Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair Research Articles

TACKoMesh – A randomised controlled trial comparing absorbable versus non-absorbable tack fixation in laparoscopic IPOM + repair of primary incisional hernia using post-operative pain and quality of life - Reliatack™ versus Protack™

There is a clinical need to better understand and improve post-operative pain for patients undergoing laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia. The aim of this single-centre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial was to compare post-operative pain between absorbable and non-absorbable tack fixation in patients undergoing IPOM + repair. Patients with primary incisional hernia (size 3–10 cm), were randomised to either Reliatack™ (n = 27), an articulating-arm device deploying absorbable polymer tacks, or Protack™ (n = 36), a straight-arm device deploying permanent titanium tacks. The primary outcome was reported pain on activity using a visual analogue scale at post-operative day 30. Clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed pre-operatively (day 0), and at 1-, 6-, 30- and 365-days post-surgery. No significant differences in reported pain ‘on activity’ were found at any timepoint. Less reported pain ‘at rest’ was found on post-operative day-1 with absorbable tacks (p = 0.020). Significantly longer mesh-fixation time (p < 0.001) and the use of more knots for fascial closure (p = 0.006) and tacks for mesh-fixation (p = 0.001) were found for the absorbable tack group. There were no differences in other clinical and PROMs between groups. For the whole trial cohort (n = 63) several domains in the Short-Form-36 showed a reduction from baseline scores at day 30 that improved at day 365. At post-operative day 30, 75.0% of patients reported ‘a lot of pain’ since discharge. This study found no difference in reported pain when choosing absorbable or non-absorbable tack fixation. The utility of “early” post-operative pain assessment as a comparator following incisional hernia repair needs clarification.

Laparoscopic repair for a recurrent epigastric incisional hernia following xiphoidectomy: A case report

Introduction: Xiphodynia is a rare musculoskeletal disorder characterized by epigastric or anterior chest pain, for which xiphoidectomy is considered as a definitive treatment. This procedure and its complications are not well researched, particularly within Australasian populations. We describe the novel laparoscopic incisional hernia repair from a xiphoidectomy complicated by recurrent epigastric hernias. Case Report: A 49-year-old female presented with chronic epigastric pain post-xiphoidectomy for xiphoidynia. The patient previously underwent open mesh repair for an incisional epigastric hernia, complicated by infection and subsequent removal of the mesh. A vacuum-assisted closure device was then utilized, followed by delayed primary closure. However, she experienced ongoing pain, a recurrent mass, and hypertrophic scarring, confirmed by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. Our laparoscopic approach involved a standard supine position with three ports and preperitoneal dissection similar to transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair. The defect was 5 × 8 cm in size. A simple prolene mesh (9 × 12 cm) was secured with AsorbaTack and Glubran 2, followed by peritoneal closure with a 3/0 V-Loc suture. At two months follow-up, the patient had no evidence of recurrent hernia, no ongoing pain, and satisfactory wound healing. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgical repair using a TAPP approach is a safe alternative to open repair of an incisional recurrent epigastric hernia post-xiphoidectomy.

To Compare the Short-Term Outcome of Open Repair versus Laparoscopic Repair in Abdominal Incisional Hernia Repair

Background: Incisional hernia is a common complication post abdominal surgery. Its effective management is crucial for patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. This study aims to evaluate and compare the short-term outcomes of open and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair techniques. Objective: The study's objectives are twofold: 1) To ascertain the short-term outcomes, specifically focusing on the length of hospital stay, operative time, wound infections, and recurrence rate in patients undergoing open and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, and 2) To compare these outcomes between open and laparoscopic repair methods. Methods: A randomized design was employed, with patients assigned to either Group A (open repair) or Group B (laparoscopic repair) using computer software. The duration of surgery, from the first incision to skin closure, was timed with a digital stopwatch. Patients were followed up for one month with specific attention to any redness, persistent pain, or fever. The key outcome parameters assessed were operative time, hospital stay duration, incidence of wound infection, and hernia recurrence. Results: Group A exhibited a 9.9% wound infection rate and 51.1% recurrence rate, with 39.0% of patients achieving satisfactory outcomes. In contrast, Group B demonstrated a 13.5% wound infection rate, a notably lower recurrence rate of 11.3%, and 75.2% of patients reported satisfactory outcomes. Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair shows superior outcomes compared to open repair regarding wound infection, recurrence rate, patient satisfaction, operative time, and length of hospital stay.

The INCH-trial: a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing short- and long-term outcomes of open and laparoscopic surgery for incisional hernia repair

BackgroundLaparoscopic incisional hernia repair is increasingly performed worldwide and expected to be superior to conventional open repair regarding hospital stay and quality of life (QoL). The INCisional Hernia-Trial was designed to test this hypothesis.MethodsA multicenter parallel randomized controlled open-label trial with a superiority design was conducted in six hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients with primary or recurrent incisional hernias were randomized by computer-guided block-randomization to undergo either conventional open or laparoscopic repair. Primary endpoint was postoperative length of hospital stay in days. Secondary endpoints included QoL, complications, and recurrences. Patients were followed up for at least 5 years.ResultsHundred-and-two patients were recruited and randomized. In total, 88 patients underwent surgery and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (44 in the open group, 44 in the laparoscopic group). Mean age was 59.5 years, gender division was equal, and BMI was 28.8 kg/m. The trial was concluded early for futility after an unplanned interim analysis, which showed that the hypothesis needed to be rejected. There was no difference in primary outcome: length of hospital stay was 3 (range 1–36) days in the open group and 3 (range 1–12) days in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.481). There were no significant between-group differences in QoL questionnaires on the short and long term. Satisfaction was impaired in the open group. Overall recurrence rate was 19%, of which 16% in the open and 23% in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.25) at a mean follow-up of 6.6 years.ConclusionsIn a randomized controlled trial, short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair were not superior to open surgery. The persisting high recurrence rates, reduced QoL, and suboptimal satisfaction warrant the need for patient’s expectation management in the preoperative process and individualized surgical management.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register NTR2808.

Onlay Repair Using Self-Gripping Mesh for Lateral Trocar Site Hernia After Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair: A Case Report With Short- and Mid-Term Outcomes

Introduction Trocar site hernia (TSH) is an uncommon complication after laparoscopic surgery, but it may potentially require surgical intervention. The available data have shown the importance of prediction and prevention; the optimal surgical approach for TSH remains unclear, and its long-term outcome is scarcely available. Here, we present a case of a lateral TSH after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, which was successfully repaired using the onlay technique with a self-gripping mesh. Case presentation A 74-year-old woman presented with an abdominal incisional hernia at the midline after an open cholecystectomy. She underwent laparoscopic surgery for incisional hernia with intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair. Fascial closure was performed for trocar sites. After 12 months, she noticed a painful bulge in the left upper quadrant suggestive of TSH. At the time of diagnosis, her body mass index was 32 kg/m2. TSH repair was performed under general anesthesia. A 3 × 3 cm defect was identified, and the hernial content was found to be the omentum. Defect closure was performed using interrupted sutures followed by placement of a self-gripping mesh (11 × 11 cm in size, obtaining a 4-cm overlap for the defect). The operative time was 80 minutes. The postoperative course was uneventful except for a spontaneously resolved seroma. Computed tomography scan at the 1-year follow-up and physical examination at the 2-year visit showed no recurrence. Conclusion Our proposed onlay repair using self-gripping mesh may be considered as the treatment of choice for cases of lateral TSH after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair.

Does intraperitoneal mesh increase the risk of bowel obstruction? A nationwide French analysis.

Incisional hernias are associated with a reduced quality of life. Mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall is the current standard for incisional hernia repair (IHR), since it reduces the risk of recurrence. The best position for the mesh remains controversial, and each position has advantages and disadvantages. In this nationwide population-based study, we aimed to determine whether IHR with intraperitoneal mesh is associated with an increased risk of bowel obstruction. Using the French hospital database (PMSI), which collects data from all public and private hospitals, two patient cohorts were created and compared. Patients having undergone a laparoscopic IHR with intraperitoneal mesh (IPOM) in 2013 or 2014 due to alaparotomy performed in the 4 previous years were the IPOM group. Patients hospitalized for any other acutedisease (i.e., without IHR) in 2013 and 2014, but having a similar laparotomy in the 4previousyears were the control group. Both cohorts were followed until 2019 in search of any episode of bowel obstruction. A total of 815 patients were included in the IPOM group and matched to 1630 control patients. The 5year bowel obstruction rate was 7.36% in the IPOM group and 4.42% in the control group (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, after adjustment on age and obesity, incisional hernia repair with laparoscopic IPOM increased the risk of bowel obstruction in the 5years following surgery (HR = 1.712; 95% CI 1.208-2.427; p = 0.0025). Patients having undergone laparoscopic IPOM have an increased risk of bowel obstruction compared with patients who have a similar surgical history but no IHR.

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.

Short-Term Outcome of Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Hernioplasty of Incisional Hernia in Khulna Medical College Hospital

Background: Herniorrhaphies that apply a large prosthetic mesh appear to have a lower failure rate, but extensive dissection of soft tissue contributes to an increased incidence of wound infections and wound-related complications. The method of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair was developed in the early 1990s. This technique is based on the same physical and surgical principles as the open underlay procedure. Therefore, this operation has increased in popularity promising shorter hospital stay, improved outcome and fewer complications than traditional open procedures. The aim of the study was to see the short-term outcome of laparoscopic intraperitoneal hernioplasty of incisional hernia in Khulna medical college hospital. Material &amp; Methods: This study was prospective single-cantered observational study carried out at the department of surgery; Khulna Medical College Hospital included 30 patients of incisional hernia those who underwent laparoscopic intraperitoneal on lay mesh (IPOM) technique using polypropylene mesh and the mesh was fixed with Tacker. The duration of the period from January, 2013 to June, 2013. Data was collected by researcher himself with face-to-face interview using a prepared structured questionnaires &amp; checklist and analyzed on SPSS 22. Results: The study was done on 30 patients among which 13 (43.3%) were male and 17 (56.6%) were female patients. Among them the maximum male and female came from 41-50 years age group. Among the 30 patients 16 belonged vertical incisional hernia, whereas 13 patients belonged transverse incisional hernia and the size of the defect of hernia in 27 were medium (defect is 5-10cm) and in 3 were small (defect is &lt;5cm). 21 patients underwent emergency surgery, whereas 9 patients underwent elective surgery for different diseases previously. Every patient in this study group had some predisposing factors to appear incisional hernia. Of them, 16 (53.33%) patients were suffering from Diabetes mellitus, 6 (20%) patients were suffering from chronic cough 2 (6%) patients from chronic retention of urine, 4(13.33%) from chronic constipation and 8 (26.67%) patients from immunocompromised condition due to diseases or drugs taken by them. In case of preoperative complication, only 1 (3.3%) patient each experienced omental haemorrhage, visceral haemorrhage, bowel injury and open conversion whereas 2 (6.6%) patients featured port site bleeding. As postoperative complication, the study shows that 4 (13.3%) patients developed paralytic ileus in followed by port site infection in 3(10%) patients. Conclusion: Laparoscopic hernioplasty is safe and convenient repair in short-term in our clinical setup. But to reach a precise conclusion a long-term case control study with conventional mesh hernioplasty in multiple centres should be done.

OC-117 LIRA (LAPAROSCOPIC INTRACORPOREAL RECTUS APONEUROPLASTY) TECHNIQUE FOR MIDLINE VENTRAL AND INCISIONAL HERNIAS: PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF A PROSPECTIVE SERIES

Abstract Objective To analyze the safety and efficacy of the LIRA (Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Rectus Aponeuroplasty) technique by evaluating postoperative pain, complications (seroma, infection, etc.), bulging, and recurrence rate. Methods Prospective analysis of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic repair of midline ventral and incisional hernias with defects 4 to 8 cm wide (W2, EHS classification). Endpoints: Recurrence rate (primary endpoint). Secondary objectives: acute pain, postoperative seroma, infection, chronic pain, bulging and patient satisfaction. Results From 2020 to 2021, LIRA repair was performed in 12 patients (mean age 51-y, mean BMI: 33.5 kg/m2). Mean defect width: 5.9 cm. Rectus diastasis&amp;gt;5cm. was present in 6 patients. No intraoperative complications were observed. Tension-free closure was achieved in all patients. Mean operative time: 79 minutes. Postop clinical seroma: 4/12 patients (No intervention needed). Postoperative pain (VAS): 4 at 24h, 0.6 at one month, and 0 in those patients who have completed one year of follow-up. No clinical or radiological recurrences, nor trocar hernias have been observed. The degree of patient satisfaction is 9/10. No one complained of bulging. Conclusions Despite being a technically demanding procedure, the LIRA technique allowed a tension-free midline reconstruction of patients suffering from hernia defects smaller than 8 cm without relevant complications. Although the follow-up time is short, no recurrences or trocar hernias have been observed to date. Therefore, LIRA should be considered a safe and efficient therapeutic alternative in patients with ventral and incisional hernias type W2.

Safety of laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias in liver transplant recipients.

Incisional hernia is a common complication following liver transplantation occurring in 5%-34% of patients. Traditionally, open repair was standard due to fear of abdominal adhesions, postoperative complications and lack of experience with laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) has now become routine in non-transplant patients, with improved postoperative outcomes. In this study, we compared outcomes after laparoscopic and open incisional hernia repair after liver transplantation at a high-volume liver transplant center. We performed a retrospective cohort study including all incisional hernia repairs performed on post-liver transplant patients at a major liver transplant center in Australia from 2010 to 2021. Donor, recipient, intraoperative and postoperative variables were collected from the electronic medical record focusing on laparoscopic and open repairs. Between January 2010 and March 2021, 138 patients underwent incisional hernia repair: 40 laparoscopic (29%) and 98 open (71%). No difference in wound infection (2.5%vs. 7.7%, p=.243); wound dehiscence (.00%vs. 2.3%, p=.332) or hernia recurrence (16.3%vs. 23.0%, p=.352) was seen between treatment groups. For larger incisional hernias (>5cm) we found that a laparoscopic repair reduced length of stay compared to open-repair (3.89vs. 4.57 days, p=.026). Laparoscopic repair of larger incisional hernias reduced postoperative length of hospital stay, whilst potential advantages may include reduced wound complications and hernia recurrence. Importantly, laparoscopic repair did not increase postoperative complication rates and represents a safe technique for repair in this demographic.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN LAPAROSCOPIC VERSUS OPEN REPAIR OF INCISIONAL HERNIA AT A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE.

Introduction Incisional hernia is a bulge or protrusion near or directly along a prior abdominal surgical incision.Repair of ventral hernias has always been challenging because of the distorted anatomy due to previous surgery. With the advancement in technology as well as surgical techniques, laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LVHR) is more commonly being performed as compared to open repair in various centers throughout the World. Our study aimed to compare the short-term operative outcomes between laproscopic and open repair. Materials and methods Fifty patients diagnosed with non-complicated incisional hernias were included in this prospective study and were randomly divided into the laparoscopic group and the open group. The two groups were compared to evaluate operative time, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and time taken to return to normal activity. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically signicant. Mean operative time Results was longer in Laproscopic repair (100 min) as compared to open repair (76 min)(p&lt;0.01). Patients experienced more pain on the rst and seventh postoperative days in the open group (p&lt;0.01) and they also had a longer duration of hospital stay as compared to the laparoscopic group . Conclusion Laparoscopic repair carries a signicant advantage over open hernia repair, especially in terms of reduced postoperative pain, duration of hospital stay, and early resumption of normal activity

Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair.

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) is one of the most widely used minimally invasive methods for repairing incisional hernias. The laparoscopic IPOM involves implanting the mesh into the abdominal cavity through laparoscopy to repair an abdominal wall hernia. In the IPOM surgery, after the closure of the hernia ring, an anti-adhesion mesh is placed laparoscopically. The correct placement of this mesh is critical to the success of the method, and surgical skills are required to achieve perfect placement. If the mesh placement is not mastered properly, the operation and anesthesia time will be prolonged. In addition, improper placement of the mesh can lead to serious consequences, such as intestinal obstruction and mesh infection. A "contraposition and alignment" mesh fixation method is described in this study, which involves pre-marking the fixation position of the mesh to reduce the difficulty of mesh placement. A properly placed mesh is completely flat on the peritoneum, the edges are not curled or wrapped, and the mesh is adhered firmly such that there is no displacement after removing the pneumoperitoneum pressure. The "contraposition and alignment" mesh fixation technique offers the advantages of reliable placement of the mesh and fewer complications than other techniques, and it is easy to learn and master. It also allows for positioning the nail gun in advance based on the anatomy of the incisional hernia. This enables the use of the minimum number of nails possible while still ensuring good fixation, which can reduce the occurrence of complications and reduce the cost of surgery. Thus, the mesh fixation method described here is highly suitable for clinical applications based on the aforementioned advantages.

Risk factors for recurrence and complications after laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia using a double-layered ePTFE/PP mesh: results of a retrospective study.

The objective was to analyse, risk factors for recurrence (primary outcome) and complications (secondary outome) after the implantation of a double layer ePTFE (expanded PolytTetraFluoroEthylene) / PP (PolyPropylene) mesh to treat incisional hernias (IH) using the Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) technique. We included all elective laparoscopic IH repairs with intraperitoneal placement of a ePTFE / PP mesh (Relimesh® - Herniamesh S.r.l.) from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2017 at Humanitas Mater Domini Clinical Institute in Castellanza (Italy) and at the Centre for Minimally Invasive Surgery of Niš (Serbia). Performance was defined as long-term recurrence rate. A total of 284 patients were enrolled. According to the European Hernia Society (EHS) hernias were classified as: W1 (<4 cm) 60.29%, W2 (≥4-10 cm) 35.02% and W3 (≥10 cm) 4.69%; medial 90.85%, lateral 6.69%, both medial and lateral 2.11%. Average follow-up was 48 (11-110) months. The 30-days complication rate was 4.23%. Hernia recurrence rate was 3.36%. Long-term complication rate was 6.34%. At multivariable analysis, an increased risk of short-term complications was associated to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 7.59 [2.23-25.83], P=0.001); an increased risk of long-term complications was associated to diabetes (OR 6.21 [1.80-21.42], P=0.004), an increased risk of recurrence was correlated to COPD (OR 13.40 [1.36-131.9], P=0.026) and hernia defects larger than 6 cm (OR 19.2 [1.12-329.9], P=0.042). Elective laparoscopic IH repair with a double-layered ePTFE/PP mesh is safe and effective. Compliance with indications and preoperative patients evaluation are essential to improve outcomes.

Hernia Sac Preservation for Prevention of Transversus Abdominis Release in Laparoscopic Extended-Totally Extra Peritoneal Repair of Ventral Hernia: A Minimalistic Solution for a Formidable Challenge.

Background: Ventral hernia repair has always been an extensive and challenging surgery. The laparoscopic extended-Totally Extraperitoneal (E-TEP) technique of ventral hernia repair is gaining popularity due to the advantage of placing a large mesh in the retro rectus plane. When done through a Laparoscopic approach, the difficulty of the procedure is compounded by multiple factors such as obtaining retro muscular access, maintaining the retro muscular plane, crossing over to the contralateral retro muscular plane without entering intraperitoneally, suturing in a limited space, and manipulation of a large mesh in a constricted space for placement. In cases of large midline incisional hernias, dense adhesions to the previous surgical scar are often present. Despite having extremely satisfying outcomes, the aforementioned factors make the laparoscopic extended-total extraperitoneal repair of large midline ventral and incisional hernias an exceptionally challenging procedure. A tension-free midline approximation is the benchmark of ventral/incisional hernia surgery. In certain cases, this can be difficult to achieve due to multiple factors. For the purpose of attaining tension-free midline closure, component separation techniques (CST) have been explored and implemented. Of these, the posterior component separation technique of Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) has gained popularity for reducing the tension of posterior rectus sheath during posterior midline closure in retro muscular repairs by adding a few centimetres of medial advancement. The main pitfall of TAR is its technical complexity, which may result in morbid complications when implemented incorrectly. Performing TAR laparoscopically compounds the complexity manyfold. Hence, to obviate the necessity to perform Laparoscopic TAR in cases of Laparoscopic E-TEP repair of large midline ventral and incisional hernias, we present that the technique of hernial sac preservation should be pre-emptively carried for all Laparoscopic ETEP repairs so that the necessity of performing TAR in select cases is reduced by aiding in the addition of final crucial centimetres of lengthening to the posterior rectus sheath for achieving posterior midline closure. This aids in the success of the procedure by preventing an additional complex procedure of TAR from being performed in an already challenging hernia repair technique of Laparoscopic E-TEP repair. Methods: We hereby report three cases of Ventral hernia repair in which Laparoscopic E-TEP repair was carried out and Hernial sac preservation technique was implemented successfully. Midline closure of the posterior rectus sheath was attained under reduced tension and a medium-weight macroporous polypropylene mesh was placed in the retro-rectus plane after measurement of the potential space. Patients were discharged uneventfully. Results: Patients were followed up for up to 6months postoperatively and were found to have no complications. Conclusion: In Laparoscopic E-TEP repair of midline ventral hernias, preservation of the hernial sac along with the posterior rectus sheath might aid in the prevention of performing a TAR in selected cases where posterior layer tension is present. Hernia sac preservation thereby aids in reducing operative time and preventing potential morbid complications.

P-120 LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF INCISIONAL HERNIA USING A NON-ABSORBABLE TRANSPARENT COMPOSITE PROSTHESIS TOTALLY IN POLYPROPYLENE - OUR EXPERIENCE

Abstract Introduction Incisional ventral hernia is one of the most common surgical complications after laparotomy. The aim of this retrospective observational study is an evaluation of clinical outcomes after laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias with a non-absorbable and transparent composite prosthesis composed of a macro-porous monofilament polypropylene mesh and a transparent polypropylene film. Materials and Methods 63 patients, from January 2016 to December 2021, were treated for incisional hernia at Center of minimal invasive surgery Nis, Serbia. The mesh was always positioned intraperitoneally after closing the defects and fixed with absorbable tacks and non-absorbable suture. Results In the considered cohort (54% female and 46% male) the median age and BMI were 54 years (range: 39–68) and 25,1 kg/m2 (range: 21.5–30.3), respectively. Concerning hernia position, 93.7% of the hernias were medial, 4.8% lumbar and 1.6% medio-lumbar. According to EHS classification, 58.7% of the hernias were W1, 36.5% W2 and 12.7% W3. The average duration of hospitalization was 2 days. The rate of early post-operative complications was 6.3%, including 1 seroma (1.6%) and 3 patients reporting pain (4.8%). At a median follow up of 48 months (range: 6–60) we registered 2 cases of hernia recurrency (3.2%, both at 36 months follow-up) and 1 case of bowel obstruction (1.6%). All the considered variables did not result statistically significative in relation to post-operative complications. Conclusion Our clinical experience showed that intraperitoneal treatment of incisional hernia using a transparent composite prosthesis. The minimally invasive procedure allows a fast postoperative recovery and a consequent low economical cost.

OC-088 CAN PROCOLLAGEN I AND PROCOLLAGEN III SERVE AS PREDICTIVE BIOMARKERS FOR INCISIONAL HERNIA RECURRENCE?

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine the temporal evolution of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and collagen biomarkers and their influence on incisional hernia recurrence after the IPOM plus repair. Methods A sub-cohort of patients (n=25) undergoing laparoscopic incisional hernia repair within the TACKoMesh randomised controlled trial were bled at serial timepoints up to 1-year following surgery. Serum/plasma concentration of biomarkers (Procollagen I, Procollagen III, Fibronectin, TGF-beta, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2) were quantified using ELISA and Luminex multiplex techniques. Data were described and compared between groups that developed and remained free from recurrence using R statistical software. Results Procollagen I was reduced relative to baseline on post-op Day 1 but increased at Days 6 and 30 (p&amp;lt;0.05). Procollagen III showed an elevation at Day 30. Lower levels of Procollagen I were detected at Day 0, Day 1 and Day 6 (p&amp;lt;0.05) and higher levels of Procollagen III at Day 0, Day 1, Day 6 and Day 30 (p&amp;lt;0.05) in patients with a recurrence. Fibronectin was reduced at Day 1 and 6 (p&amp;lt;0.05) whilst TGF-β was increased at Day 30 (p&amp;lt;0.05). MMP-2 and its inhibitor TIMP-2 were reduced at post-operative Day 1 (p&amp;lt;0.05). MMP-9 was persistently higher than baseline (p&amp;lt;0.05) at all timepoints. TIMP-1 was elevated at post-op Days 6 and 30. No differences were found in the circulating concentrations of these biomarkers to predict a recurrence. Conclusion In patients that developed incisional hernia recurrence, low levels of Procollagen I and high levels of Procollagen III were detected.

SP7.11 Preliminary results from the TACKoMesh RCT; comparing the patient experience of pain following elective laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with ‘Protack™ versus Reliatack™’, IPOM and sutured fascial closure

AimsProvide a report on all patients who underwent laparoscopic incisional hernia repair as part of the TACKoMesh RCT prior to unblinding of treatment arms.MethodsTrial recruitment was for primary incisional hernia with a defect diameter of 3–10cm. 63 patients (target 74–136) were operated on prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Post-operative pain is the primary trial outcome.Surgery was performed with spiral-tack mesh-fixation devices (Protack™ (permanent) or Reliatack™ (absorbable)), Symbotex™ IPOM mesh, and sutured fascial closure using extracorporeal knot ties.Data was collected on trial forms and lifestyle questionnaires (SF-36 and CCS). All data were explored and described in RStudio v1.4.1106.ResultsPatients were aged 36–80 and 57.1% male. Mean preoperative BMI was 30.91.Mean operating time was 81minutes. In 20.6% patients multiple hernia defects were identified. A good degree of fascial closure was achieved in all patients using a median 3 knots.Median mesh-fixation time was 286seconds and a mean of 25 tacks/patient were used. Median length of hospital stay was 3.5days.Patients were asked “Please indicate on this scale [VAS 0–10] the pain that you currently experience from your incisional hernia during activity?”. Median responses for Day0/pre-op, Day1, Day6, Day30 and Day365 were 4.5, 8.0, 6.0, 3.0 and 1.5 respectively.At one year, 11% patients had experienced hernia recurrence and 52% a post-operative seroma.ConclusionsTarget recruitment was not possible owing to COVID-19. This technique has comparable recurrence rates. Reported pain increases post-operatively but is reduced at post-operative day30 and day365.

An island of muscular free flap-laparoscopic repair of recurrent incisional hernias presenting as left flank mass: a case report

Incisional hernias present as ventral hernias but very rarely they may present as a recurrent hernia in the flank. We present the case of a 67-year-old male with past surgical history significant for open repair of recurrent ventral incisional hernia, previous component separation and surgical removal of infected mesh two years back; now presenting with a left lateral flank mass later confirmed as left lateral incisional hernia upon CT scan. The patient was planned for a laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with 20*20 cm Ventralight mesh. At 3 months postoperative follow-up visit the patient was doing well and had returned to normal activity. There was no evidence of any recurrence.

Robotic-assisted compared with laparoscopic incisional hernia repair following oncologic surgery: short- and long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial.

Patients with abdominal site cancer are at risk for incisional hernia after open surgery. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted (RVIHR) with the laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) in an oncologic institute. This is a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial. Patients were randomized into two groups: RVIHR and LVIHR. Groups have similar baseline characteristics (LVIHR: N = 19; RVIHR: N = 18). No difference was noted in the length of hospital stay (RVIHR: 3.67 ± 1.78days; LVIHR: 3.95 ± 2.66days) and postoperative complications (16.7 versus 10.5%; p = 0.94). The mean operating time for RVIHR was significantly longer than LVIHR (RVIHR was 355.6 versus 293.5min for LVIHR; p = 0.04). Recurrence was seen in three patients in LVIHR and two in RVIHR at 24-month follow-up, with no significant difference. (p > 0.99). Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted incisional hernia repair show similar short- and long-term outcomes for cancer patients.

Predictive factors of recurrence for laparoscopic repair of primary and incisional ventral hernias with single mesh from a multicenter study

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is a widely practiced treatment for primary (PH) and incisional (IH) hernias, with acceptable outcomes. Prevention of recurrence is crucial and still highly debated. Purpose of this study was to evaluate predictive factors of recurrence following LVHR with intraperitoneal onlay mesh with a single type of mesh for both PH and IH. A retrospective, multicentre study of data collected from patients who underwent LVHR for PH and IH with an intraperitoneal monofilament polypropylene mesh from January 2014 to December 2018 at 8 referral centers was conducted, and statistical analysis for risk factors of recurrence and post-operative outcomes was performed. A total of 1018 patients were collected, with 665 cases of IH (65.3%) and 353 of PH (34.7%). IH patients were older (p < 0.001), less frequently obese (p = 0.031), at higher ASA class (p < 0.001) and presented more frequently with large, swiss cheese type and border site defects (p < 0.001), compared to PH patients. Operative time and hospital stay were longer for IH (p < 0.001), but intraoperative and early post-operative complications and reinterventions were comparable. IH group presented at major risk of recurrence than PH (6.7% vs 0.9%, p < 0.001) and application of absorbable tacks resulted a significative predictive factor for recurrence increasing the risk by 2.94 (95% CI 1.18–7.31). LVHR with a light-weight polypropylene mesh has low intra- and post-operative complications and is appropriate for both IH and PH. Non absorbable tacks and mixed fixation system seem to be preferable to absorbable tacks alone.