 34%. The prevalence of abdominal wall defects in patients who received a fascia closure was 37% compared with 34% in patients who did not receive a fascia closure (p = 0.37). The only factor that was associated with a higher risk for trocar site hernias was high excessive weight loss (p = 0.05).ConclusionTrocar site hernias are an underestimated complication of minimally invasive, multiportal bariatric surgery, and the prevalence of asymptomatic hernias is probably higher than initially expected. In this study, fascia closure did not protect against trocar hernias. However, opposing evidence from similar trials suggests closing the fascia. This clinical problem should therefore be further assessed in a prospective randomized setting.

Larrey diaphragmatic hernia in an adult

Introduction. Larrey hernia is a very rare type of the left sided parasternal congenital hernia with the incidence of 1?3% of all anterior diaphragmatic hernias. Case report. The paper describes Larrey congenital diaphragmatic hernia in an adult female patient, aged 70 years. Seventeen years earlier, the patient had had problems with intermittent left side chest pain, hypertension, dyspnea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. She had no past surgical history, and no traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. An open surgical repair was conducted, reducing the herniated organs back into the abdominal cavity, and closing the diaphragmatic defect, repaired with a non-absorbable suture. During the immediate postoperative period, as well as six months later, the patient had a remarkable postoperative recovery. Conclusion. Larrey hernia represents an extremely rare kind of the anterior diaphragm hernias, which can be symptomatically manifested in older persons over 65 years of age. The treatment in the cases of asymptomatic and symptomatic Larrey hernias is a surgical intervention.

P54 INCIDENCE AND OUTCOME OF HIATAL HERNIA AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY: COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL OPEN AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACH

Abstract Aim The primary aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic hiatal hernia (HH) in patients who have undergone intended curative open or minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) for cancer of the oesophagus in a high-volume surgical centre. The secondary aim is to describe the treatment and outcome after HH treatment. Background &amp; Methods MIO for the treatment of oesophageal cancer has emerged as an alternative to traditional open oesophagectomy without compromising disease free or overall survival1. HH of abdominal viscera other than the gastric conduit is an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication following oesophagectomy. HH may present with grievous complications, such as severe respiratory failure, intestinal ischemia with perforation, bowel obstruction, and strangulation leading to emergency surgery2,3. Surgical repair of these HHs is associated with a high morbidity rate and in the emergent setting even a high mortality4. In meta-analysis, the pooled incidence of symptomatic HH after MIO was 4.5 %, compared to a pooled incidence of 1.0 % after open oesophagectomy5. However, studies on the subject, often do not describe whether patients are asymptomatic or simply have not been examined for the existence of HH. The actual HH incidence may therefore be underestimated and may be more sufficiently reported when including patient material with comprehensive follow-up. This retrospective cohort study includes all patients (n≈455) who have undergone curative intended resection for malignant disease in the oesophagus at The Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, from 1th January 2012 – 31th December 2018. Patient demography, perioperative data including surgical approach and follow-up, including occurrence and treatment of hiatal hernia, mortality and recurrence of malignant disease will be extracted from complete electronic patient records. Follow-up ranges from 6-84 months. Primary outcome is occurrence of hiatal hernia after oesophagectomy determined by CT-scan or during surgery. Results As of abstract deadline for ESDE 2019, we have only just received permission for the study from The Danish Patient Safety Authority and can unfortunately not present our results yet. However, we expect that results are ready for presentation at ESDE 2019 and hope for your understanding.

Association between Age and Umbilical Hernia Repair Outcomes in Children: A Multistate Population-Based Cohort Study

To evaluate whether patient age or other sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are associated with recurrence or unplanned related hospital revisits after pediatric umbilical hernia repair. We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient, Emergency Department, and Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases of 7 states. Pediatric umbilical hernia repairs performed at any hospital or surgery center in 2010-2014 were included. Hernia recurrences and occurrences of unplanned and related hospital revisits within 30days were evaluated. Of 9809 included patients, 52.0% were female and 50.5% were black. The 3-year hernia recurrence rate was 0.57% (95% CI 0.42, 0.73). In multivariable analysis, the recurrence rate was higher in children <4years of age than in children 4-10years of age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.93, 95% CI 1.09, 3.44). Unplanned related hospital revisits within 30days occurred in 2.5% of patients. Patient characteristics associated with the risk of an unplanned related hospital revisit included age <4years (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.70, 2.77) or >10years (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.46, 3.05), public insurance (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.58, 2.79), asthma (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.32, 2.29), and initial presentation to the emergency department (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.08, 5.61). Rates of recurrence and unplanned related hospital revisits following pediatric umbilical hernia repair are higher in children younger than 4years of age. These findings support delaying the repair of asymptomatic umbilical hernia in children until 4years of age.

Long-term outcomes of biological mesh repair following extra levator abdominoperineal excision of\xa0the rectum: an observational study of 100 patients

BackgroundCurrent evidence suggests that pelvic floor reconstruction following extralevator abdominoperineal excision of rectum (ELAPER) may reduce the risk of perineal herniation of intra-abdominal contents. Options for reconstruction include mesh and myocutaneous flaps, for which long-term follow-up data is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of biological mesh (Surgisis®, Biodesign™) reconstruction following ELAPER.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients having ELAPER in a single institution between 2008 and 2018 was perfomed. Clinic letters were scrutinised for wound complications and all available cross sectional imaging was reviewed to identify evidence of perineal herniation (defined as presence of intra-abdominal content below a line between the coccyx and the lower margin of the pubic symphysis on sagittal view).ResultsOne hundred patients were identified (median age 66, IQR 59–72 years, 70% male). Median length of follow-up was 4.9 years (IQR 2.3–6.7 years). One, 2- and 5-year mortality rates were 3, 8 and 12%, respectively. Thirty three perineal wounds had not healed by 1 month, but no mesh was infected and no mesh needed to be removed. Only one patient developed a symptomatic perineal hernia requiring repair. On review of imaging a further 7 asymptomatic perineal hernias were detected. At 4 years the cumulative radiologically detected perineal hernia rate was 8%.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that pelvic floor reconstruction using biological mesh following ELAPER is both safe and effective as a long-term solution, with low major complication rates. Symptomatic perineal herniation is rare following mesh reconstruction, but may develop sub clinically and be detectable on cross-sectional imaging.

Variation in surgical management of asymptomatic umbilical hernia at freestanding children's hospitals

PurposeTo examine hospital-level variation in the timing of asymptomatic umbilical hernia repair in children. MethodsRetrospective analysis of children undergoing umbilical hernia repair at 38 children's hospitals using the Pediatric Health Information System database (01/2013–12/2017). Early repair was defined as surgery performed at 3 years of age or younger. Repairs were categorized as emergent/urgent if associated with diagnostic or procedural codes indicating obstruction or strangulation, or if they occurred within 2 weeks of an emergency department encounter. Multivariable regression was used to calculate hospital-level observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios for early repair adjusting for emergent/urgent repair and patient characteristics. Results23,144 children were included, of which 30% underwent early repair (hospital range: 6.9%–54.3%, p ≪ 0.001). Overall, 3.8% of all repairs were emergent/urgent, and higher rates of early repair did not correlate with higher rates of emergent/urgent repair across hospitals (r = −0.10). Following adjustment, hospital-level O/E ratios for early repair varied 8.9-fold (0.19–1.70, p ≪ 0.001). ConclusionTiming of asymptomatic umbilical hernia repair varies widely across children's hospitals, and the magnitude of this variation cannot be explained by differences in patient characteristics or the acuity of repair. Many children may be undergoing repair of hernias that may spontaneously close with further observation. Level of Evidence.Level III (retrospective comparative study).

Association of Sociodemographic Factors With Adherence to Age-Specific Guidelines for Asymptomatic Umbilical Hernia Repair in Children

Current guidelines recommend delaying repair of asymptomatic umbilical hernia in children until after age 4 to 5 years to allow for spontaneous closure. To examine the association of sociodemographic factors with adherence to age-specific guidelines for asymptomatic umbilical hernia repair in children. In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, children 17 years and younger who underwent umbilical hernia repair from January 2013 to June 2018 at 47 freestanding children's hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System database were eligible for study inclusion. Children who underwent multiple procedures, repair of recurrent hernias, or had missing sociodemographic data were excluded. Early umbilical hernia repair was defined as repair at 3 years or younger. Emergent or urgent presentation was defined as repair performed during the same encounter or within 2 weeks of an emergency department visit, respectively. Patients were categorized by sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, income quintile, and presence of complex chronic conditions. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with the odds of early repair after adjusting for emergent or urgent presentation and hospital-level effects. Of the 25 877 included children, 13 817 (53.4%) were female, 14 143 (54.7%) had public insurance, and the median (interquartile range) age was 5.0 (3.0-6.0) years. Following adjustment, increased odds of early repair was associated with public insurance (public vs commercial insurance: odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.36-1.56; P < .001), lower income (lowest vs highest income quintile: OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.33-1.65; P < .001), and female sex (female vs male sex: OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.13-1.27; P < .001). Children with public insurance in the lowest income quintile had 2.2-fold increased odds of early repair compared with children with commercial insurance in the highest income quintile (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.93-2.40; P < .001). Sociodemographic factors were not associated with increased odds of early repair in the subgroup of children who underwent early repair following emergent or urgent presentation. Public insurance, lower income, and female sex are independently associated with repair of asymptomatic umbilical hernias in children earlier than recommended by current guidelines. These children may be at greater risk of undergoing repair of umbilical hernias that may spontaneously close with further observation.

Surgical Treatment of Inguinal Canal Hernias in Boys: an Analysis of Five Years’ Experience

Introduction.Currently the surgical treatment of inguinal hernias in children is usually a high ligation of the hernia sac without the separation of its distal portion or plastic reconstruction of the inguinal canal. This technique is considered the treatment of choice as it has brought down the incidence of post-operative hernias and testicular atrophy. However, the issues of approach to the selection of a conservative treatment strategy and the role played by instrumental examination methods used to determine indications for surgical treatment remain controversial.Materials and methods.This paper presents a retrospective analysis of 684 clinical cases followed up at the Yaroslavl Regional Children’s Teaching Hospital. The study included boys aged one month to 17 years who were treated for inguinal and inguinoscrotal hernias in 2011-2015.Results and discussion.89 patients (10.3%) were hospitalised with incarcerated inguinal and inguinoscrotal hernias in the period under review. Of these, in 86 patients, when the incarceration lasted under 12 hours, conservative treatment attempts were undertaken. Hernia reduction was achieved without any direct manipulation on the hernia sac in 10 boys (11.6%). Attempts of manual hernia reduction were undertaken in the remaining 56 children (65.1%); these resulted in successful outcomes in 47 patients (83.9%). Emergency surgical repair of incarcerated hernias was performed in 23 cases (3.1%). No patients with incarcerated hernias were older than seven years. 45 out of 183 boys (29.5%) had scrotal oedemas and haematomas in the early post-operative period following planned hernia repair surgeries.Conclusion. In the majority of patients hospitalised early the conservative hernia reduction approach was effective and resulted in fewer emergency hernia repair surgeries. Ultrasound examination of inguinal canal may be considered as a method of screening for asymptomatic hernias.

Prophylactic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh Following Midline Laparotomy-Long-Term Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Incisional hernia, a serious complication after laparotomy, is associated with high morbidity and costs. This trial examines the value of prophylactic intraperitoneal onlay mesh to reduce the risk of incisional hernia after a median follow-up time of 5.3years. We conducted a parallel group, open-label, single center, randomized controlled trial (NCT01003067). After midline incision, the participants were either allocated to abdominal wall closure according to Everett with a PDS-loop running suture reinforced by an intraperitoneal composite mesh strip (Group A) or the same procedure without the additional mesh strip (Group B). A total of 276 patients were randomized (Group A = 131; Group B = 136). Follow-up data after a median of 5.3years after surgery were available from 183 patients (Group A = 95; Group B = 88). Incisional hernia was diagnosed in 25/95 (26%) patients in Group A and in 46/88 (52%) patients in Group B (risk ratio 0.52; 95% CI 0.36-0.77; p < 0.001). Eighteen patients with asymptomatic incisional hernia went for watchful waiting instead of hernia repair and remained free of symptoms after of a median follow-up of 5.1years. Between the second- and fifth-year follow-up period, no complication associated with the mesh could be detected. The use of a composite mesh in intraperitoneal onlay position significantly reduces the risk of incisional hernia during a 5-year follow-up period. Ref. NCT01003067 (clinicaltrials.gov).

A Systematic Review of Current Consensus on Timing of Operative Repair Versus Spontaneous Closure for Asymptomatic Umbilical Hernias in Pediatric.

Introduction:Umbilical hernia is a common pediatric disorder that pediatric surgeons are usually asked to manage. Most cases will be closed spontaneously during the first 4-5 years of life. Low number of studies regarding umbilical defects in children does not allow a definitive guideline to be drawn about their natural history, indications and optimal timing for repair. In this systematic review, we evaluated the existing literature where pediatric umbilical hernias are addressed in regards to watchful waiting versus recommendations on timing of operative repair and we compared our institutional results with current literatureAim:The aim of our study is to review and evaluate the current guidelines in management of umbilical hernias in children and to compare the results with our experience in management of umbilical hernia in our institution.Methods:Online literature search for studies that published about umbilical hernias in pediatric using literature’s search of ACP Journal Club, Clinical Evidence, Dynamed, Cochran Controlled Trial Register (1945-2015), UpToDate, and PubMed. We reviewed the recommendations of these studies regarding conservative treatment, rule and time of surgery, complications, and its natural history trend to close spontaneously. We compared the literature results and recommendations to our institutional results. We also conducted a retrospective medical charts review of 520 children aged between 1 month and 14 years presented to our institution for surgical consultation for asymptomatic umbilical hernia between 2007 and 2017. We only included children with umbilical hernia who are less than 14 years old and without other associated disorders.Results:A Total of 7 studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. These studies examined the possibilities of spontaneous closure of hernia defect in pediatric, incidence of complications from watchful waiting and current recommendations for surgery timing. In general, spontaneous resolution were unlikely to be seen beyond the age of 5 years. Our institutional results found that of 442 cases treated conservatively between 2007 and 2017, 85% are closed spontaneously by 1-5 years of age.Conclusion:There is minimal top-notch clinical data guiding pediatric surgeons on management protocols in regards to umbilical hernias in children. Current published studies and our institutional retrospective study recommend that conservative management of asymptomatic, uncomplicated umbilical hernias until age 4-5 years is both safe and practical.