Ventral Incisional Hernia Repair Research Articles

A comparison of patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal wall repair with either synthetic or biosynthetic mesh: a pilot study.

Repair of midline ventral incisional hernias (VIHR) requires mesh reinforcement. Mesh types can be categorised into synthetic, biosynthetic, or biological. There is a lack of evidence to support one type of mesh over another. The aim of this pilot study was to compare mesh sensation in patients having undergone elective open repair with synthetic or biosynthetic mesh. Four years of prospectively collected data were retrospectively reviewed on 40 patients who had undergone VIHR, using either biosynthetic or synthetic mesh placed in the retromuscular plane. The decision on type of mesh used was governed by patient characteristics. Patients were invited to complete the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) questionnaire, the higher the score indicating a poorer quality of life. The maximum length of follow-up was 36months. Twenty patients received permanent synthetic and 20 biosynthetic mesh. There was no clinical evidence of hernia recurrence in either group in the short to medium term. Overall, 97% (39/40) patients reported an average of either no or mild symptoms (mean CCS score 17.9 of 115). Patients with a biosynthetic repair had a significant lower CCS at ≥ 18months (p < 0.05). After VIHR, patients have low CCS scores, indicating good quality of life outcomes, in the short to medium term irrespective of the mesh used. However, biosynthetic mesh had lower CCS scores in the medium term. This may help surgeons and patients make better informed decisions about which mesh to use in their individual circumstances.

Comparison of open and endoscopic posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release: a propensity score-matched study.

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (TAR) is considered to be the optimal technique for large incisional ventral hernia repair. Endoscopic TAR (eTAR) that gets all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) gives a possibility to enhance results of the treatment. The aim of our study was to make the comparison between open and endoscopic TAR procedures with an emphasis on frequency and severity of postoperative complications in comparable groups. All patients had midline incisional hernia and underwent either open (open TAR group) or endoscopic (eTAR group) Rives-Stoppa repair in combination with bilateral transversus abdominis release in Moscow City Hospital №1 from January 2018 to December 2022. A propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make groups comparable. Postoperative complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo Classification, and Comprehensive complication index was calculated. We performed 133 open and endoscopic TAR separation for midline incisional hernia. After PSM analysis 51 patients were matched to each group. Overall surgical morbidity in the open TAR group (56.9%) was statistically significantly higher than in the eTAR group (29.4%) (p = 0.009). There were more severe complications (Clavien IIIa-V) in the open TAR group (11.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.027). Length of hospital stay after surgery was shorter in eTAR group (p < 0.001). The Comprehensive complication index in the open TAR group was significantly higher than in eTAR group, 8.7 (0-20.9) vs. 0 (0-8.7) (p = 0.011). Based on the data from our study, the entire MIS procedure including endoscopic TAR is a safe and optimal technique for surgery of midline incisional ventral hernia, requiring TAR separation in terms of reducing the rate of postoperative complications, their severity and hospital length of stay, compared to open TAR procedure.

The comparison of laporoscopic and open procedures in ventral-incisional hernia repair

The comparison of laporoscopic and open procedures in ventral-incisional hernia repair

Ventral incisional hernia and double parastomal hernia repair with retromuscular biosynthetic mesh using the SMART technique (Stapled Mesh Stoma Reinforcement Technique) after cancer-related pelvic exenteration

We report on the case of a 64-year-old man who underwent the SMART surgical technique using retromuscular biosynthetic mesh for parastomal hernia. This patient had a terminal colostomy and Bricker ileal conduit following pelvic exenteration for locally advanced low rectal adenocarcinoma. Since then, he had undergone a first median incisional hernia repair using intraperitoneal biosynthetic mesh, followed a year later by the onset of a symptomatic parastomal hernia at the stoma sites and next to the median laparotomy scar. It was thus decided to perform a double parastomal hernia repair using the SMART technique with retromuscular biosynthetic mesh.

Laparoscopic transversus abdominis release for complex ventral hernia repair: technique and initial findings.

The open Rives-Stoppa retrorectus and transversus abdominis release (TAR) techniques are well established in open ventral and incisional hernia repair. The principles are currently being translated into minimally invasive surgery with different concepts. In this study, we investigate our initial results of transperitoneal laparoscopic TAR for ventral incisional hernia repair (laparoscopic TAR). Over a 20-month period, 23 consecutive patients with incisional hernias underwent surgery. Laparoscopic TAR was performed transperitoneally with adhesiolysis from the anterior abdominal wall, development of the retrorectus space and TAR, midline reconstruction and extraperitoneal mesh reinforcement. There were 23 incisional hernias, of which 70% were M2-M4 and 60% were W3. Median patient age was 68years and the median BMI was 31. Median operating time was 313min, and hospital stay was 4days. Morbidity was 26% (Clavien-Dindo 1: n = 4 and 2 + 3b: n = 2). With the laparoscopic TAR, it was possible to treat a series of patients with ventral incisional hernias. The operating times were long. However, with a low rate of perioperative complications the hospital stay was short As feasibility is demonstrated, the clinical relevance of the method has to be further evaluated.

Laparoscopic versus hybrid approach for treatment of incisional ventral hernia: a 5–10-year follow-up of the randomized controlled multicenter study

PurposeIn this long-term follow-up of a prospective, randomized, and multicenter study, we compare the results of a group receiving laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh (LG) to a group receiving a hybrid hernia repair where open closure of fascial defect was added to intraperitoneal mesh placement (HG).MethodsOriginally, 193 patients with 2–7 cm incisional hernias were randomly assigned to either the LG or HG during the 30-month recruitment period in 2012 to 2015. Long-term follow-up was conducted 5–10 years after surgery to evaluate hernia recurrence rate and quality of life (QoL).ResultsIn all, 65 patients in the LG and 60 in the HG completed the long-term follow-up with a median follow-up period of 87 months. Recurrent hernia was detected in 11 of 65 patients (16.9%) in the LG and 10 of 60 patients (16.7%) in the HG (p > 0.9). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a recurrence rate approaching 20% in both groups, with similar curves. Three patients in the LG (4.6% and five patients in the HG (8.1%) had undergone re-operation due to recurrence (p = 0.48). There was no difference in patient-reported QoL measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Mean pain scores were similar between groups, mean numeric rating scale (NRS) 0 to 10 being 1.1 in the LG and 0.7 in the HG (p = 0.43).ConclusionFascial closure did not reduce hernia recurrence rate in this study population, even though it has been shown to be beneficial and recommended in surgery guidelines. In the long term, recurrence rate for both groups is similar.

Robotic Versus Open Incisional Ventral Hernia Repair with Sublay Mesh in Overweight Patients: A Case-Control Analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Costs

Abstract Background Robotic incisional hernia repair (RIHR) with sublay mesh is gaining traction as a minimally-invasive alternative to open retro-rectus reconstruction (OIHR). Obesity is a known risk factor for complications following hernia repair. Aims The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and costs of RIHR versus OIHR with sublay mesh in overweight patients. Methods Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-35 kg/m2 who underwent OIHR or RIHR with sublay mesh over a 2 years’ period were included. Recurrent hernias after mesh repair were excluded. The main outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included surgical site complications (SSC), visual analog pain score (VAS), analgesic methods, and general complications. Results Ninety patients were included, 45 in each group. The mean length of stay (LOS) was significantly shorter in RIHR (6.8 days ± 4.6 vs. 2.3 days ± 2, p &amp;lt; 0.001), as were VAS at day 0 (3.0 ± 2.7 vs. 1.7 ± 1.8, p = 0.005) and day 1 (4.2 ± 2.2 vs. 2.4 ± 1.8, p &amp;lt; 0.001), with a significant reduction in morphine consumption and epidural analgesia. The mean operative time was 163 min. ± 65 in OIHR and 191 min. ± 94 in RIHR (p = 0.06), despite a higher proportion of component separation in the robotic group (18% vs 33.3%, p = 0.005). The open group had higher rates of SSC (20% vs 2.2%, p = 0.015) and general complications (40% vs 13.3%, p = 0.004). General costs per diagnosis showed a mean reduction of 4797 CHF in the robotic group, mostly due to reduced hospitalization costs (9364 CHF vs. 3472 CHF). Conclusions The robotic approach improved post-operative outcomes of incisional hernia repair with sublay mesh compared to the open approach in overweight patients, without significantly increasing operative time and costs.

Comparison between Sublay &amp; Onlay Mesh hernioplasty in Ventral Wall Abdominal Hernia Repair

Background &amp; Aim: Onlay and sublay repairs are the two surgical methods most commonly employed in ventral hernia patients. The repair of a ventral hernia is one of the most common surgical procedures performed globally. The results of simple ventral hernia onlay and sublay mesh repair methods were compared in this study to compare the results of onlay and sublay mesh ventral incisional hernia repair procedures. To investigate the frequency of seroma, wound infection, and wound disruption in patients with ventral abdominal hernias who had onlay and sublay mesh plasty. Incisional hernia (IH) is a very common surgical complication. Study design: Prospective Randomized Control Trial Place and duration of study: This study was done in department of General surgery at Central Park teaching Hospital, Lahore during a period of 4 months that span from October 2021 till January 2022. Methodology: This prospective research included 100 adults with primary or secondary uncomplicated ventral hernias. The onlay mesh repair procedure was used in both groups B (n = 50) and A (n = 50). We randomly assigned participants to one of two therapy groups using a computer-generated randomization process. The procedure's length, the length of the drain, the duration of any wound infections, the length of the post-op hospital stay, and any short-term recurrence were all noted. Results: When compared to the sublay group, the onlay group had a substantially shorter median operational time (52 vs. 91 min., respectively). However, in terms of wound complications and postoperative pain, the sublay group beat the control group significantly. Disease recurrence occurred in 8% and 3% of patients in groups A and B, respectively. Practical Implication: Sublay mesh repair, which is an alternative to onlay mesh repair, can be used to treat all types of ventral hernias. Conclusion: Sublay mesh repair, which is an alternative to onlay mesh repair, can be used to treat all types of ventral hernias. Mesh-related issues are associated with long drainage times, seroma development, wound infection, and recurrence. In terms of postoperative discomfort and wound complications, sublay mesh repair is preferred than onlay mesh repair for treating incisional hernias. The recurrence rates of the two procedures are comparable. Keywords: Ventral Hernia, Onlay Mesh Repair, Sublay Mesh Repair

The endoscopic-assisted or endoscopic mini- or less-open preperitoneal (E/MILOP) approach for primary and incisional ventral hernia repair.

The endoscopic-assisted or endoscopic mini- or less-open sublay (E/MILOS) concept describes a contemporary approach of trans-hernial repair of ventral hernia via sublay mesh placement. The term sublay often causes confusion, and preperitoneal placement of mesh should be considered as a distinctive approach. We hereby present our experience of a novel approach, the E/MILOP approach, for the repair of primary and incisional ventral hernias. All patients who underwent E/MILOP between January 2020 and December 2022 were identified and their preoperative and perioperative characteristics, as well as postoperative outcomes, were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical procedure entailed an incision over the hernia defect and careful entrance into, and development of, the preperitoneal space trans-hernially. A synthetic mesh was placed in the preperitoneal space and the defect was closed with sutures. A total of 26 patients with primary and/or incisional ventral hernias who underwent E/MILOP were identified. Three patients (11.5%) presented with two coexistent types of hernias, and out of a total of 29 hernias, there were 21 (72.4%) umbilical, four epigastric (13.8%) and four incisional (13.8%) hernias. The mean defect width was 2.7 ± 0.9 cm. All cases utilized a mesh with a mean mesh-to-defect ratio of 12.9. The mean postoperative stay was 1.9 days. Surgical site occurrence was observed in eight (30.1%) patients, but none required intervention. No recurrence was observed during a mean follow-up period of 286.7 days. The E/MILOP approach is a novel alternative for primary and incisional ventral hernia repair.

Medial incisional ventral hernia repair with Adhesix® autoadhesive mesh: descriptive study.

Nowadays, the gold standard for the surgical treatment of abdominal wall defects is the use of a mesh. There is an extensive variety of meshes, self-adhesive ones being among the most novel technologies. The literature on the self-adhesive mesh Adhesix® (Cousin Biotech Laboratory, 59117 Wervicq South, France) in medial incisional ventral hernia is scarce. We performed a retrospective descriptive study with prospective data collection from 125 patients who underwent prosthetic repair of medial incisional ventral hernia-M1-M5 classification according to European Hernia Society (EHS)-with self-adhesive mesh Adhesix® between 2013 and 2021. Follow-up was performed 1 month and yearly after the surgery. Postoperative complications and hernia recurrences were recorded. Epidemiological results were average BMI 30.5kg/m2 (SD 5), highlighting that overweight (41.6%) and obesity type 1 (25.6%) were the most represented groups. 34 patients (27.2%) had already undergone a previous abdominal wall surgery. The epigastric-umbilical (M2-M3 EHS classification, 22.4%) and umbilical (M3 EHS classification, 20%) hernias were the predominant groups. The elective surgery technique was Rives or Rives-Stoppa with an associated supraaponeurotic mesh if the closure of the anterior aponeurosis of the rectus sheath was not surgically closed (13 patients). The most frequent postoperative complication was seroma (26.4%). The recurrence rate was 7.2%. The average follow-up length was 2.6years (SD 1.6years). According to the results of this study and the literature available, we consider that the self-adhesive mesh Adhesix® is an appropriate alternative mesh option for the repair of medial incisional ventral hernias.

OC-084 PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES ON INCISIONAL VENTRAL HERNIA: SINGLE CENTER REPORT

Abstract Aim The impact of incisional hernia repair on quality of life is poor. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) self-report one's health status and imply an impact on daily life. This study presents PROs in incisional ventral hernia repair from a single hernia center. Material and Methods 55 consecutive patients undergoing incisional hernia repair between 2019 and 2022 were selected. Pain and restrictions on daily life were evaluated. They were asked 3 questions by phone call: 1. Compared to how you were before surgery, do you consider yourself better/same/worse?; 2. Do you still have any symptoms? (If so, explain them); 3. If you had to have another ventral hernia surgery, would you do it again? Results Study's population median follow-up was 16,5 months. Ventral hernias were mostly W2 or M2, according to EHS classification. 54% underwent laparoscopic surgery. 49 patients (89%) answered they were better than before surgery. 19 patients (34,5%) stated they still have some symptom, pain being the most common. 41 patients (75%) said they would accept surgery again if they had to. 9 patients (16%) would undergo surgery again whether same team and hospital were available. Only 4 patients said they would deny another ventral hernia repair. Conclusions This study suggests that the majority of patients improved their self-reported symptoms. Nonetheless there are still patients with persistent postoperative symptoms, especially those with pain and daily life restrictions pre-operatively. Expectation management is therefore determinant to improve decision-making in incisional ventral hernia treatment.

Readmissions after emergent incisional ventral hernia repair: a retrospective review of the nationwide readmissions database.

Emergent ventral hernia repair (eVHR) is associated with significant morbidity, yet there is no consensus regarding optimal surgical approach. We hypothesized that eVHR with synthetic mesh would have a higher readmission rate compared to primary eVHR or biologic mesh repair. Retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was conducted for patient entries between 2016 and 2018. Adult patients who underwent eVHR were included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgical techniques were compared between readmitted and non-readmitted patients. Predictors of readmission were assessed using multivariate analysis with propensity weighting for various eVHR techniques. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay and readmission diagnoses. 43,819 patients underwent eVHR; of the 22,732 with 6 months of follow-up, 6382 (28.1%) were readmitted. The majority of readmissions occurred within the first 30days (51.8%). Over half of the readmissions were related to surgical complications (50.6%), the most common being superficial surgical site infection (30.1%) and bowel obstruction/ileus (12.2%). In the multivariate analysis, predictors of 30-day readmission included use of synthetic mesh (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.14), biologic mesh (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06-1.49), and need for concomitant large bowel resection (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.30-1.65). eVHR is associated with high rates of readmission. Primary repair had favorable odds for readmission and lower risk of surgical complications compared to synthetic and biologic mesh repairs. Synthetic repair had lower odds of readmission than biologic repair. Given the inherent limitations of the NRD, further institutional prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Risk factors of venous thromboembolism after incisional ventral hernia repair.

The problem of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) after incisional hernia repair remains relevant. According to the literature the frequency of VTE ranges from 0.2 to 4.2%. The data on risk factors of VTE in this cohort of patients are scarce. Aim of our study is to find frequency and risk factors for VTE development in patients who underwent surgery for incisional ventral hernia. There were 240 patients enrolled in our retrospective study. We included patients, who were operated for incisional hernia in Saveljev University Surgery Clinic from January 2018 to December 2019. Compression duplex ultrasound of lower extremity veins was performed within median 3days (min 1day, max 7days) after surgery for all participants. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of the VTE event, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). VTE was detected in 19 patients, which accounted for 7.9% in analyzed cohort. All patients received standard pharmacological prophylaxis. There were 3 (1.3%) proximal, 16 (6.7%) distal DVT, in one patient (0.4%) distal thrombosis was complicated by symptomatic pulmonary embolism. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was found that component separation (HR 3.99, 95% CI 1.14-14.0, p = 0.03), duration of operation in hours (HR 1.67. 95% CI 1.13-2.5, p = 0.011) and body mass index (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.2, p = 0.02) were statistically significant risk factors. The incidence of postoperative VTE in patients after incisional hernia repair is high with a predominant distal DVT as a thrombotic event. Component separation, duration of operation and body mass index are statistically significant factors of VTE in patients undergoing surgery for incisional hernia.

Outcomes of light and midweight synthetic mesh use in clean-contaminated and contaminated ventral incisional hernia repair: an ACHQC comparative analysis.

Use of macroporous synthetic mesh in contaminated ventral hernia repair has become more frequent. The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of ventral incisional hernia repair with permanent synthetic mesh in contaminated fields to those in a clean field. The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative registry, a prospectively updated longitudinal hernia-specific national database, was retrospectively queried for adults who underwent open ventral incisional hernia repair using light or medium-weight synthetic mesh and classified as clean (CDC Class I) or contaminated (CDC Class II/III). Univariate analysis was used to compare demographic information, hernia characteristics, and operative details. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression for the primary outcome of 30-day surgical site infection (SSI) and secondary outcomes of 30-day surgical site occurrence (SSO), SSO requiring procedural intervention (SSO-PI), and clinical recurrence at one year. 7219 cases met criteria for inclusion; 13.2% of these were contaminated. 83.4% of patients had follow-up data at 30days and 20.8% at 1year. The adjusted OR for 30-day SSI in contaminated fields compared to clean was 2.603 (95% CI 1.959-3.459). OR for 30-day SSO was 1.275 (95% CI 1.017-1.600) and 2.355 (95%CI 1.817-3.053) for 30-day SSO-PI. OR for recurrence at one year was 1.489 (95%CI 0.892-2.487).Contaminated cases had higher rates of mesh infection (3.9% vs 0.8%, p < 0.001) and mesh removal (7.3 vs 2.5%, p < 0.001) at 1 year. After adjusting for baseline differences, patients undergoing ventral incisional hernia repair using light or midweight synthetic mesh in contaminated fields have higher odds of 30-day SSI, SSO, and SSO-PI than those performed in clean wounds. The odds of recurrence did not statistically differ and further studies with long-term outcomes are needed to better evaluate the best treatment options for this patient population.

Evaluation of Treatment Differences Between Men and Women Undergoing Ventral Hernia Repair: An Analysis of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative

INTRODUCTION: Sex is emerging as an important clinical variable associated with surgical outcomes and decision-making. Its impact on baseline and treatment differences in primary and incisional ventral hernia repair remains unclear. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study uses the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) database to identify elective umbilical, epigastric, or incisional hernia repair. Propensity matching was performed to investigate confounder-adjusted treatment differences between men and women. Treatments of interest included surgical approach, mesh use, mesh type, mesh position, anesthesia type, myofascial release, fascial closure, and fixation use. RESULTS: A total of 8,489 umbilical, 1,801 epigastric, and 16,626 incisional hernia repairs were identified. Women undergoing primary ventral hernia repair were younger (umbilical 46.4 vs 54 years, epigastric 48.7 vs 52.7 years), with lower BMI (umbilical 30.4 vs 31.5, epigastric 29.2 vs 31.1), and less likely diabetic (umbilical 9.9% vs 11.4%, epigastric 6.8% vs 8.8%). Women undergoing incisional hernia repair were also younger (mean 57.5 vs 59.1 years), but with higher BMI (33.1 vs 31.5), and more likely diabetic (21.4% vs 19.1%). Propensity analysis included 3,644 umbilical, 1,232 epigastric, and 12,480 incisional hernias. Women with incisional hernia were less likely to undergo an open repair (60.2% vs 63.4%, p < 0.001) and have mesh used (93.8% vs 94.8%, p = 0.02). Women had a higher rate of intraperitoneal mesh placement, and men had a higher rate of preperitoneal and retromuscular mesh placement. CONCLUSION: Small but statistically significant treatment differences regarding operative approach, mesh use, and mesh position exist between men and women undergoing ventral hernia repair.

OC-017 INTRAPERITONEAL ONLAY MESH (IPOM) TECHNIQUE FOR THE LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF PRIMARY AND INCISIONAL VENTRAL HERNIA IN DAY SURGERY REGIME

Abstract IPOM technique is a well-established technique for the repair of primary and incisional ventral hernia; and outpatient regime is considered a cost-effective strategy without compromising the quality of care. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the application of IPOM technique through outpatient setting, with the use of a non-absorbable, transparent, light prostheses in polypropylene, composed of a macroporous monofilament mesh and a transparent polypropylene film. 179 consecutive procedures of primary and incisional hernia repair from 2011 to 2022 have been included in this study (149 with the above-mentioned composite meshes and 30 with other meshes, semi-absorbable and non-absorbable). All the procedures were performed through 3 abdominal trocars executing cold adhesiolysis to release the contents of the hernial sac without dissecting the latter. The abdominal wall was then prepared by blunt dissection to create the space for the mesh and to favor a prompt cell colonization. Mesh fixation was achieved using transparietal points and resorbable tackers. The primary outcomes of the study were the evaluation of any risk factors for conversion from outpatient regime to standard hospitalisation, and the hernia recurrence, in two subgroups: primitive hernias (n=72) and incisional hernias (n=107). Our clinical experience showed that IPOM technique through outpatient setting is a safe and effective approach. No statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the primitive and incisional hernias groups (5.9% vs 5.0%, p=0.80) was found. Moreover, we found a relationship between the rate of unexpected hospitalization and age of the patients, number of defects and hernia dimension.

P-149 FEASIBILITY AND SAFETY OF AMBULATORY ETEP RETRORECTUS RIVES-STOPPA REPAIR FOR VENTRAL HERNIA

Abstract Introduction Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal retromuscular repair (eTEP-RS) was recently introduced as a new technique for ventral hernia repair. It has been reported to have a significant reduction in analgesia need and reduce length of stay compared to laparoscopic intraperitoneal repair. We aim to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ambulatory primary ventral hernia and incisional hernia repair using eTEP technique. Methods Patients planned for ambulatory eTEP ventral hernia repair between October 2020 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed Results 11 patients who were deemed suitable for day surgery preoperatively were included in the analysis. Median age was 48.3 years. Defect sizes ranged from 3–6 cm. 5 patients had more than 1 midline defect, 1 patient had a spigelian hernia and 1 patient had bilateral inguinal hernias which were repaired. 7 patients were successfully managed as day case eTEP-RS. 1 patient required a conversion to open RS due to additional, large defects found intraoperatively, 1 patient stayed for 1 night for urinary retention, 1 patient was drowsy and could not be discharged on the day of surgery and 1 patient was converted to IPOM repair. There were no postoperative complications or recurrences. Conclusion Ambulatory eTEP is feasible, safe and effective in selected patients.

The outcome of pre-operative botulinum toxin in the treatment of large incisional hernias

Large incisional hernias with loss of domain represents a challenge for the surgeon. Pre-operative tools such as progressive pneumoperitoneum or botulinum toxin type A have been reported as useful tools for effective and successful surgical procedure in patients with large incisional hernias. Both the mentioned procedures are complementary to hernia repair, using no-strain mesh techniques that support patients’ integral management. The objective of current investigation was to assess the potential of pre-operative botulinum toxin in the treatment of large incisional hernias. Thirteen patients with large incisional hernias were investigated and examined for different parameters including diameters of the abdominal cavity and hernia sac, volume of the contents of incisional hernia and volume of the abdominal cavity which were calculated from CT scan. The current investigation was carried for a duration of two years from December 2020 and January 2022. After thorough clinical examination patients were operated for ventral incisional hernia repair. Eleven patients underwent complete repair of abdominal wall; one patient underwent mesh bridging and one patient required onlay repair. Botulinum toxin was observed to be a safe technique, which has good patient tolerance and can constitute as an effective preoperative tool in the treatment of large incisional hernia. This technique was observed to be aidful in significantly reducing the hernia content into the abdominal cavity, which in turn is an important factor in the treatment of large incisional hernia.

Cost of postoperative complications after general surgery at a major Canadian academic centre.

In a fiscally constrained health care environment, the need to reduce unnecessary spending is paramount. Postoperative complications contribute to hospital costs and utilization of health care resources. The purpose of this observational study was to identify the cost associated with complications of common general surgery procedures performed at a major academic hospital in Toronto, Ontario. The institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify complications in patients who underwent general surgical procedures at our institution from April 2015 to February 2018. A mix of elective and emergent cases was included: bariatric surgery, laparoscopic appendectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, right hemicolectomy and ventral incisional hernia repair. The total cost for each visit was calculated by adding all the aggregate costs of inpatient care. Median total costs and the breakdown of cost components were compared in cases with and without complications. A total of 2713 patients were included. Nearly 6% of patients experienced at least one complication, with an incidence ranging from 1.1% after bariatric surgery to 23.8% after right hemicolectomy. The most common type of complication varied by procedure. Median total costs were significantly higher in cases with complications, with a net increase ranging from $2989 CAD (35% increase) after bariatric surgery to $10 459 CAD (161% increase) after ventral incisional hernia repair. Postoperative complications after both elective and emergent general surgery procedures add substantially to hospital costs. Quality improvement initiatives targeted at decreasing postoperative complications could significantly reduce costs in addition to improving patient outcomes.

Evaluation of Treatment Differences Between Men and Women Undergoing Ventral Hernia Repair: An Analysis of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative.

Sex is emerging as an important clinical variable associated with surgical outcomes and decision making. However, its relevance in regard to baseline and treatment differences in primary and incisional ventral hernia repair remains unclear. This is a retrospective cohort study using the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database to identify elective umbilical, epigastric, or incisional hernia repairs. Propensity matching was performed to investigate confounder-adjusted treatment differences between men and women. Treatments of interest included surgical approach (minimally invasive or open), mesh use, mesh type, mesh position, anesthesia type, myofascial release, fascial closure, and fixation use. A total of 8,489 umbilical, 1,801 epigastric, and 16,626 incisional hernia repairs were identified. Women undergoing primary ventral hernia repair were younger (umbilical 46.4 vs 54 years, epigastric 48.7 vs 52.7 years), with lower BMI (umbilical 30.4 vs 31.5, epigastric 29.2 vs 31.1), and less likely diabetic (umbilical 9.9% vs 11.4%, epigastric 6.8% vs 8.8%). Women undergoing incisional hernia repair were also younger (mean 57.5 vs 59.1 years), but with higher BMI (33.1 vs 31.5), and more likely diabetic (21.4% vs 19.1%). Propensity-matched analysis included 3,644 umbilical, 1,232 epigastric, and 12,480 incisional hernias. Women with incisional hernia were less likely to undergo an open repair (60.2% vs 63.4%, p < 0.001) and have mesh used (93.8% vs 94.8%, p = 0.02). In umbilical and incisional hernia repairs, women had higher rates of intraperitoneal mesh placement and men had higher rates of preperitoneal and retro-muscular mesh placement. Small but statistically significant treatment differences in operative approach, mesh use, and mesh position exist between men and women undergoing ventral hernia repair. It remains unknown whether these treatment differences result in differing clinical outcomes.