Midline Ventral Hernias Research Articles

Comparing procedural costs and early clinical outcomes of robotic extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair for midline ventral hernias

Comparing procedural costs and early clinical outcomes of robotic extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair for midline ventral hernias

Comparative characteristics of separation plastics of the anterior abdominal wall in the prevention of compartment syndrome in herniology

Research Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of separation plastic in reducing intra-abdominal hypertension in midline ventral hernia surgery in an experimental setting. Materials and Methods. Research Subjects: 15 pigs weighing 30-35 kg with an original model of midline ventral hernia. In the acute experiment, intra-abdominal hypertension was created at 40 mmHg and the aponeurosis tension was set at 3.6 N. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the impact of separation plastics of the anterior abdominal wall by Ramirez, Carbonell, and Novitsky on intra-abdominal pressure and central hemodynamics. Results: A direct correlation was found between intra-abdominal pressure and aponeurosis tension. Ramirez separation plastic of the anterior abdominal wall reduced intra-abdominal pressure by 50.5±1.1%, Carbonell by 53.5±2.8%, and Novitsky by 59±3.3%. Conclusion: The original model of midline ventral hernia in the acute experiment can be used to study intra-abdominal hypertension and ways to reduce it. Separation plastics decrease intra-abdominal pressure, improve central hemodynamic parameters, and blood oxygen saturation. The most effective separation plastic of the anterior abdominal wall is the posterior component according to Novitsky.

A comparison between robotic-assisted and open approaches for large ventral hernia repair-a multicenter analysis of 30days outcomes using the ACHQC database.

Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in the use of a minimally invasive (MIS) approach for complex hernias involving component separation. A robotic platform provides better visualization and mobilization of tissues for component separation. We aim to assess the outcomes of open and robotic-assisted approaches for large VHR utilizing the ACHQC national database. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) was performed to include all adult patients who had primary and incisional midline ventral hernias larger than 10cm and underwent elective open and robotic hernia repairs with mesh from January 2013 to March 2023. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed comparing Open and Robotic approaches. The ACHQC database identified 5,516 patients with midline hernias larger than 10cm who underwent VHR. The open group (OG) had 4,978 patients, and the robotic group (RG) had 538. The RG had a higher median BMI (33.3kg/m2 (IQR 29.8-38.1) vs 32.7 (IQR 28.7-36.6) (p < 0.001). Median hernia width was 15cm (IQR 12-18) in the OG and 12cm in the RG (10-14) (p < 0.001). Sublay positioning of the mesh was the most common. The fascial closure was higher in the RG (524; 97% versus 4,708; 95%-p = 0.005). Median Length of Stay (LOS) was 5days (IQR 4-7) in the OG and 2days (IQR 1-3) in the RG (p < 0.001). The readmission rate was higher in the OG (n = 374; 7.5% vs n = 16; 3%; p < 0.001). 30-day SSI were higher in the OG (343; 6.9%% vs 14; 2.6%; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified diabetes (OR 1.6; CI 1.1-2.1; p = 0.006) and BMI (OR 1.04, CI 1.02-1.06; p < 0.001) as predictors of SSIs, while the robotic approach was protective (OR 0.35, CI 0.17-0.64; p = 0.002). For SSO, logistic regression showed BMI (OR 1.04, CI 1.03-1.06; p < 0.001) and smoking (OR 1.8, CI 1.3-2.4; p < 0.001) as predictors Robotic approach was associated with lower readmission rates (OR .04, CI 0.2-0.6; p < 0.001). A robotic approach improves early 30-day outcomes compared to an open technique for large VHR. There was no difference in SSO at 30days.

Initial experience of SSI Mantra robot-assisted Transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair of primary ventral hernias.

Small and medium sized primary midline ventral hernias are best treated by pre-peritoneal mesh placement. This helps in prevention of complications related to intra-peritoneal mesh placement. The challenges we face while performing laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) procedure can be overcome by robot-assisted TAPP (rTAPP), and we present our initial experience with the same. We describe the surgical technique used in rTAPP using the relatively new SSI Mantra platform for primary midline ventral hernia repair and evaluate its feasibility and present the outcomes. we performed rTAPP for primary midline ventral hernia repair in 10 patients from July 2023 to September 2023. Demographic patient data, hernia characteristics and peri-operative outcomes were measured. A total of 10 patients underwent elective rTAPP for primary midline ventral hernia, of which 7 were male and 3 were female. The average defect size was 3.2 cm. The average operative time was 113 min. All the patients were discharged within 24-36 h after the procedure. There were no deaths. No post-operative complications such as haematoma, clinically significant seroma, deep or superficial wound infection or recurrence were noted within 30 days. rTAPP is a technically feasible procedure for the repair of small- and medium-sized midline ventral hernias with defect sizes up to 5 cm. SSI Mantra robotic platform provides the same benefit that other conventional robotic platforms provide at a much lesser cost. Further studies looking at the cost-benefit ratio are required to substantiate the above.

Robotic-assisted endoscopic onlay repair (R-ENDOR) for concomitant ventral hernias and diastasis recti: initial results and surgical technique.

The surgical management of midline ventral hernias complicated by concomitant diastasis recti presents a significant clinical challenge. The Endoscopic Onlay Repair (ENDOR) offers a minimally invasive solution, effectively addressing both conditions. This study focuses on describing the adaptation of ENDOR to a robotic platform, termed R-ENDOR, aiming to report initial outcomes along with other established robotic surgical approaches. This retrospective case series study included consecutive adult patients who underwent R-ENDOR approach from October 2018 to April 2023, performed by a single surgeon. A comprehensive description of the surgical technique is included. Patient demographics, operative, and hernia-specific characteristics, as well as clinical outcomes are described. A total of 15 patients undergoing R-ENDOR for ventral hernia repair with diastasis recti plication were included. The median age was 59years (IQR 42-63), with 60% (n = 9) female patients. The majority (86%, n = 13) had an ASA score of ≤ 2, and the median BMI was 24kg/m2, with 20% (n = 3) classified as obese. Median hernia size was 2cm (IQR 2-2.25), with a median diastasis length of 19cm (IQR 15-21.5) and width of 4cm (IQR 3-6). The median operative time was 129min (IQR 113-166). Most repairs (93%, n = 14) were reinforced with mesh, predominantly self-fixating (73.3%, n = 11). Eighty percent of patients (n = 12) were discharged on the same day, with a median follow-up of 153days (IQR 55-309). Notable complications included clinically significant seromas in 20% of patients (n = 3), long-term hypoesthesia in 40% (n = 6), and readmission in one patient (6.6%) for surgical site infection (SSI) requiring IV antibiotic therapy. Midline ventral hernias associated to diastasis recti can be managed robotically by ENDOR with safe and consistent 90-day outcomes in a carefully selected group of patients.

Abdominoplasty Combined with the Anterior Component Separation Technique for Reconstruction of Midline Large Ventral Hernias: Functional and Aesthetic Outcome Clinical Study

Abstract Background Large midline ventral hernias, diastasis of recti and the associated laxity and abdominal shape deformity, represent aesthetic and functional problems for the patients. So, the surgical treatment of both pathologies at the same time is highly recommended if the patient’s general condition permits. This can be achieved by a comprehensive technique incorporating abdominoplasty performed by a transverse lower abdominal incision into any of the hernia repair techniques. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcome of the combined abdominoplasty and anterior component separation technique in the management of midline ventral abdominal hernias. Patients and Methods This study is a prospective case control study that evaluates both functional and aesthetic outcome of performing abdominoplasty on patients with large midline ventral hernias. This study was conducted between December 2020 to March 2022 at the Plastic Surgery Department, Demerdash University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Study consisted of fifteen patients with different presentations of abdominal wall laxity and ventral hernias. Patients were evaluated regarding their age, BMI, degree of rectus diastasis, Pre-operative radiological findings, post Operative complication and hernia reoccurrence, patients’ satisfaction, and the pre-operative and post-operative umbilical measurements were compared. Results and Conclusion The current study showed that Abdomioplasty can be combined with complex hernia repair by anterior component separation technique within the same setting in high-risk patients safely with an excellent functional outcome and acceptable satisfactory aesthetic results. Although, this can be associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical site complications such as; skin necrosis and wound infection. Patient characteristics associated with the development of complications following anterior component separation combined with abdominoplasty include obesity, previous abdominal procedures and previous pregnancies.

ETEP-PP for repair of primary midline ventral hernias

Abstract BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery for hernia repair has advanced significantly, with techniques such as transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernias inspiring similar approaches for ventral and incisional hernias. The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP) technique, introduced in the twenty-first century, demonstrated advantages in inguinal hernia repair. Leveraging the benefits of eTEP and TAPP while addressing their limitations, we developed the extended totally extraperitoneal preperitoneal repair (eTEP-PP) technique for primary midline ventral hernias. This technique combines the benefits of eTEP and TAPP, avoids specific drawbacks such as the need to divide the posterior rectus sheath or close the peritoneum, and ensures safer and more effective repair. The eTEP-PP method shows promise as a future standard for small-to-medium primary ventral hernia repairs. Further studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 15 patients who underwent eTEP-PP surgery between February 2024 and June 2024 at the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Regency Hospital, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Patients with primary midline ventral abdominal wall hernias were studied, noting intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: All 15 patients experienced no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. Two patients required conversion from eTEP-PP to eTEP due to challenges in creating the preperitoneal flap. Postoperative outcomes were excellent, with no surgical site occurrences or complications requiring intervention. There were no readmissions, mortalities, or recurrences 1 month post-surgery. CONCLUSION: The eTEP-PP technique for primary ventral hernia repair is reproducible and has shown excellent initial outcomes. While the study’s sample size is a limitation, the technique’s potential as a future standard for small-to-medium primary ventral hernia repairs is evident. Further studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy and broaden its application.

A comparison of robotic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal approach versus trans-abdominal retro-muscular approach for midline ventral hernias.

The evolution of midline ventral hernia repair has progressed from the open Rives-Stoppa technique to minimally invasive robotic approaches, notably the trans-abdominal retromuscular (TARM) and enhanced-view Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) methods. This study compares these two robotic techniques in repairing medium-sized midline ventral hernias. A retrospective comparative study of electronic medical records from 2015 to 2021 was conducted on patients undergoing robotic TARM or eTEP at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. Data on demographics, comorbid conditions, surgical history, intraoperative details, hernia characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Both eTEP and TARM groups exhibited comparable outcomes regarding operative duration, hernia defect size, and overall complications. However, notable differences were observed in patients' BMI, implanted mesh area, mesh composition, and fixation techniques across the groups. The TARM group required a longer hospital stay (median: 1day) in contrast to the eTEP group (median: 0days). Additionally, eTEP patients indicated reduced postoperative pain scores (median: 2) compared to TARM (median: 3), with both differences being statistically significant (p < 0.001). The robotic eTEP approach is associated with lower post-operative pain scores, decreased hospital length of stay, and larger areas of mesh implantation as compared to the TARM approach. Other variables are largely comparable between the two techniques. Level III.

Comparative analysis of separation techniques in the treatment of medial ventral hernias

Relevance. Tension-free herniolasty of the anterior abdominal wall is currently the accepted standard for large ventral hernia repairing. The implementation of this approach has been marked by a significant improvement in treatment outcomes. The issues of improving the quality of life of patients after surgery and their effective rehabilitation through the application of the optimal technique of tension-free hernioplasty are now at the forefront.Objective. To compare the immediate and long-term results of treatment of patients with large postoperative midline ven­tral hernias using anterior and posterior techniques of separation of abdominal wall components.Object and methods. 114 patients with large postoperative midline ventral hernias were divided into two groups: the patients of the first group (38 patients) underwent hernioplasty using the anterior separation technique, and the patients of the second group (76 patients) - posterior separation. We evaluated the immediate (complica­tions in the area of surgery, duration of surgical wound drainage and duration of hospitalization) and long-term (functional restoration of the abdominal wall) results of treatment with subsequent comparative analysis of data between the groups using descriptive statistics methods.Results. The present study is the first to compare the immediate and long-term results of using anterior and posterior techniques for separation of anterior abdominal wall components during surgery for midline ventral hernias. It was found that both variants demonstrate good immediate and long-term results in the treatment of patients with median postoperative ventral hernias of large size. At the same time, the anterior separa­tion technique is accompanied by a significantly higher number of complications and, accordingly, is characterized by a higher risk of their de­velopment, as well as requires a longer stay of the patient in the hospital.

Early results of eTEP access surgery with preperitoneal repair of primary midline ventral hernias and diastasis recti. A 33 patient case series of "PeTEP".

This article aims to share the initial experience of the preperitoneal eTEP approach and its potential benefits in a selected group of patients. The eTEP Rives-Stoppa is a proven minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of ventral midline and off-midline hernias that has shown to be a solid, durable, and reproducible repair. The preperitoneal eTEP repair is a surgical technique that brings together the extraperitoneal access surgery with a preperitoneal repair for primary midline hernias avoiding posterior rectus sheath division and preservation of the retrorectus space while being able to treat simultaneous diastasis recti. The analysis included 33 patients operated with thepreperitoneal eTEP approach from September 2022 to September 2023 in patients with primary small to medium (< 4cm) midline hernias, single or multiple defects with or without diastasis recti. Age, gender, hernia characteristics, operative time, and surgical site occurrences will be discussed, as well as fine details and landmarks in the operative technique. 33 consecutive patients were operated, 19 female (57.5%) and 14 males (42.5%) between 32 and 63years of age, the most common comorbidity found was obesity (BMI > 30). In 70% of the cases, operative time was 90min ± 25min. The average hospital stay was one day, while 12 went home the same day, and so far, no reoccurrences have been reported. We believe the preperitoneal eTEP approach for small to medium primary midline hernias is an effective and solid repair that combines excellent features of proven surgical techniques and eliminates the need for posterior rectus sheath division while saving the retrorectus space, among other benefits that will be discussed. The reproducibility of the technique remains to be proven.

Robotic repair of moderate-sized midline ventral hernias reduced complications, readmissions, and length of hospitalization compared to open techniques.

To compare outcomes of robotic and open repair for uncomplicated, moderate-sized, midline ventral hernias. From 2017 to 2021, patient characteristics and 30day outcomes for all ventral hernias at our center were prospectively collected. We studied hernias potentially suitable for robotic repair: elective, midline, 3-10cm rectus separation, no prior mesh, and no need for concomitant procedure. Robotic or open repair was performed by surgeon or patient preference. The primary outcome was any complication using Clavien-Dindo scoring. Secondary outcomes were operative time, length-of-stay, and readmissions. Regression identified predictors of complications. Of 648 hernias repaired, 70 robotic and 52 open repairs met inclusion criteria. The groups had similar patient demographics, co-morbidities, and hernia size, except that there were more immunosuppressed patients in the open group (11 versus 5 patients, p = 0.031). Complications occurred after 7 (13%) open repairs versus 2 (3%) robotic repairs, p = 0.036. Surgical site infection occurred after four open repairs but no robotic repair, p = 0.004. Length-of-stay averaged almost 3days longer after open repair (4.3 ± 2.7days versus 1.5 ± 1.4days, p = 0.031). Readmission occurred after 6 (12%) oppen repairs but only 1 (1%) robotic repair. A long-term survey (61% response rate after mean follow-up of 2.8years) showed that the HerQLes QOL score was better after robotic repair (46 ± 15 versus 40 ± 17, = 0.049). In regression models, only open technique predicted complications. Robotic techniques were associated with fewer complications, shorter hospitalization, fewer infections, and fewer readmissions compared to open techniques. Open surgical technique was the only predictor of complications.

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

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

Computed tomography measurements to predict need for robotic transversus abdominis release: a single institution analysis.

The radiographic rectus width to hernia width ratio (RDR) has been shown to predict ability to close fascial defect without additional myofascial release in open Rives-Stoppa abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), but it has not been studied in robotic AWR. We aimed to examine various CT measurements to determine their usability in predicting the need for transversus abdominis release (TAR) in robotic AWR. We performed a single-center retrospective review of 137 patients with midline ventral hernias over a 5-year period who underwent elective robotic retrorectus AWR. We excluded patients with M1 or M5 hernias, lateral/flank hernias, and hybrid repairs. The CT measurements included hernia width (HW), hernia width/abdominal width ratio (HW/AW), and RDR. Univariate, multivariate and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were performed. 58/137 patients required TAR (32 unilateral, 26 bilateral). Patients undergoing TAR had a significantly higher average HW and HW/AW and lower RDR. Multivariate analysis revealed that prior hernia repair was independently associated with need for TAR (p = 0.03). ROC analysis and AUC values showed acceptable diagnostic ability of HW, HW/AW and RDR in predicting need for TAR. Cutoffs of RDR ≤ 2, HW/AW > 0.3, and HW > 10cm yielded high specificity in determining need for any TAR (97.5% vs. 96.2% vs. 92.4%) or bilateral TAR (95.5% vs. 94.6% vs. 92.8%). History of prior hernia repair was a risk factor for robotic TAR. CT measurements have some predictive value in determining need for TAR in robotic AWR. Further prospective analysis is needed in this patient population.

Mesh Strip Repair for Midline Ventral Hernias: A Case Series.

Polypropylene mesh strip repair is a novel method of hernia closure. Currently, there is limited representation in the literature regarding both the reproducibility of this method and its outcomes. The present study sought to analyze a second institution's experience with fascial closure using the mesh strip technique with long-term follow-up. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction by the senior author was performed. Patients undergoing midline ventral hernia repair with mesh strip only fascial closure and greater than 1 year follow-up were including for analysis. Demographic data; operative details; and outcomes, specifically presence and timing of hernia recurrence, were recorded. Eighteen patients met inclusion criteria. Average follow-up was 860 ± 307 days. Nine patients (50%) had recurrence of their hernia after repair. Average time to recurrence was 602 ± 406 days, with the earliest recurrence occurring at 126 days postoperatively. Seven patients (39%) underwent concurrent anterior component separation (four unilateral, three bilateral), of which there were three recurrences, all occurring in patients with bilateral anterior component separation. The mesh strip repair is a novel technique that shows uncertain reproducibility of outcomes, specifically with concurrent component separation techniques. With the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of a mesh suture, further multi-institutional analysis will allow for better characterization of the outcomes and indications for this technique.

Comparison of Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) Hernioplasty With Laparoscopic IPOM-Plus: Our Initial Experience in Pakistan.

Objectives Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh hernioplasty (IPOM) for ventral hernias has been used for a long time. However, there have been some issues associated with it, thereby leading to the introduction of a new technique that involves laparoscopic closure of the fascial defect with suture followed by intraperitoneal onlay mesh placement (IPOM-Plus). We carried out this study to compare the outcome of laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure versus without defect closure in midline ventral hernia repair in terms of recurrence. Methodology This comparative study was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, from October 16, 2020, to April 15, 2022. A total of 84 patients of both genders, aged between 18 and 70 years, presenting with midline ventral hernia were included in the study. Patients with recurrent hernia, unstable cardiopulmonary conditions, neurological or psychiatric diseases, chronic renal disease, congestive cardiac failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were excluded from the study. Patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1 underwent IPOM with the closure of the defect, and Group 2 underwent IPOM without the closure of the defect. Patients were observed for immediate postoperative complications. Patients were monitored for one year to assess recurrence through clinical evaluation and ultrasonography. Results In this study, seroma formation was found in 3 (7.14%) patients for laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure and 10 (23.81%) in those undergoing laparoscopic IPOM without defect closure (P-value = 0.035). Recurrence was identified in 2 (4.76%) patients undergoing laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure and 9 (21.43%) in those undergoing laparoscopic IPOM without defect closure (P-value = 0.024). Conclusions This study concluded that the frequency of recurrence is less after laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure in midline ventral hernia repair than after laparoscopic IPOM without fascial defect closure.

Alternative to mesh repair for ventral hernias: Modified rectus muscle repair

BACKGROUND Mesh utilization for ventral hernia repair is associated with potential complications such as mesh infections, adhesions, seromas, fistula formation and significant postoperative pain. The modified rectus muscle repair (RMR) is as an option to repair midline ventral hernias without mesh. AIM To evaluate the short term outcomes when the modified RMR was used to repair ventral hernias. METHODS This was a 5-year prospective study that examined the outcome of all consecutive patients with ventral abdominal wall hernias &gt; 5 cm in maximal diameter who underwent repair using the modified RMR technique in a single surgeon unit. Patients were reviewed in an outpatient clinic at 3, 6 and 12 mo and evaluated for hernia recurrence on clinical examination. Each patient’s abdominal wall was also assessed with using ultrasonography at 24 mo to detect recurrences. All data were examined with SPSS ver 18.0. RESULTS Over the 5-year study period, there were 52 patients treated for ventral hernias at this institution. Four patients were excluded and there were 48 in the final study sample, at a mean age of 56 years (range 28-80). The mean maximal diameter of the hernia defect was 7 cm (range 5-12 cm). There were 5 (10.4%) seromas and 1 recurrence (2.1%) at a mean of 36 mo follow-up. CONCLUSION The authors recommend the modified RMR as an acceptable alternative to mesh repair of ventral hernias. The seroma rate can be further reduced with routine use of drains. The modified RMR also has the benefit of eliminating all mesh-specific complications.

Prospective, observational study of intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with defect closure versus SCOLA for primary ventral hernia

Abstract Introduction: The last decade has witnessed several modifications in the laparoscopic techniques for ventral hernia. The aim of this study was to compare an established repair such as laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with defect closure (IPOM plus) with subcutaneous onlay endoscopic approach (SCOLA) for medium ventral hernia. Patients and Methods: From June 2019 to November 2021, 29 patients undergoing IPOM plus and 22 patients undergoing SCOLA for medium ventral hernia (umbilical and epigastric hernia of size 2–4 cm) were included in the study. A comparative analysis was performed in terms of surgical outcomes and post-operative pain. Results: The two groups were comparable in terms of age and body mass index. The mean operation time of the SCOLA group was higher but not statistically significant. The Visual Analogue Scale score for pain after IPOM plus was significantly higher on post-operative day 1, at discharge and on the first follow-up visit. Around 45.4% of patients in the SCOLA group were discharged with the drain in situ which was later removed on the outpatient visit. However, no drains were placed in the IPOM plus group. The rate of seroma formation was 10.34% in the IPOM plus group and 27.27% in the SCOLA group. The material cost of IPOM plus procedure was significantly higher than that of the SCOLA. At the end of 1 year, there was no recurrence in either group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the post-operative pain after SCOLA is significantly less compared to IPOM plus. SCOLA is feasible for medium midline ventral hernia. However, a study with larger sample size and longer follow-up is warranted to compare the operative morbidity of the two procedures.

Comparative Evaluation of Onlay vs Sublay Mesh in Treatment of Ventral Hernias

Abstract Background Hernias of the anterior abdominal wall, or ventral hernias have a various type that can be categorized into primary ventral hernias which include two subtypes lateral ventral hernia, and midline ventral hernias, and incisional hernias (acquired hernias) is another type according to the location, occur at the site of a pervious surgical scar. Objective To compare the outcome of the onlay versus sublay mesh repair for ventral hernias in terms of mean operative time, frequency of post-operative wound infection, seroma formation, hematoma formation, flap necrosis, mesh infection, hospital stay and time for drain removal. Patients and Methods This study will be conducted on 30 patients presenting to Ain shams University hospitals with uncomplicated ventral hernias starting from February 2021 till July 2021. Results Regarding the post operative complications, Seroma formation was more in the onlay group and this was statistically significant. Other post operative complications like wound infection, flap necrosis, Mesh infection, hematoma formation was more in the onlay group but were found to be statistically insignificant in the present study. Regarding the time taken for drain removal was more in the onlay group and this was statistically significant. Conclusion Sublay mesh repair is a good alternative to onlay mesh repair. This study advocates this method of ventral hernia repair, as it is applicable to all sites of ventral hernia. The mesh is mostly hidden and anchored behind the rectus sheath, the complication rate is low, and there is low recurrence rate. Finally, we suggest carrying out more trials on the sublay mesh repair technique to include bigger number of cases and longer period of follow-up.

Laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA) technique versus intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM plus) for ventral hernia repair: a comparative analysis.

Primary aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes of the laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA) technique to the intraperitoneal onlay mesh closing the defect (IPOM plus), in terms of recurrence and bulging rates at one-year follow-up; secondary aim is to compare the postoperative complications, seroma and pain at 30days and one-year after surgery. Patients with midline ventral hernia of 4-10cm in width were included. Computed tomography scan was performed before, 1 and 12months after surgery. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale. Forty-five and forty-seven consecutive patients underwent LIRA and IPOM plus, respectively. Preoperatively, smoke habits and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rates were statistically significantly higher in the LIRA group (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Two bulgings (4.4%) occurred in the LIRA group, while in the IPOM plus group occurred 10 bulgings (21.3%) and three recurrences (6.4%) (p = 0.017 and p = 0.085, respectively). Postoperatively, seven (15.6%, Clavien-Dindo I) and four complications (8.5%, two Clavien-Dindo I, two Clavien-Dindo III-b) occurred in the LIRA and in the IPOM plus group, respectively (p = 0.298). One month after surgery, clinical seroma, occurred in five (11.1%) and eight patients (17%) in the LIRA and in the IPOM plus group, respectively (p = 0.416). During follow-up, pain reduction occurred, without statistically significant differences. In this study, even if we analysed a small series, LIRA showed lower bulging and recurrence rates in comparison to IPOM plus at one-year follow-up. Further prospective studies, with a large sample of patients and longer follow-up are required to draw definitive conclusions.

Laparoscopic vs open repair for primary midline ventral hernia: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe optimal operative treatment for umbilical and epigastric hernia, i.e., primary midline ventral hernia (PMVH), is debatable. The most common techniques are the primary suture and open repair with mesh, while laparoscopic approach using intraperitoneally placed onlay mesh (IPOM) is less frequent. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of IPOM in PMVH. Perioperative results, recurrence, pain, and functional status were studied.MethodsThis single-center prospective cohort study included consecutive patients with PMVH operated between September 2006 and December 2015. Systematic follow-up was conducted 6 months and 2 and 5 years postoperatively.ResultsSeven hundred fifty-four patients underwent PMVH repair. Open repair without mesh, open repair with mesh, and IPOM were performed in 251 (34.9%), 273 (38%), and 195 (27.1%) patients, respectively. In the unmatched cohort, the incidence of postoperative complications was similar except postoperative seroma, which was more frequent after IPOM. The latter was also associated with longer length of stay. Open repair with mesh was associated with significantly lower recurrence compared with open repair without mesh and IPOM (5.2 vs 18.2 vs 13.8%, p=0.001, respectively). No differences were seen between the groups in terms of visual analog scale used for registering postoperative pain. These observations persisted after applying propensity score matching. In the multivariable analysis, open repair without mesh and IPOM significantly correlated with recurrence.ConclusionsIn PMVH, open repair with mesh is associated with lower recurrence compared with open repair without mesh and IPOM. Pain, postoperative complications (except for seroma), and functional status are similar.