Midline Abdominal Wall Defects Research Articles

Prenatal Prognosis of Omphalocele Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurement of Fetal Lung Volumes

BackgroundOmphalocele is a congenital midline abdominal wall defect resulting in herniation of viscera into a membrane-covered sac. Pulmonary complications, including pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension, and prolonged respiratory support are a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective(s)This study aimed to assess the role of fetal MRI-derived lung volumes and omphalocele defect size as clinical tools to prognosticate postnatal pulmonary morbidity and neonatal mortality in those with a prenatally diagnosed omphalocele (PDO). Study DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study of all pregnancies with PDO at our fetal center from 2007–2023. Pregnancies with aneuploidy or concurrent life-limiting fetal anomalies were excluded. Using fetal MRI, observed-to-expected total fetal lung volume (O/E TLV) ratios were determined by a previously published method. The transverse diameter of the abdominal defect was also measured. The O/E TLV ratios and abdominal defect measurements were compared with postnatal outcomes. The primary outcome was death at any time. Secondary outcomes included death in the first 30 days of life or before discharge from birth hospitalization, the requirement of respiratory support with intubation and mechanical ventilation, or development of pulmonary hypertension. ResultsOf 101 pregnancies with a PDO, 54 pregnancies (53.5%) with prenatally diagnosed omphalocele met inclusion criteria. There was a significant increase in the rate of death when compared between the three O/E TLV classifications: 1/36 (2.8%) in the O/E≥50% group, 3/14 (21.4%) in the O/E 25%–49.9% group, and 4/4 (100%) in the O/E<25% group (P<.001). The rate of intubation increased with the severity of O/E TLV classification, with 27.8% in the O/E≥50% group, 64.3% in the O/E 25%–49.9% group, and 100% in the O/E<25% group (P=.003). The rate of pulmonary hypertension was also higher in the O/E 25%–49.9% (50.0%) and the O/E<25% (50.0%) groups compared to the O/E≥50% group (8.3%, P=.002). There was no association between the transverse diameter of the abdominal wall defect and the primary outcome of death (OR=1.08 95% CI=[0.65–1.78], P=.77). ConclusionsIn our cohort of patients with PDO, O/E TLV<50% is associated with death, need for intubation, prolonged intubation, and pulmonary hypertension. In contrast, omphalocele size demonstrated no prognostic value for these outcomes. The strong association between low fetal lung volume on MRI and poor neonatal outcomes highlights the utility of fetal MRI for estimating postnatal prognosis. Clinicians can utilize fetal lung volumes to direct perinatal counseling and optimize the plan of care.

Perforated Meckel´s diverticulum in large omphalocele: a case report

Omphalocele is a midline abdominal wall defect that can be associated with other abnormalities. In this case report, we present a case of a newborn male with a perforated Meckel's diverticulum adherent within an omphalocele and intestinal malrotation; a very few cases of the coexistence of Omphalocele and Meckel's diverticulum have been described, so we highlight the multidisciplinary management. Consent to publish the case report was not obtained. This report does not contain any personal information that could lead to the identification of the patient. Since this is a case report we didn’t use any statistical tool. The validity and reliability of this case due to its detailed clinical account, citation of existing literature, and adherence to established medical knowledge.

A case of omphalocele associated with teratoma in a new born baby: a very rare case report

An omphalocele is a congenital midline abdominal wall defect at the level of the umbilical cord insertion into the fetal abdomen that results in herniation of intra-abdominal contents into a sac comprising of an outer layer of amnion and an inner layer of peritoneum. The most common eviscerated contents are liver and small intestine though virtually any organ can be seen within the omphalocele sac including colon, pancreas, spleen, omentum, stomach, heart or genitalia. We report an unusual case of omphalocele associated with mature teratoma in Tripura medical college and DR. BRAM teaching hospital. Only five cases of teratoma arising in a case of omphalocele are reported in the literature reviewed.

Ultrasonographic characteristics, genetic features, and maternal and fetal outcomes in fetuses with omphalocele in China: a single tertiary center study

BackgroundPatients with omphalocele, a midline abdominal wall defect at the umbilical cord base, have a low survival rate. However, the long-term outcomes of fetuses with prenatally diagnosed omphalocele have scarcely been studied. Therefore, we investigated the ultrasonographic features, genetic characteristics, and maternal and fetal outcomes of fetuses with omphalocele and provided a reference for the perinatal management of such cases.MethodsA total of 120 pregnant females with fetal omphalocele were diagnosed using prenatal ultrasonography at the Fujian Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital from January 2015 to March 2022. Amniotic fluid or cord blood samples were drawn at different gestational weeks for routine karyotype analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) detection, and whole exome sequencing (WES). The maternal and fetal outcomes were followed up.ResultsAmong the 120 fetuses, 27 were diagnosed with isolated omphalocele and 93 with nonisolated omphalocele using prenatal ultrasonography. Cardiac anomalies were the most observed cause in 17 fetuses. Routine karyotyping and CMA were performed on 35 patients, and chromosomal abnormalities were observed in five patients, trisomy 18 in three, trisomy 13 in one, and chromosome 8–11 translocation in one patient; all were non-isolated omphalocele cases. Six nonisolated cases had normal CMA results and conventional karyotype tests, and further WES examination revealed one pathogenic variant and two suspected pathogenic variants. Of the 120 fetuses, 112 were successfully followed up. Eighty of the 112 patients requested pregnancy termination. Seven of the cases died in utero. A 72% 1-year survival rate was observed from the successful 25 live births.ConclusionThe prognosis of fetuses with nonisolated omphalocele varies greatly, and individualized analysis should be performed to determine fetal retention carefully. Routine karyotyping with CMA testing should be provided for fetuses with omphalocele. WES is an option if karyotype and CMA tests are normal. If the fetal karyotype is normal and no associated abnormalities are observed, fetuses with omphalocele could have a high survival rate, and most will have a good prognosis.

Impact of combined component separation technique and shoelace repair on big medline abdominal wall defect

BackgroundClosure of large anterior abdominal wall defects, regardless of their etiology, is challenging. There is no standardized information describing definitive management. Therefore, we conducted this study to illustrate our experience on large midline abdominal wall defect repair using an effective modified reconstructive technique. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at Al Naqib Hospital in Aden/Yemen between 2012 and 2019. Twenty-six patients with large midline abdominal wall defects of various etiologies underwent surgical repair using a combination of shoelace repair and the component separation technique. The procedure involved bilateral longitudinal division of the anterior rectus sheet and creation of a posterior layer by approximation of the medial edges of the divided rectus sheet (shoelace abdominoplasty) and anterior external oblique muscle aponeurosis separation (component separation technique) to approximate the lateral edges of the divided rectus sheet and move the rectus muscles toward the midline for constructing the anterior abdominal wall layer. The posterior and anterior layers and bilateral separated sheets were covered with a polypropylene mesh in all patients, except in those who underwent emergency damage control surgery. ResultsFour, one, and two patients developed seroma, skin necrosis and chronic pain, and post-surgical wound infection, respectively. No recurrent herniation was recorded during the median follow-up of 5 years. ConclusionThis technique is effective in restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall in large midline abdominal wall defects and has an acceptable aesthetic appearance. In our study, minimal complications were reported, and no cases of recurrent hernias were diagnosed during follow-up.

P-127 E-TEP ASSISTED REVERSE-TAR FOR THE TREATMENT OF LARGE LUMBAR INCISIONAL HERNIAS ASSOCIATED TO MIDLINE DEFECTS

Abstract Aim To describe a new hybrid surgical approach of large lumbar incisional hernias (IH) associated to synchronic midline defects. Material and Methods Prospective multicentric study including patients with large lumbar hernias (L4W3) associated to midline abdominal wall defects. Surgical intervention starts with a bilateral retrorectus dissection performed through a minimally invasive extraperitoneal endoscopic approach (eTEP). Once this space has been dissected, the lumbar IH is treated with an overextended centrifugal preperitoneal open approach through the previous lumbar incision. Afterwards the dissected spaces are communicated performing a reverse transversus abdominis release (TAR) from lateral to medial. A prosthetic preperitoneal repair is performed with an absorbable and permantent meshes that cover the space dissected. Results Five patients were included in the study. All patients had lumbar hernias L4W3 associated to primary or incisional midline hernias M1–5 W1–2. Eighty percent of the patients were women, with a mean age of 62 years. Mean BMI was 32 (range 30–34), with a 60% of diabetic patients, and 80% of recurrent lumbar hernias (between 1 and 3 previous repair attempts). Mean surgical time was 198 minutes (range 160–250). Mean hospital stay was 5 days (range 4–8 days). Two lumbar hematomas which didn't required any interventional procedure took place as the only surgical site occurrences, without any systemic complications. No recurrence has taken place after 5 months mean follow up (range 2–9 months) Conclusion Hybrid eTEP and open approach of large lumbar hernias associated with small midline defects seem to be an efficient and safe approach.

Primary closure of the midline abdominal wall defect during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: analysis of risk factors for failure and outcomes at 5 years follow-up.

The primary aim of this prospective study is to report bulging and recurrence rates and to analyze the risk factors responsible for failure, after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) with primary closure of defect (PCD) using a running suture and intraperitoneal mesh placement, at 5-year follow-up. The secondary endpoint is to evaluate 30-day postoperative complications, seroma, and pain. PCD failure was defined as the presence of postoperative bulging and/or recurrence. Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). After surgery, fifty-eight patients underwent clinical examination and computed tomography scan to diagnose bulging, recurrence, and seroma (classified according to the Morales-Conde classification). At 60months follow-up, recurrence was observed in five patients (8.6%), while bulging, not needing a surgical treatment, occurred in fifteen patients (25.9%). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the only risk factor responsible for both outcomes together, bulging and recurrences (p = 0.029), while other considered risk factors as gender, age, body mass index, diabetes, smoke habits, primary or incisional hernia and the ratio defect width/transverse abdominal axis did not achieve the statistically significance. Clinical seroma was diagnosed at one month in eight patients (13.8%). Seromas were observed at one year of follow-up. During the follow-up, pain reduction occurred. LVHR has evolved toward more anatomical concepts, with the current trend being the abdominal wall anatomical reconstruction to improve its functionality, reducing seroma rates. Based on results obtained, PCD is a reliable technique with excellent recurrence rate at 5years follow-up, even when the defect closure may generate tension at the midline. On the other hand, this tension could be related with high bulging rate at long-term, particular in case of patients with COPD.

321 The Darn Technique for Small (&amp;lt; 2 Cm Diameter) Midline Hernias

Abstract Aim Primary midline hernias arising in the linea alba are common. While mesh repair has been shown to reduce recurrence rates even in small hernias, many surgeons still use a suture repair for defects of less than 2 cm. The recent European and Americas Hernia Societies Guidelines recommended suture repair only for hernias &amp;lt;1 cm. A darn is a tension-free repair where, in effect, a “mesh” is hand-woven across the defect in situ. Method Eligible patients undergoing this repair between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospective computer-based medical record system and their case notes reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with a primary midline abdominal wall defect smaller than 2 cm at the widest point measured intra-operatively. Follow up was by telephone. Those who reported possible recurrence or other symptoms in the region of their repair were reviewed in person. Results 47 suture-darn repairs were undertaken. Fifteen operations (32%) were performed under local anaesthesia. Forty-one patients were followed up with a mean of 80 ± 35 and median of 87 months after surgery. Six patients (13%) were lost to follow-up. Recurrence was found in two cases (5%) and one patient has since been diagnosed with a new epigastric hernia some 5 cm cranial to the previous repair. Conclusions The darn repair for small primary midline hernias is quick and inexpensive with promising long-term results. It can be performed under local anaesthesia. It can serve as an alternative to mesh repair for defects less than 2 cm in maximum dimension.

English

Beckwith - Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) usually present at birth is an overgrowth disorder, characterized by variable spectrum of clinical findings. The classical features include macrosomia, macroglossia, midline abdominal wall defects, hypoglycaemia in neonates and ear creases. We present a six-month-old female child with history of difficulty in sucking. Macrosomia with macroglossia was present on general examination. The infant had continuous murmur which was best heard at infraclavicular area. Mild hepatomegaly with splenomegaly was present on per abdominal examination. Echocardiography study revealed moderate size patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with left to right shunt without pulmonary hypertension which was closed by PDA device. Beckwith - Wiedemann syndrome is an overgrowth disorder in paediatrics age group. It is estimated that BWS has an incidence of 1 in 13,700 population with equal chances in both male and female.1 An American pathologist, Dr. John Bruce and a German paediatrician named Dr. Hans-Rudolf Wiedemann, had suggested about this condition separately. Initially it had been termed EMG (exomphalos, macroglossia, and gigantism) syndrome which was thereafter referred to as Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome. Genetically BWS is said with an alteration of the organic phenomenon at the petit arm of chromosome 11 (11p15) causing over activity of growth factor IGF - 2 gene and/or no active copy of the inhibitor gene of cell proliferation - CDKN1C. Child presents with the mixture of congenital abdominal wall defects as exomphalos, macroglossia and gigantism. Some additionally present also with hemihypertrophy port-wine stain, midface hypoplasia, prominent occiput, genitourinary anomalies like enlarged kidneys, musculoskeletal abnormalities, cardiac defects and deafness.2,3 These children may grow at an accelerated pace during the latter half of the antenatal period continuing in the initial few years of life. Though, their adult heights are usually in the normal range. Here, we report a six-month-old female infant, who presented with evident features of BWS with congenital heart disease.

Peritoneal flap hernioplasty for repair of incisional hernias after orthotopic liver transplantation

BackgroundRepair of incisional hernias following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a surgical challenge due to concurrent midline and transverse abdominal wall defects in the context of lifelong immunosuppression. The peritoneal flap hernioplasty addresses this problem by using flaps of the hernial sac to bridge the fascial gap and isolate the mesh from both the intraperitoneal contents and the subcutaneous space, exploiting the retro-rectus space medially and the avascular plane between the internal and external oblique muscles laterally. We report our short and long-term results of 26 consecutive liver transplant cases with incisional hernias undergoing repair with the peritoneal flap technique.MethodsPost-OLT patients undergoing elective peritoneal flap hernioplasty for incisional hernias from Jan 1, 2010–Nov 1, 2017 were identified from the Lothian Surgical Audit system (LSA), a prospectively-maintained computer database of all surgical procedures in the Edinburgh region of south-east Scotland. Patient demographics and clinical data were obtained from the hospital case-notes. Follow-up data were obtained in Feb 2020.ResultsA total of 517 liver transplantations were performed during the inclusion period. Twenty-six of these (18 males, 69%) developed an incisional hernia and underwent a peritoneal flap repair. Median mesh size (Optilene Elastic, 48 g/m2, BBraun) was 900 cm2 (range 225–1500 cm2). The median time to repair following OLT was 33 months (range 12–70 months). Median follow-up was 54 months (range 24–115 months) and median postoperative stay was 5 days (range 3–11 days). Altogether, three patients (12%) presented with postoperative complications: 1 with hematoma (4%) and two with chronic pain (8%). No episodes of infection or symptomatic seroma were recorded. No recurrence was recorded within the follow-up period.ConclusionRepair of incisional hernias in patients following liver transplantation with the Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty is a safe procedure associated with few complications and a very low recurrence rate. We propose this technique for the reconstruction of incisional hernias following liver transplantation.

A Herniorrhaphy Lamination Technique for the Reconstruction of Midline Abdominal Wall Defects.

Summary:The primary goal of abdominal wall reconstruction is to prevent hernia recurrence through robust and durable repair. Synthetic mesh utilization can provide sound strength but is susceptible to extrusion, infection, and intestinal fistulization. The use of autologous fasciae latae to reinforce the primary fascial reapproximation has mostly been abandoned, presumably because synthetic patches are readily available. There is a specific demand for a sustainable, less-invasive, and ready-to-use repair method without mesh. The authors devised a herniorrhaphy lamination technique using local musculofascial flaps inspired by composite laminates. In this procedure, the primary fascial reapproximation is reinforced with 3 additional laminated musculofascial layers: (1) turnover hinge flaps of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis, (2) bilateral rectus abdominis, and (3) advancement flaps of newly generated edges of the fascia of the rectus sheath. Our technique’s stability is essentially due to the mechanical superiority of the centralized pipe-like structure of musculofascia. Between February 2009 and November 2019, we used the lamination technique to repair midline incisional hernias in 10 patients. The operative procedure was successful in all patients, and there has been no evidence of recurrence. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 69 months, with a mean follow-up of 35 months. The herniorrhaphy lamination technique to reinforce the primary repair can help prevent hernia recurrence. Although our technique is suitable for a small-sized defect, it is less invasive, and can be readily applied. Because it does not include any mesh, it is suitable for the contaminated abdominal wall reconstruction.

The darn technique for small (< 2cm diameter) midline hernias.

Primary midline hernias arising in the linea alba are common. While mesh repair has been shown to reduce recurrence rates even in small hernias, many surgeons still use a suture repair for defects of less than 2cm. The recent European and Americas Hernia Societies Guidelines recommended suture repair only for hernias smaller than 1cm. A suture repair implies edge-to-edge or overlapping fascial margins, which necessarily involves tension on the repair. A darn is a tension-free repair where, in effect, a "mesh" is hand-woven across the defect in situ. The darn repair is a modification of the darn techniques for inguinal hernia repair. Eligible patients undergoing this repair at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospective computer-based medical record system and their case notes reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with a primary midline abdominal wall defect smaller than 2cm in the widest diameter of the hernia defect measured intra-operatively. Patients were followed up by telephone in 2019. Those who reported possible recurrence or other symptoms in the region of their hernia repair were reviewed in the outpatient clinic. 47 suture-darn repairs were undertaken over the 10-year period. Fifteen of the darn repair operations (32%) were performed under local anaesthesia. Forty-one patients were followed up with a mean of 80 ± 35 and median of 87months after surgery. Six patients (13%) were lost to follow-up. Recurrence was found in two cases (5%) and one patient has since been diagnosed with a new epigastric hernia some 5cm cranial to the previous repair. The darn repair for small primary midline hernias is quick and inexpensive with promising long-term results. It can be performed under local anaesthesia. It can serve as an alternative to mesh repair for defects less than 2cm in maximum dimension.

In-vivo evaluation of a reinforced ovine biologic: a comparative study to available hernia mesh repair materials

PurposeTwo innovative reinforced biologic materials were studied in a non-human primate hernia repair model. The test articles, which combine layers of ovine decellularized extracellular matrix with minimal amounts of synthetic polymer, were evaluated for their biologic performance as measured by inflammatory response, healing kinetics, integration, and remodeling into functional host tissue. For comparison, seven clinically used biologic and synthetic meshes were also studied.MethodsAnimals were implanted with test articles in surgically created full-thickness midline abdominal wall defects, and evaluated macroscopically and histologically at 4, 12, and 24 weeks.ResultsMacroscopically, biologics resorbed and remodeled into naturally appearing tissue; the reinforced biologics appeared similar, but remodeled earlier and were less prone to stretch. Synthetics developed a layer of reactive tissue above and separate from the contracted mesh structure. At early time points, the collagen networks of biologics and reinforced biologics were infiltrated by host cells primarily as a peripheral layer on the biologics. As early as 12 weeks, the collagen networks associated with the reinforced biologics remodeled into organized host collagen. By 24 weeks, both reinforced biologics and biologics had low levels of inflammation. In contrast, a foreign body response persisted at 24 weeks with the synthetics, which had developed less organized collagen, separate in space from the actual mesh.ConclusionsThe current study shows a favorable response to reinforced biologics, which were associated with an initial inflammatory response, resolving by later time points, followed by active remodeling, and the formation of new morphologically functional collagen.

Anterior abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh implants: indications and limitations in a developing tropical economy

Introductionthe role of surgery in managing massive midline abdominal wall defects has continued to rise, leading to higher demand for more effective techniques in order to limit recurrences. There is paucity of data on this subject in Southeast Nigeria. The aim of this study is to document the indications and challenges of treatment of complex, midline abdominal wall defects in our centre.Methodsthis was a cross-sectional study of adult patients with complex, midline abdominal wall defects managed with mesh implants over a five-year period.Resultsa total of 182 adult patients, predominantly females 160(87.9%), received mesh implants for complex abdominal wall defects. The common indications were incisional hernia 128(70.3%), abdominal wound dehiscence 16(8.8%) and divarication of recti 16(8.8%). About one-third 62(34.1%) of the patients required additional abdominoplasty procedure. Delay towards prompt surgical repair was noted in 168(92.3%) patients, notably due to financial constraints 32(17.6%) followed by comorbidities requiring serial assessments 24(13.2%). Superficial wound infection rate was 5.5% while deep (mesh) infection was noted in two (1.1%) patients. Recurrence and perioperative mortality rates were 1.1% and 1.6% respectively. Diabetes mellitus in obese female patients was an independent predictor of perioperative death (p=0.000).Conclusionthe most common indication for abdominal wall reconstruction in our environment is incisional hernia. The use of prosthetic meshes to repair complex abdominal wall defects is largely safe and effective in our practice, but timely reconstruction is commonly hampered by multi-faceted economic, clinical and pathological barriers.

Ventral Abdominal Wall Defects.

1. Sara A. Mansfield, MD, MS* 2. Tim Jancelewicz, MD, MA, MS* 1. *Division of Pediatric Surgery, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN Clinicians should be aware of the strategies for prenatal and postnatal management of infants with omphalocele and gastroschisis. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize the implications and differences in management between gastroschisis and omphalocele. 2. Review the initial stabilization and management of infants with omphalocele and gastroschisis. 3. Review the surgical management options and rationale for infants with ventral abdominal wall defects. Abdominal wall defects represent a wide spectrum of congenital anomalies. These can range from lethal limb-body wall syndrome to benign umbilical cord hernias. Gastroschisis and omphalocele are the 2 most common defects and are the focus of this review. Although both of these diseases affect the umbilical area, they differ widely in their underlying pathogenesis, genetics, and associated disorders. Consequently, their management techniques and outcomes are quite different. This article reviews the pathogenesis, genetics, diagnostics, and outcomes for each disease, followed by an in-depth review of recent management updates. ### Pathogenesis Omphalocele (or exomphalos) is a herniation of the abdominal viscera through a midline abdominal wall defect (Fig 1). This defect is located at the base of the umbilical stalk, and herniated viscera are covered by a 3-layer membrane of peritoneum, Wharton jelly, and amnion. This contrasts with umbilical cord hernias, which are covered by intact skin and contain only a small protrusion of abdominal contents, and gastroschisis, which has no covering at all and occurs to the right of midline (Table). Omphaloceles are present in approximately 1 per 1,100 pregnancies. However, there is a high rate of spontaneous abortion, making the incidence of omphalocele per live birth approximately 1 per 4,000 to 1 per 6,000. (1) …

Reconstruction of a Large Infected Midline Abdominal Wall Defect Using a Latissimus Dorsi Free Flap

Managing large infected midline abdominal defects are clinically challenging and technically demanding. The alloplastic materials, regional flaps, and component separation are usually infeasible because of the size, location, depth, and state of the defects. In these cases, the free flap is the only option with a large well-vascularized tissue that is free to inset regardless of the location. Herein, we report a case of 44-year-old man with a large infected midline abdominal wall defect who was completely treated with a latissimus dorsi myocutaeous free flap followed by negative pressure wound therapy.

Ultrasound Diagnosis of Exomphalos (Omphalocele): Differentiating Exomphalos from Normal Physiologic Gut Herniation and Gastroschisis

An Exomphalos, also known as omphalocele is a congenital midline abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord insertion with herniation of gut and/or liver or occasionally other content, out of the fetal abdomen. Many chomosomal anomalies are often associated with this embryologic defect. We present a case report describing ultrasound diagnosis of exomphalos associated with hypoplastic nasal bone and increased nuchal translucency thickness.

Components Separation for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in the Recalcitrant, High-Comorbidity Patient: A Review of 311 Single-Surgeon Cases.

Components separation of the abdominal musculature remains a mainstay for closure of complicated midline and paramedian abdominal wall defects. The authors critically analyzed their experience with this technique to identify prognosticators affecting long-term clinical outcomes. A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing components separation by a single senior surgeon (J.M.R.) between 2000 and 2010. Numerous perioperative patient characteristics were collected and analyzed to determine their effects on long-term clinical outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict hernia recurrence and other adverse clinical outcomes. A total of 311 patients were identified (male, 51.1%). Mean age was 53.1 ± 14.0 years, preoperative body mass index was 33.1 ± 8.2 kg/m, and defect width was 11.4 ± 7.5 cm. Patients who had prior hernia repair were 97.4%, with 38.3% having prior mesh placement. Average follow-up was 2.9 ± 2.4 years. Overall hernia recurrence rate was 18.3%. Postoperative complications included seroma (9.3%), superficial wound infection (9.0%), skin dehiscence (4.82%), hematoma (3.2%), deep vein thrombos or pulmonary emolbus (3.2%), and skin flap ischemia (1.0%). Respiratory comorbidity (odds ratio, [OR], 2.02; P < 0.029), prior failed mesh repair (OR, 1.86; P < 0.045), and occurrence of any postoperative complication (OR, 2.02; P < 0.034) significantly increased the risk of eventual hernia recurrence. Preoperative body mass index was not associated with hernia recurrence (P < 0.351) or increased incidence of any aforementioned postoperative complications. This study provides a comprehensive review of one of the largest single-surgeon experiences using components separation to date. Patients with respiratory comorbidities, prior failed mesh repair, and the occurrence of any postoperative complication are at significantly increased risk for hernia recurrence.

Modified components separation technique: experience treating large, complex ventral hernias at a University Hospital.

An increasing number of patients have large or complex abdominal wall defects. Component separation technique (CST) is a very effective method for reconstructing complex midline abdominal wall defects in a manner that restores innervated muscle function without excessive tension. Our goal is to show our results by a modified CST for treating large ventral hernias. A total of 351 patients with complex ventral hernias have been treated over a 10-year period. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were performed in all patients. All ventral hernias were W3, according to the EHS classification 1. We analyzed demographic variables, co-morbidities, hernia characteristics, operative, and postoperative variables. One hundred and seventy patients (48.4%) were men; the average age of the study population was 51.6±23.2years with an average BMI of 32.3±1.3. The hernia was located in the midline in 321 cases (91.5%) versus the flank in 30 (8.5%). In 45 patients, preoperative botulinum toxin (BT) and progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) were needed due to giant hernia defects when the VIH/VAC ratio was>20%. Postoperative complications related to the surgical site were seroma (35.1%), hematoma (9.1%), infection (7.2%), and wound necrosis (8.8%). Complications related to the repair were evisceration in 3 patients (1.1%), small bowel fistula in 4 patients (1.5%), 11 cases of mesh infection (2.9%), and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in 2 patients. There were 29 hernia recurrences (8.2%) with a mean follow-up of 31.6±8.1months. The modified CST is an effective strategy for managing complex ventral hernias that enables primary fascial closure with low rates of morbidity and hernia recurrence.

Significance of the computed tomography assisted morphometry in the surgical planning of eventrated abdominal wall hernias

The eventrated, giant abdominal wall hernias represent a considerable challenge in our practice. Presently, preoperative evaluation of the musculo-aponeurotic elements of the abdominal wall by CT imaging is not part of routine planning of surgery. Evaluation of the abdominal wall hernia progression in time. Moreover, follow up the changes of the abdominal wall structures following series of intraabdominal surgeries. Abdominal CT imaging were performed on the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th postoperative months after the primary series of surgeries in the cases of 12 patients, whose reconstructive surgeries were not possible. A prospective data collection was applied. Changing of the bilateral rectus muscle morphology, the evolution in time of the midline gap, and the progressive dynamism of the midline wall defects were determined. A characteristic and progressive midline defect enlargement could be settled. Data analysis yielded that the combined width of the bilateral rectus muscles is sufficient to cover the midline abdominal wall defect, although there is an "optimal" timeframe for performing the intervention. CT evaluation of abdominal wall prior to reconstructive surgeries of loss of abdominal wall domain has a strong significance on determining and designing the adequate surgical procedure. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(7), 257-263.