Incisional Hernia Rate Research Articles

Rate of incisional hernia after minimally invasive and open surgery for renal cell carcinoma: a nationwide population-based study

Objectives To determine the rate of incisional hernia after surgery for renal cell carcinoma, to compare the rate after open vs minimally invasive surgery and radical nephrectomy vs partial nephrectomy and to identify risk factors for incisional hernia. Materials and methods From the Renal Cell Cancer Database Sweden we identified all patients (n = 9,638) diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in Sweden between January 2005 and November 2015. Of these, 6,417 were included in the analyses to determine comorbidity and subsequent diagnosis of or surgery for incisional hernia. Results In all, 6,417 patients underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma between January 2005 and November 2015, of these 5,216 (81%) underwent open surgery and 1,201 (19%) underwent minimally invasive surgery. Altogether 140 patients were diagnosed with incisional hernia. The cumulative rate of incisional hernia after 5 years was 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.0–6.4%) after open surgery and 2.4% (95% CI = 1.0–3.4%) after minimally invasive surgery (p < 0.05). In Cox proportional hazard analysis, age and left-sided surgery were associated with incisional hernia in the open surgery group (both p < 0.05), whereas in the minimally invasive group, no statistically significant risk factors for incisional hernia were found. Conclusions Open surgery for renal cell carcinoma is associated with a significantly higher risk for developing incisional hernia. If open surgery is the only option, care should be taken when choosing the approach and closing the wound. More studies are needed to find strategies to reduce the risk of abdominal wall complications following open kidney surgery.

Incidence, Burden on the Health Care System, and Factors Associated With Incisional Hernia After Trauma Laparotomy

The evidence provided supports routine and systematic capture of long-term outcomes after trauma, lengthening the follow-up for patients at risk for incisional hernia (IH) after trauma laparotomy (TL), counseling on the risk of IH during the postdischarge period, and consideration of preventive strategies before future abdominal operations to lessen IH prevalence as well as the patient and health care burden. To determine burden of and factors associated with IH formation following TL at a population-based level across health care settings. This population-based cohort study included adult patients who were admitted with traumatic injuries and underwent laparotomy with follow-up of 2 or more years. The study used 18 statewide databases containing data collected from January 2006 through December 2016 and corresponding to 6 states in diverse regions of the US. Longitudinal outcomes were identified within the Statewide Inpatient, Ambulatory, and Emergency Department Databases. Patients admitted with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for traumatic injuries with 1 or more concurrent open abdominal operations were included. Data analysis was conducted from March 2020 through June 2020. The primary outcome was IH after TL. Risk-adjusted Cox regression allowed identification of patient-level, operative, and postoperative factors associated with IH. Of 35 666 patients undergoing TL, 3127 (8.8%) developed IH (median [interquartile range] follow-up, 5.6 [3.4-8.6] years). Patients had a median age of 49 (interquartile range, 31-67) years, and most were male (21 014 [58.9%]), White (21 584 [60.5%]), and admitted for nonpenetrating trauma (28 909 [81.1%]). The 10-year IH rate and annual incidence were 11.1% (95% CI, 10.7%-11.5%) and 15.6 (95% CI, 15.1-16.2) cases per 1000 people, respectively. Within risk-adjusted analyses, reoperation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.28 [95% CI, 1.2-1.37]) and subsequent abdominal surgeries (aHR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.56-1.88]), as well as obesity (aHR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.69-2.10]), intestinal procedures (aHR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.36-1.59]), and public insurance (aHRs: Medicare, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.20-1.57]; Medicaid, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.21-1.51]) were among the variables most strongly associated with IH. Every additional reoperation at the index admission and subsequently resulted in a 28% (95% CI, 20%-37%) and 71% (95% CI, 56%-88%) increased risk for IH, respectively. Repair of IH represented an additional $36.1 million in aggregate costs (39.9%) relative to all index TL admissions. Incisional hernia after TL mirrors the epidemiology and patient profile characteristics seen in the elective setting. We identified patient-level, perioperative, and novel postoperative factors associated with IH, with obesity, intestinal procedures, and repeated disruption of the abdominal wall among the factors most strongly associated with this outcome. These data support preemptive strategies at the time of reoperation to lessen IH incidence. Longer follow-up may be considered after TL for patients at high risk for IH.

Perineal reconstruction after extralevator abdominoperineal resection: Differences among minimally invasive, open, or open with a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap approaches

BackgroundPerineal wound complications after extralevator abdominoperineal resection for cancer are common with no consensus on optimal reconstructive technique. We compared short- and long-term results of laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with open surgery ± vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. MethodsThis is a single-institution retrospective observational study of 204 consecutive patients with advanced low rectal cancer who underwent extralevator abdominoperineal resection from January 2010 to August 2020. Main outcome measures were short-term results, wound complications, and incisional, parastomal, and perineal hernia rates. ResultsFifty-five (27%) patients had a laparoscopic approach, 80 (39%) open, and 69 (33%) open + vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The groups had similar median length of follow up (P = .75). Patients’ age and radiation, intraoperative and postoperative complications, mortality, and readmission rates were similar among the 3 groups. Perineal wound infection and dehiscence rates were not influenced by surgical approach. Laparoscopy resulted in higher perineal (7.3 vs 2.5 vs 0%; P = .047) and parastomal (23.6 vs 13.8 vs 5.8%; P = .016) hernia rates than did open or open + vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Patients who underwent an open approach had a higher body mass index and rate of prior surgeries and preoperative ostomies. Laparoscopic and open approaches had significantly shorter operative times (300 vs 303 vs 404 minutes, respectively; P < .001) and shorter length of stay (7.6 vs 10.8 vs 11.12, respectively; P = .006) compared to open with a flap approach. ConclusionOpen and open + vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap approaches for reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection had lower parastomal and perineal hernias rates but similar postoperative morbidity as did the laparoscopic approach.

Surgical management of soft tissue tumors of the abdominal wall: A retrospective study in a high-volume sarcoma center.

The aim of the study is to evaluate functional and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal wall soft tissue tumors (AWSTT) surgery. All consecutive patients that underwent surgery for malignant and intermediate AWSTT from 1999 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-two patients were identified, 20 (22%) operated on for a desmoid tumor and 72 (78%) for a soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Fifty-two patients (57%) had in toto resection of the abdominal wall (from the skin to the peritoneum) and 9 (10%) required simultaneous visceral resection. The closure was direct in 28 patients (30%) and requiring a mesh, a flap or a combination of the two in respectively 42, 16, and 6 patients (47%, 17%, 6%). The postoperative complications rate was 26%. Thirteen patients (14%) developed an incisional hernia after a median delay of 27 months. After a median follow-up of 40 months, out of the 72 patients operated on for STS, 7 (10%) developed local recurrence and 11 (15%) distant recurrence. The median recurrence-free and overall survivals were 61 and 116, months respectively. Management of AWSTT requires extensive surgery but allows good local control with an acceptable rate of incisional hernia.

Long-term outcomes of Hartmann's procedure versus primary anastomosis for generalized peritonitis due to perforated diverticulitis: follow-up of a prospective multicenter randomized trial (DIVERTI).

Surgical management of Hinchey III and IV diverticulitis involves Hartmann's procedure (HP) or primary resection anastomosis (PRA) with or without fecal diversion. These procedures were evaluated in four randomized controlled trials. Early results from these trials demonstrated similar rates of complications but higher rates of colonic restoration after PRA than HP. Long-term follow-up has not been reported to date. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in patients previously enrolled in a prospective randomized trial comparing HP and PRA for generalized peritonitis due to perforated diverticulitis (DIVERTI trial). Follow-up data were available for 78 of 102 patients. Demographic data, incisional hernia rate, need for additional surgery related to the primary procedure, and QoL were recorded. The overall survival rate was 76% and did not differ between the two groups. Incisional hernia was reported in 21 (52%) patients in the HP arm and in 11 (29%) patients in the PRA arm (p = 0.035).The HP arm demonstrated significantly lowerSF-36physical and mental component scores. The mean general QoL (EQ-VAS) and mean EQ-5D index scores were better after PRA than after HP, but this difference was not statistically significant. The results of GIQLI, which measures intestine-specific QOL, did not differ between the two groups. This follow-up study with a median follow-up time of > 9years among living patients indicates that PRA for perforated diverticulitis is associated with fewer long-term complications and better QoL than HP. PRA significantly reduced the incisional hernia rate and the need for reoperation. Long-term survival was not jeopardized by the PRA approach. Future studies are needed to address the utility of protective stoma.

Evaluation of Absorbable Mesh for Prophylactic Mesh Augmentation in High-Risk Patients

Purpose: Hernia prevention following abdominal surgery has become a subject of growing interest in general surgery. Prophylactic mesh augmentation (PMA) is an emerging technique to prevent incisional hernia in high-risk populations. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of PMA using an absorbable mesh. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent PMA between July 2014 and March 2020. A prophylactic synthetic absorbable mesh (Phasix™; Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ) was placed at the surgeon’s discretion according to the indication for the primary operation. The primary outcome was the incisional hernia rate. Secondary outcomes included mesh-related or other complications. Results: Fifty patients underwent PMA following cystectomy with ileal conduit, open aortic surgery, or colostomy creation/takedown. Overall, 10 patients (20%) developed hernia at a median follow-up of 2.2 years. Six of these 10 hernias occurred at incisions where mesh was not placed. There were no documented mesh infections. One mesh (2%) in the AAA group was explanted due to an infected endograft, but there was no evidence of mesh complication. Two patients (4%) developed seroma. Two (4%) patients developed superficial surgical site infections (SSI). There were no documented deep-space SSI. Conclusion: PMA is an emerging technique with a low rate of incisional hernia in high-risk patients, such as those undergoing stoma creation or open aortic intervention. The use of an absorbable mesh seems promising, however more and longer-term research is needed.

BARBED SUTURE FOR LAPAROTOMY CLOUSURE IN URGENCY PROCEDURES. RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract INTRODUCTION Urgency surgeries are often performed in a stressful setting, out of hours and with critical patient involved. In this context, laparotomy closure can sometimes be deficient. Suture recommended by European Hernia Society is slowly absorbable monofilament continuous suture with a “small bites” technique. Barbed sutures appear as an alternative to conventional suture, frequently used in laparoscopic procedures due to its’ intrinsic maintenance of traction. The aim of this study is to describe the results in terms of short and mid-term rate of incisional hernia after urgency midline laparotomy, according to the suture utilized. MATERIAL AND METHODS A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed including patients with urgency midline laparotomy during 2018. Group A was represented by patients with slowly absorbable monofilament continuous suture. Group B included patients with barbed suture laparotomy closure. Main variables were hernia rates one month and one year after surgery, diagnosed by physical exploration and/or imaging. RESULTS A total of 68 of patients (36 on group A; 32 Group B) were included. On Group A, 13.9% (5) patients presented incisional hernia on the month follow-up, whereas none did on Group B. After a year, Group A only had 1 new case, but 12.5% of patients did herniate on group B; with no significantly relation with obesity neither underlying neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS Midline laparotomy closure must be performed within quality standards, as “small bites” technique with the ratio at least 4/1. Barbed suture appears as a promising closure option, especially in emergency procedures, but needs further study.

Incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia and recurrence: Retrospective analysis of the French national database.

The aim of this work was to determine the rate of incisional hernia (IH) repair and risk factors for IH repair after laparotomy. This population-based study used data extracted from the French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Informations (PMSI) database. All patients who had undergone a laparotomy in 2010, their hospital visits from 2010 to 2015 and patients who underwent a first IH repair in 2013 were included. Previously identified risk factors included age, gender, high blood pressure (HBP), obesity, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among the 431619 patients who underwent a laparotomy in 2010, 5% underwent IH repair between 2010 and 2015. A high-risk list of the most frequent surgical procedures (>100) with a significant risk of IH repair (>10% at 5years) was established and included 71863 patients (17%; 65 procedures). The overall IH repair rate from this list was 17%. Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery represented 89% of procedures, with the majority of patients (72%) undergoing lower GI tract surgery. The IH repair rate was 56% at 1year and 79% at 2years. Risk factors for IH repair included obesity (31% vs 15% without obesity, p < 0.001), COPD (20% vs 16% without COPD), HBP (19% vs 15% without HBP) and diabetes (19% vs 16% without diabetes). Obesity was the main risk factor for recurrence after IH repair (19% vs 13%, p<0.001). From the PMSI database, the real rate of IH repair after laparotomy was 5%, increasing to 17% after digestive surgery. Obesity was the main risk factor, with an IH repair rate of 31% after digestive surgery. Because of the important medico-economic consequences, prevention of IH after laparotomy in high-risk patients should be considered.

Bottom-up suprapubic approach for robotic right colectomy: technical aspects and preliminary outcomes.

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right colectomy increase the technical complexity of a laparoscopic approach especially when an intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) is associated. The robotic platform, with its intrinsic technical advantages, could potentially overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopy. This study aimed to describe the robotic bottom-up technique and to evaluate short-terms outcomes of robotic right colectomy (RRC) with CME and IA. Data from patients who underwent RRC for cancer with bottom-up suprapubic approach from October 2016 to April 2020 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative outcomes and complications, conversion rate, 30-day postoperative outcomes, incisional hernia rate and pathological outcomes were the variables assessed. A total of 109 patients were submitted to bottom-up suprapubic approach for RRC with CME and IA during the study period. Mean operative time was 179 min, no intraoperative complications were observed, and the conversion rate was 3.6%. Mean postoperative stay was 4.6 days and the overall 30-day complication rate was 15.6%. Thirteen patients (12%) had minor complications, while major postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (3.6%). Anastomotic leak was recorded in 1 patient (0.9%) and the 30-day re-admission rate was 0.9%. Mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 22.6. Incisional hernia rate at the specimen extraction site was 0.9%. Bottom-up approach for RRC with CME and IA carries a low rate of conversions, intraoperative and short-term postoperative complications.

A study to evaluate the effects of various abdominal closure techniques on midline laparotomy wounds in a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal

Background: Post-operative complications of wound repair after laparotomy pose a major threat to life as well as to the health economy of a developing nation. Among many other factors, the length of suture used during wound closure has been studied for long. A prospective randomized control study comprising of 104 patients was conducted in the department of surgery of Bankura Sammilani medical college for comparing the incidence of SSI, wound dehiscence and incisional hernia after using short stitch and long stitch for repairing midline laparotomy wounds.Methods: Out of 104 patients enrolled in the study, 51 patients were randomly allocated to short stitch group (suture length: wound length&gt;4:1) and 53 patients were allocated to long stitch group (suture length: wound length=4:1) and both the groups were subsequently followed up for development of the three complications.Results: Data analysis revealed that 11.7 % patients in short stitch group developed SSI whereas 24.5% patients in long stitch group developed SSI. Wound dehiscence occurred in 5.8 % of patients in short stitch group against 15% in long stitch group. 7.8% patients in short stitch group developed incisional hernia against 20.7% patients in long stitch group. In all three situations, p value was significant (&lt;0.05).Conclusions: It is concluded from our study that, the rate of SSI, wound dehiscence and incisional hernia is significantly lower in midline abdominal wounds closed with short stitch length than those closed with long stitch length.

Prophylactic Mesh After Midline Laparotomy: Evidence is out There, but why do Surgeons Hesitate?

Incisional hernias have an impact on patients' quality of life and on health care finances. Because of high recurrence rates despite mesh repair, the prevention of incisional hernias with prophylactic mesh reinforcement is currently a topic of interest. But only 15% of surgeons are implementing it, mainly because of fear for mesh complications and disbelief in the benefits. The goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic mesh in adult patients after midline laparotomy. An extensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL until 9/5/2020 for RCTs and cohort studies regarding mesh reinforcement versus primary suture closure of a midline laparotomy. The quality of the articles was analyzed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklists. Revman 5 was used to perform a meta-analysis. Twenty-three articles were found with a total of 1633 patients in the mesh reinforcement group and 1533 in the primary suture group. An odds ratio for incisional hernia incidence of 0.37 (95% CI = [0.30, 0.46], p < 0.01) with RCTs and of 0.15 (95% CI = [0.09,0.25], p < 0.01) in cohort studies was calculated. Seroma rate shows a significant odds ratio of 2.18 (95% CI = [1.45, 3.29], p < 0.01) in favor of primary suture. No increase was found regarding other complications. The evidence for the use of prophylactic mesh reinforcement is overwhelming with a significant reduction in incisional hernia rate, but implementation in daily clinical practice remains limited. Instead of putting patients at risk for incisional hernia formation and subsequent complications, surgeons should question their arguments why not to use mesh reinforcement, specifically in high-risk patients.

The prevention of extraction site incisional hernia after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Extraction site incisional hernia (IH) has been recognized as an important complication in minimally invasive procedures but has not been as well characterized following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Approximately 29% of IH required surgical repair. A number of techniques have been utilized to reduce the rates of IH following minimally invasive procedures. First, off-midline extraction was investigated, this did not demonstrate a reduction in incisional hernia rates. Recently, supra-umbilical transverse incisions have been utilized to extract prostate specimen and this method decreased the extraction site IH rate compared to the vertical midline incision. In addition, the choice of fascial closure technique and choice of the suture may influence the incidence of extraction site IH. For example, studies showed that abdominal fascial closure using a nonabsorbable suture and a continuous running suture technique decreased IH rate from 32 to 17%. Finally, "the small bites technique" has been recommended to reduce hernia incidence after midline fascial closure following a randomized controlled trial (RCT) which demonstrated the superiority of the small-bite technique. In summary, a supra-umbilical transverse incision to extract the specimen was shown to decrease the rate of extraction site IH. In vertical midline incisional closure, the small bites technique with slowly- or non-absorbable suture, such as #0 or 2-0 PDS II with SH or CT-2 needle (26mm arch length), reduces the IH rate. Urologists should consider this data to reduce the risk of IH following RALP.

Simultaneous laparoscopic liver resection or radiofrequency ablation by single-port approach during elective loop-ileostomy closure: A novel strategy in patients with colorectal metastases

BackgroundTo report on the feasibility, the morbidity and the mortality of a novel strategy for patients undergoing loop-ileostomy closure for colorectal cancer with synchronous treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). MethodsThe strategy consisted of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) or radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) of CRCLM by a single-port approach and a simultaneous elective loop-ileostomy closure. All consecutive patients who underwent this strategy were included. Short-term and middle-term results and the patient’s perioperative satisfaction were recorded. ResultsBetween 2017 and 2019, five patients with CRCLM were treated according to this strategy. The feasibility was 100 %. The overall morbidity was 20 % (n=1, postoperative ileus) and the mortality was 0 %. The CRCLM were treated by wedge resection (n=3) or LRFA (n=3). The mean blood loss was 70±116.6mL [300-50]. The mean operating time was 168±52.3 [100–220] minutes. The mean LOS was 3.5±1.4 days [2–5]. The average EVAN G score was 83.3 % [70–95] showing a global satisfaction of the patients on the perioperative course. The rate of R0 resection was 80 % and the rate of local recurrence was 20 %. The 2-years overall survival rate was 84 % (n=4). At the end of follow-up, the rate of incisional hernia was 0 %. ConclusionsThis mini-invasive approach appears to be feasible, safe and useful for patients.

Use of synthetic mesh is safe in stoma reversal.

Background: Reversal of stoma is a frequently performed elective procedure in the Surgical discipline. The rate of incisional hernia after this has been reported to be around 30 % in different studies. Debate still exists among surgeons regarding the use of mesh during the reversal owing to the contamination of the field. Biologic meshes have been used widely but cost a lot. The aim of this study was to asses the safety and feasibility of synthetic meshes during closure.

Influence of Suture Materials on Incisional Hernia Rate after Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Propensity Score Analysis.

Objectives: Incisional hernia is a common problem after colorectal surgery, and a laparoscopic approach does not reduce the incisional hernia rate. Previous reports have described the risk factors for incisional hernia; however, the impact of suture materials remains unclear. As such, this study compared the incisional hernia rate using different suture materials for abdominal wall closure after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery between January 2014 and December 2016 were included in this study. We separated patients into the following two groups based on the suture materials used for abdominal wall closure: (1.) fast-absorbable group and (2.) non-absorbable group. The primary outcome was incisional hernia rate that was diagnosed using computed tomography. We compared outcomes between these two groups using propensity score matching. Results: Before matching, 394 patients were included (168 in the fast-absorbable group and 226 in the non-absorbable group). After one-to-one matching, patients were stratified into the fast-absorbable group (n = 158) and the non-absorbable group (n = 158). The incisional hernia rate was higher in the fast-absorbable group than in the non-absorbable group (13.9% vs. 6.3%; P = 0.04). The median time to develop an incisional hernia was significantly shorter in the fast-absorbable group (6.7 months vs. 12.3 months; P < 0.01). The incidence of surgical site infection was not different between the two groups, but the incidence of suture sinus was lower in the fast-absorbable group (0% vs. 5.1%; P < 0.01). Conclusions: The use of fast-absorbable sutures may increase the risk of incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Standard of Care and Outcomes of Primary Laparotomy Versus Laparotomy in Patients with Prior Open Abdominal Surgery (ReLap Study; DRKS00013001)

BackgroundPatients undergoing relaparotomy are generally underrepresented in trials, despite how common the procedure is in clinical practice. The aim of this trial was to determine standard of care and gain evidence of intra- and postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing relaparotomy compared to primary laparotomy. MethodsIn this single-center controlled clinical trial, adult patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery via relaparotomy or primary laparotomy were consecutively screened for eligibility. The perioperative course was monitored prospectively in five study visits during hospital stay and one study visit 1 year after surgery. Intraoperative standards, short and long-term outcomes were statistically explored at a level of significance of 5%. ResultsA total of 131 patients with relaparotomy and 50 patients with primary laparotomy were analyzed. In the relaparotomy group, the access to the abdomen took longer (23.5 min vs. 8.8 min; p = < 0.001) and the peritoneal adhesion index was higher (10.8 vs. 0.4; p = < 0.001). Inadvertent enterotomies were more frequent in the relaparotomy group (relaparotomy 0.3 versus primary laparotomy: 0.0; p = 0.002). The overall comprehensive complication index and rates of surgical site infection and wound dehiscence with evisceration were not different between the two groups. At long-term follow-up, rates of incisional hernia did not differ (relaparotomy: n = 12/104 (11.5%); primary laparotomy: n = 7/35 (20.0%); p = 0.208). DiscussionIn this first prospective comparison of relaparotomy with primary laparotomy, inadvertent enterotomies were more frequent in the relaparotomy group. However, contrary to previous retrospective studies, the risk of complications and incisional hernias was not increased compared to primary laparotomy. Trial RegistrationDeutsches Register Klinischer Studien (www.germanctr.de): DRKS00013001

Is the recurrence rate of incisional hernia is affected by mesh positioning?

A best evidence topic has been constructed using a described protocol. The three-part question addressed was: In open mesh repair of incisional hernia, which technique has a lower recurrence rate, Sublay or Onlay? The best evidence showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence among the two techniques.

Long-Term Outcomes of Everolimus Therapy in De Novo Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundRisk of nephrotoxicity in liver transplant patients on calcineurin inhibitors (CnIs) is a concern. Several controlled trials reported benefit of everolimus (EVR) in minimizing this risk when combined with a reduced CnI dose. BackgroundTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of EVR, alone or with reduced CnI dose, as compared to CnI alone post-liver transplantation. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing EVR- and CnI-based regimens post-liver transplantation. Assessment of studies and data extraction were undertaken independently. ResultsEight studies were selected, describing 769 patients. Cockcroft-Gault GFR was higher at one (P = .05), 3, and 5 years (P = .030) in patients on EVR compared to those receiving CnI therapy. The composite endpoint of efficacy failure was similar between the 2 arms after 1, 3, and 5 years of study. More patients discontinued EVR due to adverse effects in 1 year; however, no difference was noted after 3 or 5 years. A higher rates of proteinuria, peripheral edema, and incisional hernia occurred in patients on EVR. ConclusionsThe analysis confirms noninferiority of EVR and reduced CnI combination. Combination regimen resulted in better renal function compared to standard CnI therapy.

Recurrent incisional hernia repair: surgical outcomes in correlation with body-mass index.

Hernia recurrence rates after incisional hernia repair vary between 8.7 and 32%, depending on multiple factors such as patient characteristics, the use of meshes, surgical technique and the degree of experience of the treating surgeon. Recurrent hernias are considered complex wall hernias, and 20% of all incisional hernia repairs involve a recurrent hernia. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes after recurrent incisional hernia repair, in association with surgical technique and body-mass index (BMI). All patients who had incisional hernia repair between 2013 and 2018 were included. Primary outcome was rate of recurrent incisional hernia after initial hernia repair. Secondary outcomes were complication rate and recurrence rate in association with BMI. A number of 269 patients were included, of which 75 patients (27.9%) with a recurrent incisional hernia. Recurrent hernia repair was performed in 49 patients, 83.7% underwent open repair. Complication rate for recurrent hernia repair was higher than for the initial incisional hernia repair. Of the 49 patients with recurrent hernia repair, patients with a BMI above 30 had higher complication and recurrence rates compared to patients with BMI below 30. Especially infectious complications were more common in patients with a higher BMI: 23.1% vs. 0% wound infections. The results from this study show that complication and recurrence rates are increased after recurrent incisional hernia repair, which are further increased by obesity. Only a limited amount of literature is available on this topic, further larger multicenter studies are necessary, until then a patient-specific surgical approach based on the surgeon's expertise is recommended.

A modified laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis insertion technique, the 'one scar technique' can minimise short and long term complications: A retrospective cohort study.

Peritoneal dialysis is a renal replacement therapy that has advanced in technique over the last few decades. In this study, we describe a novel method for laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion and fixation and compare its outcome to standard laparoscopic insertion technique with better cosmetic outcome. Peri-operative and follow up data was collected retrospectively for 184 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion from September 2012 to September 2018. The post-modification technique showed no difference in catheter blockage rates, incisional hernia or catheter replacement rates. A significant difference was found in catheter migration rate and exit site infections and overall complication rates, found to be lower using the new technique. A modification of the laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis technique is superior to standard laparoscopic insertion with a cosmetically more appealing outcome due to one visible.