Inguinal Hernia In Patients Research Articles

Sudden onset abdominal wall leakages of inguinal hernia in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: report of two cases with literature review

BackgroundIn this report, we presented two cases of sudden onset abdominal wall leakages of inguinal hernia in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).Case presentationA total of 519 patients with end-stage kidney disease underwent PD at our hospital between March 2006 and March 2023. Among them, 39 patients [7.5%; 36 men (92%); mean age, 66 years; median PD duration, 1.7 years] developed inguinal hernias, with an incidence rate of 0.85 per 100 dialysis patient-years. Two patients (0.4%; both men; age/PD duration, 65/4.6 years and 74/1.7 years) experienced sudden onset abdominal wall leakages of inguinal hernia, with a rupture rate of 0.04 per 100 dialysis patient-years. In these cases of sudden onset abdominal wall leakages, both patients underwent tension-free hernioplasty; one patient was shifted to hemodialysis due to discomfort experienced from the right groin to the thigh area, while the other patient remained on PD.ConclusionsClinicians should consider the possibility of sudden onset abdominal wall leakages of inguinal hernia in PD patients.

Correlation between the incidence of inguinal hernia and risk factors after radical prostatic cancer surgery: a case control study

ObjectiveThe incidence of recurrent hernia after radical resection of prostate cancer is high, so this article discusses the incidence and risk factors of inguinal hernia after radical resection of prostate cancer.MethodsThis case control study was conducted in The First People’s Hospital of Huzhou clinical data of 251 cases underwent radical resection of prostate cancer in this hospital from March 2019 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the occurrence of inguinal hernia, the subjects were divided into study group and control group, and the clinical data of each group were statistically analyzed, Multivariate Logistic analysis was performed to find independent influencing factors for predicting the occurrence of inguinal hernia. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn according to the occurrence and time of inguinal hernia.ResultsThe overall incidence of inguinal hernia after prostate cancer surgery was 14.7% (37/251), and the mean time was 8.58 ± 4.12 months. The average time of inguinal hernia in patients who received lymph node dissection was 7.61 ± 4.05 (month), and that in patients who did not receive lymph node dissection was 9.16 ± 4.15 (month), and there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of inguinal hernia with age, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, PSA, previous abdominal operations and operative approach (P > 0.05), but there were statistically significant differences with surgical method and pelvic lymph node dissection (P < 0.05). The incidence of pelvic lymph node dissection in the inguinal hernia group was 24.3% (14/57), which was significantly higher than that in the control group 11.8% (23/194). Logistic regression analysis showed that pelvic lymph node dissection was a risk factor for inguinal hernia after prostate cancer surgery (OR = 0.413, 95%Cl: 0.196–0.869, P = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the rate of inguinal hernia in the group receiving pelvic lymph node dissection was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionPelvic lymph node dissection is a risk factor for inguinal hernia after radical resection of prostate cancer.

Detection of Inguinal Hernia in Patients with Groin Pain on Ultrasound

Objective: To establish ultrasound's contribution to precise diagnosis and to differentiate between inguinal hernia from other diseases in patients with groin pain.Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from January to June 2023, with permission of Research Board Ethics Committee. The inclusion criteria comprised patients of all ages and genders with right or left lower quadrant pain suspected of having a hernia. Exclusion criteria included patients who had undergone other ultrasound examinations for lower quadrant pain, diagnosed male prostatic pain, and pregnant women with groin pain. Data collection involved the use of a self-structured questionnaire after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent.The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviations, were used to present the data.Results: A total of 323 patients were presented with groin pain and swelling. Out of 323 patients 280 (86.7%) were male patients and 43 (13.3%) were females patients included in our study. All of 323 patients 267 patients were evaluated for inguinal hernia by ultrasound examination during the study period. Out of 323 patients 56 patients of ultrasonographic examinations shows other diseases of groin region which includes 40 patients (12.4%) of enlarged lymph nodes, 10 patients (3.1%) were mass and 6 patients (1.9%) were abscess noted. Thus, ultrasound diagnosed accurately inguinal hernia detection and differentiated us inguinal hernia from other diseases in patients with groin region pain or swelling. Conclusion: Routine Ultrasonography is a helpful and accurate imaging modality performed before general surgery to identify inguinal hernias in groin discomfort patients or swelling.

The clinical implications of occult inguinal hernia identified during laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion.

Occult inguinal hernias predispose patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) to symptomatic inguinal hernia formation causing complications. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the usefulness of routine laparoscopic examination for occult inguinal hernia during PD catheter insertion and the risk profile of occult inguinal hernia according to hernia classification in patients with PD. This study included 79 patients who underwent initial laparoscopic PD catheter insertion between 2021 and 2022. An occult hernia was defined as an internal hernial sac of all sizes that was not detectable on physical examination. The European Hernia Society groin hernia classification was used to describe the hernia type. We investigated the association between event-free survival and occult inguinal hernias in patients undergoing PD. Occult inguinal hernias were diagnosed in 24 (32%) patients. Among these patients, 5 (21%) patients underwent metachronous repair. In patients with L2 occult hernias, the cumulative incidence rates of right and left symptomatic hernias within one year were 100% and 50%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that L2 occult hernias were associated with metachronous hernia repair. The L2 occult inguinal hernia during PD was associated with metachronous repair, suggesting the importance of routine examination of inguinal hernias during laparoscopic PD catheter insertion.

OC-066 TEMPORAL PATTERN FOR REOPERATION OF INGUINAL HERNIA RECURRENCE AFTER A PRIMARY SHOULDICE REPAIR

Abstract Aim To identify timing patterns associated with reoperation for recurrence of inguinal hernia in patients undergoing Shouldice repair (RIHaSR) for primary inguinal hernias. Material and methods Patients undergoing a recurrent inguinal hernia repair from 2013–2017 were initially identified. Subgroup analysis of the first recurrence after a Shouldice repair at this institution were selected. Data collection of this subgroup of patients and data analysis were performed. Results From the 138 patients undergoing a re-operation for a first time inguinal hernia recurrence after a Shouldice repair, 125 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 50.8±13.9, BMI 24.6+2.6 and 97% were male. Regarding time to surgery for recurrence, the most common interval was in the first 5 years after surgery (37.6% of patients; mode: 1 year; median: 7 years; mean: 13.7±13.8 years). A bimodal pattern of temporal recurrence was noted according to patient age: patients &amp;gt;50 had a peak of reoperation for recurrence in the first 5 years (68% of reoperations for recurrence) with a decrescendo pattern, meanwhile patients &amp;lt;50 demonstrated a stable incidence of reoperation for recurrence in the initial 25 years of follow-up. Conclusions Patients undergoing surgery for RIHaSR presented a bimodal temporal pattern according to age at the time of primary surgery. Patients older than 50y.o. presenting a peak of RIHaSR in the first 5 years after primary surgery in comparison to younger patients that present a relatively stable frequency of reoperation for recurrence up to a 25-year follow-up.

Laparoscopic Techniques in Treatment of Inguinal Hernia in Patients with Peritoneal Dialysis: Experiences from 15 Cases.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair in the treatment of inguinal hernia in patients on peritoneal dialysis, and the optimal timing for initiating postoperative peritoneal dialysis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data pertaining to patients on peritoneal dialysis with inguinal hernias treated with TAPP repair in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from July 15, 2020 to December 15, 2022. Follow-up observations of the treatment effect were also analyzed. Results: A total of 15 patients underwent TAPP repair with success. Contralateral occult hernias were found in 3 cases intraoperatively and were treated simultaneously. During the operation, it was found that the peritoneal dialysis tube was completely wrapped in the omentum majus in 1 case and incompletely wrapped in 5 cases and was separated smoothly under laparoscopy. Conclusion: For patients on peritoneal dialysis with inguinal hernia, TAPP repair has the advantages of less trauma, simultaneous treatment of contralateral occult hernias, adjustment and fixation of peritoneal dialysis tubes, lower incision complication rates, and lower recurrence rates, compared with open surgery. With the gradual resumption of peritoneal dialysis 7 days postoperatively, TAPP repair can be performed safely and effectively in this population group; thus it is a procedure worth promoting.

No prostate? No problem: robotic inguinal hernia repair after prostatectomy.

Traditional teaching suggests that prior pelvic operations, including prostatectomy, are a contraindication to laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Despite the growing use of robotic platforms in inguinal hernia repair, there are few studies describing robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repairs (RIHR) in this patient population. This study aims to demonstrate that RIHR is safe and effective in repairing inguinal hernias in patients who had previously undergone prostatectomy. We retrospectively reviewed RIHR cases performed from March 2017 to October 2021 by a single surgeon at our university-affiliated community hospital. Cases were reviewed for preoperative considerations, operative times and complications, and postoperative outcomes. A total of 30 patients with prior prostatectomy underwent transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) RIHR with mesh. Sixteen of the 30 patients had undergone robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), while 14 patients underwent open resection. Seven of the patients had received post-resection radiation and 12 had previous non-urologic abdominal operations. When compared to all RIHRs performed over the same period, duration of surgery was increased. There were no conversions to open surgery. Postoperatively, one patient developed a repair site seroma which resolved after 1month. Mean follow-up time was 8.0months. At follow-up, one patient reported experiencing intermittent non-debilitating pain at the repair site and one patient developed an inguinoscrotal abscess of unknown relation to the repair. No patients reported hernia recurrences nor mesh infection. This review suggests that TAPP RIHR can be a safe and effective approach to inguinal hernia repair in patients who have previously undergone prostatectomy, including those who received radiation and those who underwent either open or robotic resections.

Immediate Dialysis After Simultaneous Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement and Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an accepted renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Managing inguinal hernia in patients with PD is not standardized. Thus, this study reported the outcomes of simultaneous laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) placement and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of inguinal hernia. Thirteen patients with chronic renal disease and inguinal hernia attending a tertiary hospital between May 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021 were evaluated for laparoscopic PDC placement. Concurrent laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy and laparoscopic PDC placement were performed. Dialysate fluid was measured intraoperatively to the level below the incised peritoneum by 1 inch. The inflow and outflow was smooth without leakage. The amount was increased gradually in the two weeks after regular PD was obtained. Laparoscopic PDC was inserted for 13 patients. Ten patients had unilateral hernia and two had bilateral inguinal hernia. Associated paraumbilical hernia was discovered in two patients. The median follow-up was 30 months. The measured safe amount of dialysate fluid intraoperatively was 400 - 600 mL. There was no death, intraoperative complication, or dialysate leakage. Three PDCs were removed owing to noncompliance. No hernia recurrence was observed. Simultaneous laparoscopic PDC placement and laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia with immediate dialysis is a safe and feasible surgical technique. Utilizing minimally invasive surgery affords PDC placement and inguinal hernia repair simultaneously.

Physical Rehabilitation of Patient with Infrarenal Section Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Presenting with Hydrocele and Inguinal Hernia: A Case Report

Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal dilation of distal abdominal aorta. The risk factors are age older than 60 years, smoking, hypertension and caucasian ethnicity. Testicular pain is an uncommon clinical presentation. There is a high prevalence of inguinal hernia in patients with infrarenal AAA. The purpose of the present case report is to describe the functional activity limitation in a patient affected by an infrarenal AAA presenting as a symptom of inguinal hernia and groin pain despite successful infrarenal AAA repair with aortofemoral bypass surgery and bilateral inguinal hernia repair. A 62-year-old male patient, presented with pain in the groin region and mild swelling over the scrotal region, which was severely limiting his activities of daily living. A Computerised Tomography (CT) angio abdomen revealed a fusiform aneurysm on the distal abdominal aorta and a saccular aneurysm of bilateral common iliac arteries. Given the minimum of four days of referral waiting time to receive treatment for infrarenal AAA, the patient underwent surgery and was followed by the postoperative physiotherapy intervention. The rehabilitation programme started five days postsurgery. The treatment goals directed mainly decreasing postoperative pulmonary complications and improving functional mobility. The present case report contributes new light on the possible pathogenesis and timely management. It reports the unexpected and unusual presentation of the disease and unveiling the link between the presentation of infrarenal AAA and inguinal hernia and hydrocele.

The role of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in exclusion of inguinal hernia in patients suffering from indefinitive groin pain

Rationale and objectivesThe objective of this study was to analyze the role of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients who suffered from groin pain and whose physical examination and ultrasound returned inconclusive/indefinite results, as well as in patients receiving an ongoing assessment for a previous herniotomy.Material and methodsFor this study, 25 patients 14 women and 11 men were selected with a mean age of 41.6 years, including clinical complaints, such as groin pain and or a previous herniotomies. These patients underwent dynamic MRI. Reports were created by a radiology resident and a radiology consultant. Clinical and ultrasound documentation were compared to with imaging results from the MRI.ResultsThe results of the dynamic MRI were negative for 23 patients (92%) and positive for two patients (8%). One patient suffered from an indirect hernia and one from a femoral hernia. A repeated hernia was an excluding for the preoperated patients with pain and ongoing assessment.ConclusionsDynamic MRI shows substantially higher diagnostic performance in exclusion of inguinal hernia, when compared to a physical examination and ultrasound. The examination can also be used in assessments to analyze the operation’s results.

Evaluating the incidence, management, and recurrence of inguinal hernia during robotic prostatectomy: A literature review

Objectives: Robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a well-established treatment for localised prostate adenocarcinoma. The benefits of this minimally invasive technique include shortened operative time and improved patient recovery. However, the development of inguinal hernia (IH) before, during, and following RARP has been reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, management, and recurrence of IHs in patients undergoing RARP for prostate cancer. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database from August 2007 to October 2020 using the keywords ‘robotic prostatectomy’ and ‘inguinal hernia’. Studies evaluating the incidence and recurrence of IH in patients undergoing RARP were identified and included. The initial search identified 77 articles. After excluding one duplicate, six case reports, three editorial comments, four articles not in English, eight review articles, and 14 studies that did not mention hernia incidence, 41 studies were included in our final literature review. Results: Concomitant IH repair (IHR) during RARP resulted in decreased symptomatic hernia recurrence during the follow-up period. When compared to patients who had not undergone hernia repair, the patients who underwent IHR during RARP did not experience greater complications in the postoperative period. Conclusions: Patients that undergo an intraoperative IHR during RARP did not experience significant adverse postoperative complications. Although operative time can slightly increase compared to RARP alone, we recommend a thorough preoperative physical examination in all patients scheduled to undergo RARP to evaluate for IH in addition to a thorough discussion with the patient of the risks and benefits of intraoperative repair. Level of evidence: Not applicable

Reparative and functional state of postoperative wound tissues during hernioplasty with endoprosthesis "titanium silk" in patients with diabetes mellitus

Objective. To assess the reparative and functional state of the tissues of the postoperative wound during hernioplasty with the endoprosthesis "titanium silk" in patients with diabetes mellitus.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Clinical and laboratory examination was carried out in 37 patients with inguinal hernias using the titanium silk endoprosthesis. The patients were divided into two groups. In the comparison group (n = 20), surgical treatment was performed in patients without diabetes mellitus, in the main group (n = 17), patients had type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. In the early postoperative period, the dynamics of healing process in the postoperative period was assessed using cytological and instrumental methods.&#x0D; Results. It was found that inflammation and microcirculation disorders are observed in the tissues of the postoperative period. However, it was noted that when using the endoprosthesis "titanium silk" in patients of both the main and the control groups, no disruption of the reparative processes was detected.&#x0D; Conclusions. The use of titanium mesh endoprostheses "titanium silk" for hernioplasty of inguinal hernias in patients with diabetes mellitus does not violate the fundamental processes of tissue healing in the region of the ​​operation.

The clinical significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in incarcerated inguinal hernia in patients over 65

The clinical significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in incarcerated inguinal hernia in patients over 65

P115 LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSABDOMINAL PREPERITONEAL (TAPP) HERNIA REPAIR IN DECOMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS

Abstract Aim To evaluate the possibilities, benefits and safety of laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernias in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites, in particular to evaluate the TAPP approach for the treatment of inguinal hernias in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites. Material and Methods Group I - TAPP repair in 16 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Group II - Lichtenstein type hernioplasty in 15 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. All patients underwent planned surgery after dosing preoperative laparocentesis and correction of liver function indices. Results In the first group of patients no complications developed, no suppurative complications were observed, no edema, no leakage of ascites fluid. Postoperatively, all patients recovered well, noticed less pain. Only 25 percent of patients required analgesics. Patients were discharged at home 3-5 days postoperatively. In group II - minor complications were observed: 1 local hematoma, 1 seroma. Postoperative pain syndrome was more pronounced. All patients required analgesics. Duration of hospitalization 4-6 days. During a 10-month follow-up, no patients had recurrence and chronic pain. Conclusions TAPP repair provided the opportunity to assess macroscopic changes in the liver and possibly to perform liver biopsies, if necessary. TAPP repair reduces days of hospitalization and postoperative recovery by reducing pain syndrome with a low percentage of analgesics. TAPP repair can be a useful treatment option for patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied by ascites.

Hybrid method using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique for incarcerated inguinal hernia in a patient with liver cirrhosis and severe varicose veins: A case report.

IntroductionCirrhosis is a significant determinant of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients with severe liver cirrhosis are substantially contraindicated for surgical treatment of inguinal hernia because of the substantial recurrence rate and high postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, hernia with incarceration and strangulation, which could become life-threatening, should be repaired urgently even for patients with severe liver cirrhosis. No clear surgical guidelines have been established regarding the treatment strategy for inguinal hernia in patients with cirrhosis.Presentation of caseA 62-year-old man with a history of chronic C-type liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh classification C) and hepatocellular carcinoma was referred to us for surgical treatment of an irreducible right inguinal hernia. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the small intestine had herniated into the scrotum and severe abdominal wall varicose veins due to liver cirrhosis. We performed a hybrid method that combines examination laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique to observe the abdominal cavity and to avoid the risks due to severe varicosis of the inferior epigastric vein.DiscussionThere have been some reports of inguinal hernia with cirrhosis and ascites, but no reports of incarcerated inguinal hernia with abdominal wall varicose veins. In the present case, we chose a laparoscopic approach to observe the abdominal cavity to confirm intestinal necrosis. Hybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique for incarcerated inguinal hernia could be performed safely.ConclusionHybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique may be an effective method for patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia with end-stage cirrhosis and severe abdominal varicosis.

Profile of collagen prolines level of anterior rectus sheath tissue in indirect inguinal hernia: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionA hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal anatomical channel or opening. Epidemiological data indicated an increased prevalence of inguinal hernias in patients with connective tissue diseases. The biomechanical strength of connective tissue is highly dependent on the constituent of the matrix, including collagen. Fibroblasts produce and secrete procollagen containing high concentrations of proline and lysine. Collagen integrity plays an essential role in preventing hernia formation in the abdominal wall. To investigate the relationship between collagen proline levels of the anterior rectus sheath tissue in patients with lateral inguinal hernias (indirect inguinal hernia). MethodsThe study participants consisted of 67 inguinal hernia patients. A sample of anterior rectus tissue was obtained at the time of surgery, then being washed in a PBS buffer (pH 7.4). The measurement of collagen proline levels was subsequently carried out with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsAll study participants were male with mean age of 44 years, mean body mass index of 22.6 kg/m2 and mean onset of events of 27 months. Study subjects with reducible, irreducible, and incarcerated hernias were 45.7% (44/67 cases), 14.9% (10/67) and 19.4% (13/67), respectively. The mean proline level of the study subjects was 9.20. Correlation tests showed a correlation of proline levels and age (p = 0.001), body mass index (p = 0.006), and the onset of events (p = 0.023). Meanwhile, correlation of proline levels and occupation (p = 0.235) and clinical degree (p = 0.164) were not statistically significant. ConclusionPresence if relationship between proline levels with age, and onset of incidence among indirect inguinal hernia patients.

Inguinal hernias in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: is tension-free mesh repair feasible?

BackgroundContinuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which often causes a common complication such as abdominal wall hernia, is a prevalent alternative therapy for end-stage renal failure patients. However, relevant studies are somewhat rare, and the peritoneal dialysis (PD) protocol during the perioperative period is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and perioperative management of tension-free mesh repair for inguinal hernias in CAPD patients.MethodsBetween January 2013 and December 2019, 18 CAPD patients with 20 inguinal hernias who underwent tension-free mesh repair were retrospectively analyzed. Data on demographics, perioperative features, the perioperative dialysis protocol and surgical complications were collected and assessed.ResultsAll hernias were diagnosed after the start of CAPD, and the median duration from PD onset to hernia formation was 16 months (2–61 months). All patients underwent successful tension-free mesh repair, including 17 Lichtenstein and 3 anterior Kugel procedures. The median operation time was 62.5 min, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. Fifteen patients received low-exchange volumes and high-frequency exchanges from 1 to 3 days after surgery for 2 weeks with gradual resumption of the original CAPD regimen within 4 weeks. Complications included seroma (n = 2) and hematoma (n = 1). No wound or mesh infection or recurrence occurred during the follow-up period.ConclusionsTension-free mesh repair is safe and feasible for inguinal hernias in CAPD patients, The Lichtenstein mesh repair should be the first choice, and anterior Kugel repair may be considered an effective procedure. Bridging hemodialysis seems unnecessary except for emergency surgery.

How often are patients with clinically apparent inguinal hernias referred to a surgeon accompanied with an ultrasound? A prospective multicentre study.

Objectives This study estimated the frequency of ultrasounds ordered for clinically obvious inguinal hernias in patients referred to surgeons and evaluated the clinical value of ultrasonography for this patient population. Methods The present study was a prospective diagnostic and therapeutic impact study conducted in district, rural and tertiary referral hospitals in Sydney, Hawkesbury and Wagga Wagga, Australia. The study included adult patients (≥18 years of age) who had been referred to one of the participating surgeons for an elective inguinal hernia repair. The study determined the proportion of: (1) patients who underwent an inguinal hernia repair for a clinically obvious hernia and also had an ultrasound; (2) ultrasounds ordered by general practitioners (GPs); and (3) these ultrasounds that altered diagnosis and consequent surgical management from the surgeon's perspective. Results In all, 144 participants were included in this study. Of these patients, 134 had a clinically apparent inguinal hernia on physical examination, and 63 of 133 patients (47%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 39-56%) underwent an ultrasound (information was missing for one patient). Overall 68 ultrasounds were ordered, with 63 ordered by GPs. Following the ultrasound, surgeons reported that one patient (1%; 95% CI 0-8 patients) had an altered diagnosis, and five patients (8%; 95% CI 3-17 patients) had altered management. Conclusion This study found that almost one in two patients referred to a surgeon with a clinically obvious inguinal hernia also underwent a groin ultrasound. These studies represent an unnecessary waste of limited healthcare resources and low-value medical care because they rarely affect the final diagnosis or surgical management. What is known about the topic? Inguinal hernias are one of the most common presenting complaints to surgeons in Australia. Currently, there are no accepted Australian guidelines for the diagnosis of inguinal hernias. Ultrasound investigation has been shown to aid diagnosis when there is uncertainty after physical examination. There is increasing concern regarding low-value medical care that contributes to a significant waste of healthcare resources within Australia. The use of ultrasounds for the diagnosis of clinically apparent inguinal hernias is a potential area of concern. What does this paper add? This paper is the first to estimate the frequency of ultrasounds being ordered for clinically apparent inguinal hernias. The study shows that approximately one in two patients who present to surgeons with a clinically obvious inguinal hernia have an ultrasound. GPs were the major referral source for these ultrasounds. Finally, these ultrasounds rarely altered final diagnosis or management for patients who presented to surgeons for definitive management. What are the implications for practitioners? This study confirms that ultrasounds for clinically obvious inguinal hernias represent low-value medical care. Based on the results of this study, it is estimated that the cost to Medicare for unnecessary ultrasounds is approximately A$2.5 million per annum. Although it is beyond the scope of the present study to comment on the reasons for the apparent overinvestigation of ultrasounds for inguinal hernias, the findings suggest that clinical guidelines may help address this problem.

A new semiresorbable mesh for primary inguinal repair: a preliminary observational study on quality of life and safety

A currently unsolved problem of open inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP), which affects 10-12% of patients after IHR. In the present paper, we explored the results of a newly designed partially absorbable mesh made of polypropylene and polylactic acid (HybridMesh®) for open hernia repair and its impact on postoperative safety, efficacy, comfort and pain. A prospective multicentric pilot trial was conducted in third-referral centers across Italy (n = 5). Inclusion criteria were unilateral primary inguinal hernia in patients of both genders and BMI < 30kg/m2. All patients were submitted to elective Lichtenstein mesh hernia repair under local anesthesia with HybridMesh. Primary outcome measure was the evaluation of Carolina Comfort Scale and modifications at 2years after surgery and its correlation with surgical variables; secondary outcomes were postoperative early and late morbidity, recurrence and postoperative early quality of life. Between 2015 and 2016, 125 (5 female) patients were operated, 2-year follow-up rate was 100%. The surgical site occurrence rate was 28% without the need of procedural interventions. Twenty-four months after surgery, no case of severe CPIP was recorded and altered global CCS score was present in 16 patients (13.0%). At univariate analysis, CCS score was negatively affected by fixation with sutures (OR 3.949; 95% CI 1.334-13.300), with no effect shown on multivariate analysis. Alterations in pain and movement limitations domains of CCS were observed in 9.7% of patients, at univariate analysis; they occurred more frequently when the mesh was sutured (OR 4.437; 95% CI 1.387-17.025) and in patients suffering from SSO (ecchymosis: OR 3.269; 95% CI 1.032-10.405); however, no effect was shown on multivariate analysis. Two recurrences (1.6%) were identified within the first postoperative year. The results of this study support the safety, efficacy and good tolerability of HybridMesh as a device to treat primary unilateral inguinal hernia during open anterior approach. Further studies are needed to clarify its role in comparison to currently available devices at longer follow-ups.

Uso de mallas de polipropileno en el reparo de la hernia inguinal con herida sucia o contaminada

Introducción. La hernioplastia con malla de polipropileno es la técnica de elección para el reparo de las hernias inguinales. Actualmente, existe controversia sobre esta técnica en pacientes con heridas sucias o contaminadas; sin embargo, la evidencia en la literatura médica ha demostrado que su uso puede ser seguro. Los autores presentan su experiencia con las mallas de polipropileno en la cirugía contaminada para cierre de hernias inguinales.&#x0D; Método. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron los pacientes mayores de 18 años atendidos entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2018 por presentar hernias inguinales, que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico de urgencias, y que presentaban heridas sucias o contaminadas. Los criterios evaluados fueron: infección de la herida quirúrgica, morbilidad y mortalidad, necesidad de remoción de la malla y recurrencia de la hernia.&#x0D; Resultados. Diez pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía de urgencias, requiriendo resección intestinal por necrosis: nueve de ellos, por hernias estranguladas y, uno, por apendicitis perforada. En uno de los diez pacientes, se consideró sucia la herida por presentar necrosis intestinal y perforación. Los nueve restantes presentaban necrosis intestinal sin perforación, por lo cual se consideraron heridas contaminadas. La infección de la herida ocurrió en 1/10 pacientes con infección del sitio operatorio superficial; la eliminación de la malla no fue necesaria en ningún paciente durante todo el período de estudio. No se observaron recidivas y no hubo mortalidad.&#x0D; Conclusión. El uso de malla de polipropileno para la corrección de hernias inguinales, en pacientes con heridas sucias o contaminadas, es efectivo y seguro, con una morbilidad aceptable y buenos resultados a corto plazo.