Elective Laparoscopic Repair Research Articles

SAT-238 Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus with First Presentation as an Adult: A Case Report

Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus with First Presentation as an Adult: A Case ReportBackground:Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare inherited condition, usually presenting during the first year of life. It is characterized by a renal insensitivity to arginine vasopressin. About 90% of patients are males with X-linked NDI who have mutations in the vasopressin V2 receptor (AVPR2) gene encoding the vasopressin V2 receptor. Females are typically asymptomatic. Here, we report female case of NDI initially presenting and diagnosed in an adult woman.Clinical Case:A previously well 47-year-old woman of Italian descent underwent an elective laparoscopic repair of an abdominal hernia. Her medical history included obesity and migraine headaches. She was not taking any medications prior to admission. She had a bowel perforation 6 days after surgery, necessitating an emergency right hemicolectomy and small bowel resection. Upon instituting bowel rest with nil per os (NPO), she developed severe hypernatremia (Na+ 163 mmol/L) with polyuria (>6 L/day) and dilute urine (osmolality 174 mmol/kg). Further inquiry revealed that the patient routinely drank at least 10 L/day of fluids throughout her entire adult life. Her family history was remarkable for polydipsia affecting at least additional six people across three generations (including her son, her mother, 3 maternal uncles and 1 nephew). Following administration of desmopressin 1 ug subcutaneously, her urine remained inappropriately dilute (osmolality 160 mmol/kg) with no significant change in urine output (rate 350 mL/h for 3 hours). Her arginine vasopressin level was detectable (3.2 pmol/L, reference range 0.8–3.5 pmol/L), consistent with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Subsequent molecular analysis of the AVPR2 gene, located on chromosome Xq28, confirmed a pathogenic mutation (c.253G>A), consistent with a p.Asp85Asn substitution resulting in decreased binding affinity between the V2 receptor and arginine vasopressin. Thus, X-linked NDI was diagnosed according to the patient’s presentation, compatible family history, and genetic analysis. When she was able to eat and drink ad lib again, a low-salt, low-protein diet along with a trial of a thiazide diuretic were recommended. The patient remained well with 3 years of follow-up.Conclusion:The diagnosis of congenital NDI may be delayed until adulthood because of a relatively mild phenotype and compensatory drinking behavior, so that the disorder will not be clinically apparent until a person is deprived of free water. Men and women alike can be affected by this X-linked dominant condition which should be considered in any polyuric, hypernatremic hospitalized patient.

Closure of the fascial defect during laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair: a randomized clinical trial

The objective of the study was to analyse patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), seroma formation, long-term recurrence and chronic pain after closure of the fascial defect in patients undergoing laparoscopic umbilical hernia mesh repair. This was a randomized double-blinded trial in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair comparing sutured closure of the fascial defect before intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair with a no-closure IPOM repair. Postoperative pain, movement limitations, discomfort and fatigue were registered before surgery and on postoperative days 1-3, 7 and 30. Seroma formation, quality of life and cosmesis were assessed at day 30, and at 2 years of follow-up. Recurrence (clinical and reoperation) and chronic pain were assessed after 2 years. Eighty patients were randomized. Median defect sizes in closure and no-closure groups were 2·5 (range 1·5-4·0) and 2·5 (2·0-5·5)cm respectively (P=0·895). There were no significant differences in early and late postoperative pain or in any other early or late PROMs, except for early fatigue which was higher in the closure group (P=0·011). Seroma formation after 30 days was significantly reduced after closure (14 of 40; 35 (95 per cent c.i. 22 to 51) per cent) compared with no closure (22 of 38; 58 (42 to 72) per cent) (P=0·043). Cumulative recurrence after 2 years was lower in the closure group: 5 of 36 (7 (3 to 17) per cent) versus 12 of 37 (19 (10 to 33) per cent) for no closure (P=0·047). Closure of the fascial defect in laparoscopic umbilical hernia IPOM repair significantly reduced early seroma formation and long-term recurrence without inducing side-effects such as pain, or other early or late PROMs. Registration number: NCT01962480 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Sexual dysfunction after elective laparoscopic or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in men

Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair can lead to ejaculation and erection troubles in men. There are few studies on sexual dysfunction after endovascular repair (EVAR) but they suggest less retrograde ejaculation than after open repair. We assessed the sexual dysfunction and ejaculation troubles after elective laparoscopic repair or EVAR. We conducted a monocentric prospective study on 124 patients undergoing AAA repair between 2013 and 2015. Sexual function was evaluated using the IIEF-15 questionnaire and questions on ejaculation. Only 45 patients (36.3%) accepted to complete the IIEF preoperatively with 20-37.8% having preoperative sexual dysfunction. Among them, 21 (46.7%) accepted to complete the questionnaire at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean age at inclusion was 65±5.6 years in the laparoscopic group and 77±10.5 years in the EVAR group (P=0.003). Erectile and sexual function were slightly improved at 12 months in the laparoscopic group (+1.4 for erectile score and +4.6 for IIEF score) with no significant difference (P=0.83 and 0.74) whereas 8 patients (61.5%) had persistent ejaculation troubles at 3 months. In the EVAR group, patients had moderate sexual dysfunction at baseline without improvement at 12 months, but only one patient reported ejaculation troubles. Most patients eligible for AAA repair present with baseline erectile and sexual dysfunction. Laparoscopic AAA repair provides no onset of erectile or sexual dysfunction but a global improvement after surgery. Ejaculation troubles are frequent and persistent at 1 year. However, EVAR treatment, doesn't allow recovering of sexual function at 1 year. 4.

A Case of Morgagni Hernia in an Elderly Patient That Was Successfully Treated by Endoscopic Reduction of the Herniated Transverse Colon Followed by Elective Laparoscopic Mesh Repair

A Case of Morgagni Hernia in an Elderly Patient That Was Successfully Treated by Endoscopic Reduction of the Herniated Transverse Colon Followed by Elective Laparoscopic Mesh Repair

A comparative study of closure versus non-closure of hernial defect in laparoscopic ventral hernia mesh repair

Background: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair has better out comes when compared to open mesh repair. But closure of the hernial defect is still a contentious issue. This study is designed to compare the outcome of closure versus non-closure of hernia defect in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.Methods: A 2 years prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in the Department of General Surgery (November 2016 to October 2018).Results: The patients in the two groups were analyzed using Chi-square, ANOVA, Fisher exact test, and results were formulated. The mean age of ventral hernia was 41 years and overall incidence more in females. Paraumbilical hernia is the commonest variety of ventral hernia and 63.3% hernias were reducible. Average post-operative length of hospital stay was 2 days with no difference in both the groups. Post-operative pain was more in intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) plus group. Seroma formation and Incidence of mesh bulge was found be more in IPOM group, but there was no difference in the incidence of chronic pain or recurrence rate between the two groups. All the above proved statistical significance.Conclusions: Primary defect closure in ventral hernia along with mesh placement in laparoscopy seems to have better outcome, with respect to less chance of seroma formation and mesh bulge.

Our Laparoscopic Surgical Technique and Experience in Treating Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Over the Past Decade.

Background:Over the past decade, laparoscopic hernia repair was the most performed operation in our department. Equally, it compromises 15% of all pediatric operations performed. We aim, in this study, to review all the cases performed and extrapolate important information like reoccurrences, the incidence of metachronous inguinal hernia, complications amongst other information.Material and Methods:All patients under the age of 18 whom underwent elective laparoscopic hernia repair between 03/01/2007 till the 18/05/2016 were included in our study. We recorded important clinical features and studied their post-operative follow up. Equally reoccurrences, the incidence of metachronous inguinal hernia, complications and other parameters were recorded and studied.Results:A total of 916 patients were operated on during the defined study period. There was a 0.17% reoccurrence rate and a 0.46% incidence of metachronous inguinal hernia. Equally a contralateral patent processus vaginalis was diagnosed and closed in 17.10%. There were no postoperative complications and we had a 0% postoperative hydrocele rate.Conclusion:Laparoscopic hernia repair is safe and carries all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. We recommend that it is offered to patients and would like to refute previously claimed reports that it carries a higher reoccurrence rate or takes a long time to perform. Our reoccurrence rate of 0.17% is actually lower than many published reoccurrence rates after open repair.

Octogenarians exhibit quality of life improvement but increased morbidity after paraesophageal hernia repair

BackgroundThe benefit of elective laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (eLPEHR) in the elderly is unclear. This study compared quality of life and symptom resolution and morbidity after eLPEHR between octogenarians and younger patients. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted comparing octogenarians (n = 23) to younger patients (n = 162) undergoing eLPEHR. Primary outcomes were pre and post-operative disease-specific quality of life (GERD-HRQL) and symptom scales (GERSS) and post-operative morbidity and length of stay (LOS). ResultsOctogenarians presented with higher ASA and lower preoperative BMI. Compared to controls, octogenarians exhibited higher overall morbidity (34.8% vs 16.1%, p = 0.03), including cardiac events (8.7% vs 0.6%) and mortality (8.7% vs 0%), and longer LOS (3 vs 2 days, p < 0.005). Post-operative reduction in GERD-HRQL/GERSS scores was comparable between groups. ConclusionOctogenarians who undergo eLPEHR exhibit significant improvement in quality of life and symptom burden but may experience increased morbidity, suggesting a role for watchful waiting in this population. SummarySymptom burden, quality of life, and immediate post-operative morbidity was compared between octogenarians and younger patients undergoing elective laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair at a single institution. While exhibiting comparable post-operative improvement in symptom burden and quality of life, octogenarians experience higher post-operative morbidity. This may suggest a role for watchful waiting in the elderly population.

Effect of Previous Lower Abdominal Surgery on Outcomes Following Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Previous lower abdominal surgery is generally considered as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Our objective was to investigate the feasibility and safety of TEP repair in patients with a history of lower abdominal surgery. A retrospective analysis of 301 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent elective laparoscopic TEP repair between August 2010 and August 2014 was conducted. One-hundred five patients (34.9%) had previously undergone lower abdominal surgery. The main outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes were immediate postoperative pain, presence of chronic pain at follow-up, and hernia recurrence. Patient demographics and clinical variables were balanced between the 2 groups, with the exception of age. Intraoperative morbidity was similar between cases without previous lower abdominal surgery (nPS) and cases with history of lower abdominal surgery (PS) [nPS vs. PS: 0.5% (n=1) vs. 2.8% (n=3), P=0.09]. Overall 30-day morbidity was found to be significantly higher in the PS patient group [nPS vs. PS: 1.5% (n=3) vs. 6.6% (n=7), P=0.018]. Mortality was nil. There were no differences noted between the 2 groups with respect to early postoperative pain and chronic inguinal pain. Complete follow-up information was available for 149 of 301 patients (follow-up rate of 49.5%, range: 3 to 48 mo) with a mean follow-up time of 20.38 months (SD=7.7). There was no statistically significant difference noted in the recurrence rate between the 2 patient groups at follow-up [nPS vs. PS: 3.2% (n=3) vs. 1.8% (n=1), P=0.6]. The present work demonstrates higher incidence of postoperative scrotal hematoma after TEP repair in patients with history of previous lower abdominal surgery. All remaining outcomes of interest were found to be similar between the 2 patient groups. Further trials will be needed to verify our findings.

Internal hernia with Roux loop gangrene in a post

High degree suspicion is mandatory in dealing with a post-operative patient presenting with a crampy postprandial abdominal pain, as potential for internal hernias remains fairly under diagnosed. Except in setting of small bowel obstruction or gangrene and radiological proven internal hernia, intervening a patient with herald symptoms is still debatable, though certain authors advocate that in lap. Roux-en Y gastric bypass patients with herald symptoms should promptly be offered elective laparoscopic exploration elective repair safely and expeditiously.

Patterns of hospital utilization after elective minimally invasive foregut surgery.

Post-operative non-urgent hospital visits (NUR-HV) are an important quality target for reducing unnecessary healthcare utilization. The primary objective of this study was to characterize 90-day post-operative hospital use and determine independent predictors for NUR-HV and urgent (UR)-HV after elective laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR) and Nissen Fundoplication (LNF). Five hundred and sixty-two primary LPEHR and LNF patients were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution. Ninety-day NUR-HV and UR-HV were compared to patients without post-operative HV using baseline medical and demographic data, preoperative work-up (manometry, pH testing, disease-specific quality of life and symptom scale scores (GERSS), and hospital course. Multiple logistic models were created using univariate associations (p < 0.1) to model independent predictors of NUR-HV and UR-HV. NUR-HV accounted for 52% (n = 30) of all 90-HV, while the remaining were UR-HV (n = 28, 48.3%). Compared to controls, NUR-HV were younger (51.2 ± 16.8years vs. 57.6 ± 15.2, p = 0.05), had a lower baseline BMI (28.2 ± 6.4 vs. 31.3 ± 5.4, p = 0.003) and ASA scores (p = 0.02), presented with higher GERSS (46 (28-60) vs. 35 (19-48), p = 0.02) and dysphagia scores (3 (1-5) vs. 2 (0-4), p = 0.02), were associated with LNF (77.7% vs. 54.6%, p = 0.02), and experienced more post-operative dysphagia (13.3% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.06). UR-HV were older (64.0 ± 13.2 vs. 57.6 ± 15.2, p = 0.03), associated with LPEHR (67.9% vs. 45.4%, p = 0.02), longer hospital stay (2 (1-3) vs. 1 (1-2), p = 0.003), and increased overall (39.3% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.001) and urgent complications (34.6% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.005). Positive predictors of NUR-HV included ASA score < 3 (OR 4.4, p = 0.02), increasing GERSS (1.04, p = 0.01), and reduced peristalsis (OR 4.7, p = 0.01), while UR-HV were independently predicted by urgent complications (5.0, p < 0.00005). NUR-HV accounted for half of post-operative visits following LNF/LPEHR and were predicted by distinct characteristics compared to UR-HV. This stratification provides novel insight that will guide both preoperative counseling and post-operative quality initiatives.

Who gets a PEG? An analysis of simultaneous PEG placement during elective laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is an infrequent adjunct in elective paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR). Guidelines denote that PEG "may facilitate postoperative care in selected patients." Though there is sparse literature defining which patients may benefit. The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with simultaneous PEG placement during PEHR and their subsequent outcomes. The NSQIP database was queried from 2011 to 2016 for patients undergoing elective laparoscopic PEHR. Cases were excluded if PEHR or fundoplasty was not the primary procedure, a concomitant bariatric procedure was performed, or if the primary surgeon was not a general or cardiothoracic surgeon. Groups were Propensity Score Matched for age, BMI, and ASA Class. 15700 patients were identified, 371 who underwent simultaneous PEG placement (2.4%). Non-PEG patients were matched at a 5:1 ratio, producing 1855 controls. PEG patients had higher rates of pre-operative dyspnea (OR 1.45, p = 0.0110), pre-operative weight loss (OR 2.87, p = 0.0001), and lower pre-operative albumin (3.92 vs. 4.01, p = 0.0129). PEG patients had more intra-operative contamination (mean Wound Classification 1.54 vs. 1.38, p < 0.0001) and longer case durations (170 vs. 148min, p < 0.0001). PEG patients had longer lengths of stay (3.4 vs. 2.5days, p = 0.0001), rates of superficial SSI (OR 5.82, p = 0.0012), peri-operative transfusions (OR 2.68, p = 0.0197), and pulmonary emboli (OR 3.61, p = 0.0359). Patients undergoing simultaneous PEG during PEHR are more likely to have respiratory symptoms, markers of malnutrition, and intra-operative factors indicative of more technically challenging cases. These patients have longer hospitalizations, higher rates of superficial SSI, and more pulmonary emboli.

A Case of Bilateral Strangulated Obturator Hernia Treated with Ultrasound Guided Reduction and Elective Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

A Case of Bilateral Strangulated Obturator Hernia Treated with Ultrasound Guided Reduction and Elective Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Selective muscle botulinum toxin A component paralysis in complex ventral hernia repair.

Repair of complex ventral hernia presents a significant challenge plagued by high morbidity and recurrence. Recent studies have demonstrated significant benefits achievable with preoperative Botulinum Toxin A (BTA) chemical component paralysis to the abdominal wall muscles, facilitating primary closure of complex ventral hernia defects. However, transversus abdominis is known to play an integral role in truncal stability, and its paralysis can result in unwanted physiological changes. This is the first study to report on selective administration of preoperative BTA to internal and external oblique muscles only, thus sparing transversus abdominis from paralysis. This is a prospective observational study of 46 patients who underwent either selective two-layer or standard three-layer abdominal wall muscle BTA injection prior to elective laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Serial abdominal CT imaging was performed to compare defect size and length of the lateral abdominal musculature. 46 patients received preoperative BTA injections (23 in each group). A comparison of gains achieved from chemical component paralysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Fascial closure was achieved in all cases, with no post-operative sequelae of abdominal hypertension. There are no hernia recurrences to date. Preoperative selective muscle chemical component paralysis is an effective technique to counteract the chronic muscle retraction observed in large ventral hernias. Transversus abdominis plays a significant role in truncal and spinal stability, and sparing it from paralysis preserves an important component of abdominal wall physiology and does not detract from the ability to primarily close complex defects.

Combined totally extraperitoneal preperitoneal repair and laparoscopic appendectomy for treatment of an asymptomatic, incarcerated Amyand’s hernia in an adult

Amyand’s hernia is a rare variety of inguinal hernia wherein the vermiform appendix is contained within the hernia sac. It is generally reported to present emergently with symptoms of an incarcerated inguinal hernia and is diagnosed intraoperatively. We report the first known case of an incarcerated Amyand’s hernia presenting asymptomatically in an adult, with subsequent diagnosis during elective laparoscopic repair of the hernia. This case highlights the potential for this variety of hernia to present to surgeons who perform only elective hernia repairs. We describe our method of a combined preperitoneal TEP repair of the hernia with conversion to intraabdominal laparoscopy to reduce the appendix and perform appendectomy. This technique has several benefits, including minimal comorbidity to the patient and minimal risk of infection. The necessity for appendectomy in cases of Amyand’s hernia without appendiceal inflammation is debated, as is the use of prosthetic mesh to repair the hernia when appendectomy is performed. The threshold to remove the appendix can be low if infection risk is minimized.

Is antibiotic prophylaxis mandatory in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair? Data from the herniamed registry

BackgroundSeveral meta-analyses showed that laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is associated with lower surgical site infection (SSI) rates compared to open repair. However, the efficiency of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair alone is unknown and needs evaluation. Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance, a major global health care problem, AP needs to be critically evaluated.The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of AP on the rate of SSI and complication-related reoperations in patients undergoing laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. Materials and methodsProspectively documented data from the Herniamed Hernia Registry from 2009 to 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Multivariable analyses were used to study the influence of AP as well as further patient and surgery-related risk factors on SSI and complication-related reoperation rates. This was verified in a sensitivity analysis using propensity-score matching. ResultsIn the analysed time period 13′513 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic incisional hernia repair were recorded, of which 14.4% (n = 1949) did not receive AP. The overall SSI rate showed no significant difference when directly comparing patients with (0.74%) and without AP (0.97%; p = 0.262). In the multivariable analysis the presence of patient related risk factors (p = 0.015) and defect size >10 cm (p = 0.035) significantly increased the rates of SSI and complication-related reoperations. The propensity-score matching analysis verified that SSI rates are not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.265). ConclusionsIn cases of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair in patients without risk factors and moderate hernia diameter (<10 cm), routine administration of AP in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair does not seem to be justified.

Effective Laparoscopic Repair of Gastrogastric Fistula After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Abstract Introduction: Gastrogastric fistula is a communication between the gastric remnant and the gastric pouch. This type of fistula is a rare complication after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). These types of fistulas may be caused by an anastomotic leak, marginal ulcers, distal obstruction, or erosion from a foreign body. The type of fistula may also form secondary to an undivided stomach with a subsequent staple line failure. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old female who was status post a laparoscopic RYGB at an outside facility in 2010 presented for weight gain. She lost 99 lbs in 2 years after the RYGB but then regained 43 lbs in a couple of months before presentation. At the time of evaluation, the patient's body mass index was 32 kg/m2. An upper gastrointestinal swallow study showed a gastrogastric fistula and an endoscopic gastroduodenoscopy documented the communication between the gastric pouch and remnant stomach. The patient underwent an elective laparoscopic repair of the fistula. Intraoper...

Watchful waiting versus elective repair for asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic paraesophageal hernias: A cost-effectiveness analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the decision of watchful waiting (WW) versus elective laparoscopic hernia repair (ELHR) for minimally symptomatic paraesophageal hernias (PEH) with respect to cost-effectiveness. BackgroundThe current recommendation for minimally symptomatic PEHs is watchful waiting. This standard is based on a decision analysis from 2002 that compared the two strategies on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Since that time, the safety of ELHR has improved. A cost-effectiveness study for PEH repair has not been reported. MethodsA Markov decision model was developed to compare the strategies of WW and ELHR for minimally symptomatic PEH. Input variables were estimated from published studies. Cost data was obtained from Medicare. Outcomes for the two strategies were cost and QALY's. ResultsELHR was superior to the WW strategy in terms of quality of life, but it was more costly. The average cost for a patient in the ELHR arm was 11,771 dollars while for the WW arm it was 2207. ConclusionThis study shows that WW and ELHR both have benefits in the management of minimally symptomatic paraesophageal hernias.

Impact of Operative Times and Mesh Utilization on Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Analysis of 30-Day Outcomes from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Database.

Using mesh to buttress the crural repair following a paraesophageal hernia repair remains controversial. This article evaluates recent trends in laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repairs and analyzes the impact of mesh and operative time on postoperative morbidity. The 2013-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for elective laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair with and without mesh. Operative times were grouped into quartiles and statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance univariate with post hoc testing and multivariate regression modeling. The outcomes of interest were composite morbidity scores and readmission rates within 30 days of surgery. The database identified a cohort of 6234 laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repairs. Mesh was utilized in 42% of cases per year and did not change over the study period (P = .367). Mesh was used 37%, 40%, 43%, and 49% of the time within operative quartiles 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P < .001). Postoperative morbidity and readmission rates for each operative time quartile were 2.8%, 4.1%, 5.42%, and 6.13% (P < .001) and 4.4%, 5%, 6.2%, and 7.6% (P = .001), respectively. Post hoc testing indicated statistically significant differences in postoperative morbidity and readmission rates between quartiles 1 and 3/4. Multivariate regression analysis documented operative time as a risk factor for postoperative morbidities and readmission. Simply using mesh was not directly associated with postoperative morbidity. Mesh utilization does not impact postoperative outcomes; however, as operative time increases, the incidence of postoperative morbidity also increases.

Decreased re-operation rate for recurrence after defect closure in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with a permanent tack fixated mesh: a nationwide cohort study.

To investigate whether defect closure in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair reduces the re-operation rate for recurrence compared with no defect closure. Data were extracted from the Danish Ventral Hernia Database. Adults with an elective laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with tacks used as mesh fixation were included, if their first repair was between the 1st of January 2007 and the 1st of January 2017. Patients with defect closure were compared with no defect closure. Re-operation rates are presented as crude rates and cumulated adjusted re-operation rates. Sub-analyses assessed the effect of the suture material used during defect closure and also whether defect closure affected both primary and incisional hernias equally. Among patients with absorbable tacks as mesh fixation, 443 received defect closure and 532 did not. For patients with permanent tacks, 393 had defect closure and 442 did not. For patients with permanent tacks as mesh fixation, the crude re-operation rates were 3.6% with defect closure and 7.2% without defect closure (p = 0.02). The adjusted cumulated re-operation rate was significantly reduced with defect closure and permanent tacks (hazard ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.28-0.999, p = 0.05). The sub-analysis suggested that defect closure was only beneficial for incisional hernias, and not primary hernias. We did not find any benefits of defect closure for patients with absorbable tacks as mesh fixation. This nationwide cohort study showed a reduced risk of re-operation for recurrence if defect closure was performed in addition to permanent tacks as mesh fixation during laparoscopic incisional hernia repair.

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic large hiatus hernia repair with nonabsorbable mesh.

The use of mesh to augment suture repair of large hiatus hernias remains controversial. Repair with mesh may help reduce the recurrence rate of primary repair, but concerns about the potential for serious complications, such as mesh erosion or stricturing, continue to limit its use. We aim to evaluate the long-term outcome of primary hiatus hernia repair with lightweight polypropylene mesh (TiMesh) specifically looking at rates of clinical recurrence, dysphagia, and mesh-related complications. From a prospectively maintained database, 50 consecutive patients who underwent elective primary laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with TiMesh between January 2005 and December 2007 were identified. Case notes and postoperative endoscopy reports were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a structured questionnaire, including a validated dysphagia score. Of the 50 patients identified, 36 (72%) were contactable for follow-up. At a median follow-up of 9 years, the majority of patients (97%) regarded their surgery as successful. Twelve patients (33%) reported a recurrence of their symptoms, but only 4 (11%) reported that their symptoms were as severe as prior to the surgery. There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative dysphagia scores. Postoperative endoscopy reports were available for 32 patients at a median time point of 4 years postoperatively, none of which revealed any mesh-related complications. One patient had undergone a revision procedure for a recurrent hernia at another institution. In this series, primary repair of large hiatus hernia with nonabsorbable mesh was not associated with any adverse effects over time. Patient satisfaction with symptomatic outcome remained high in the long term.