Rate Of Surgical Site Occurrence Research Articles

Comparative Study for Application of Polypropylene Monofilament Light Mesh, Polypropylene Monofilament Heavy Mesh and Self Gripping Polypropylene Mesh in Patients with Inguinal Hernia Surgically Treated with Lichtenstein Technique

Background / Objective. In our clinical study we have compared the results of intraoperative and postoperative period in patients with inguinal hernia treated operatively with Lichtenstein technique, where one of three different polypropylene meshes has been applied: polypropylene monofilament light mesh, polypropylene monofilament heavy mesh and self gripping polypropylene mesh. Follow up period have been one year. Methods. This study represents randomized, retrospective-prospective, comparative clinical study where 243 patients have been divided into three groups depends of prosthetic mesh that was applied with Lichtenstein technique. We have evaluated the connection between types of used mesh with some of followed parameters: postoperative pain intensity, postoperative patient mobilization, postoperative surgical site occurrences, duration of hospitalization, chronic pain, filling of foreign body in inguinal area and development of recurrences. Results. Patients with applied self gripping polypropylene mesh have significantly lowest pain, lowest hospital stay and lowest duration of surgical procedure than other two groups of patients. In term of chronic pain, only statistically significance we confirmed between the groups of heavy monofilament mesh and self griping polypropylene mesh, where higher number of patients from group with monofilament polypropylene light mesh reported chronic pain. In our study we confirmed that working status and patient age have significant influence on the intensity of postoperative pain in all three patients group. There is no statistical correlation between type of the mesh and surgical site occurrence rate. Conclusion. Patients with applied self gripping polypropylene mesh have significantly lowest pain, lowest hospital stay, lowest duration of surgical procedure and less number of patients experienced feeling of “foreign body” in their groin than other two groups of patients.

The "Corset Repair" for Complex Hernia: A Proof-of-concept Report of an Innovative Approach.

Summary:Incisional hernias, especially those below the arcuate line, pose a unique challenge to reconstructive surgeons, as no consensus exists for repair strategy. An innovative approach is presented and illustrated. The “corset repair” involves placing an onlay mesh partially beneath released bilateral external obliques. A detailed technical review is provided to illustrate the benefits of this technique particularly in large defects and in hernia after abdominal flap harvest. Hernia recurrence and surgical site occurrence rates were reviewed and analyzed for a cohort of corset repair patients between December 2016 and January 2020. Twenty patients were included. All defects were successfully closed. Zero patients experienced hernia recurrence. Eight patients (40%) had a surgical site occurrence, of which 5 (63%) were either observed or managed non-operatively. Two of the surgical site occurrences were deep surgical site infections: 1 required surgical intervention for suspected mesh infection and the other did not. One patient (5%) developed hematoma 23 months post-operatively. The “corset repair” technique represents a modification to a classic technique for hernia repair. It is feasible and may be advantageous especially for large or challenging repairs below the arcuate line. It has promising results on early follow-up, and further research is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy.

A novel biosynthetic scaffold mesh reinforcement affords the lowest hernia recurrence in the highest-risk patients.

Patients with higher postoperative infection risk undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR) have limited options for mesh use. Biosynthetic mesh is intended to utilize the durability of synthetic mesh combined with the biocompatibility of biologic mesh. We sought to assess the outcomes of a novel biosynthetic scaffold mesh for VHR in higher risk patients over a 12-month postoperative period. Two cohorts of 50 consecutive patients who underwent VHR with TELA Bio OviTex biosynthetic or synthetic mesh were retrospectively compared. Endpoints included surgical site occurrence (SSO), readmission rate, and hernia recurrence following VHR at 12months postoperatively. OviTex mesh placement was associated with higher risk Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) distribution and more contaminated CDC wound class distribution compared to synthetic mesh placement (VHWG grade 3: 68% vs. 6%, p < 0.001; CDC class > I: 70% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). Additionally, concomitant procedures were performed more often with OviTex mesh placement than synthetic mesh placement (70% vs 10%, p < 0.001). The OviTex mesh performed comparably to synthetic mesh in terms of incidences of SSO (36% vs 22%, p = 0.19), readmission rates (24% vs 14%, p = 0.31), and hernia recurrence (6% vs 12%, p = 0.74). On further evaluation, patients who developed SSO with OviTex mesh (n = 18) had a 17% hernia recurrence whereas those with synthetic mesh (n = 11) had an associated 55% hernia recurrence (p = 0.048). The OviTex biosynthetic mesh was used in higher risk patients and performed similarly to synthetic mesh in regards to rate of SSO, readmissions, and hernia recurrence. Furthermore, patients who developed SSO with Ovitex mesh were significantly less likely to have hernia recurrence than those with synthetic mesh. Overall, the data suggest that biosynthetic mesh is a more desirable option for definitive hernia repair in higher risk patients.

Outcomes of a new slowly resorbable biosynthetic mesh (Phasix™) in potentially contaminated incisional hernias: A prospective, multi-center, single-arm trial.

Resorbable biomaterials have been developed to reduce the amount of foreign material remaining in the body after hernia repair over the long-term. However, on the short-term, these resorbable materials should render acceptable results with regard to complications, infections, and reoperations to be considered for repair. Additionally, the rate of resorption should not be any faster than collagen deposition and maturation; leading to early hernia recurrence. Therefore, the objective of this study was to collect data on the short-term performance of a new resorbable biosynthetic mesh (Phasix™) in patients requiring Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) Grade 3 midline incisional hernia repair. A prospective, multi-center, single-arm trial was conducted at surgical departments in 15 hospitals across Europe. Patients aged ≥18, scheduled to undergo elective Ventral Hernia Working Group Grade 3 hernia repair of a hernia larger than 10cm2 were included. Hernia repair was performed with Phasix™ Mesh in sublay position when achievable. The primary outcome was the rate of surgical site occurrence (SSO), including infections, that required intervention until 3 months after repair. In total, 84 patients were treated with Phasix™ Mesh. Twenty-two patients (26.2%) developed 32 surgical site occurrences. These included 11 surgical site infections, 9 wound dehiscences, 7 seromas, 2 hematomas, 2 skin necroses, and 1 fistula. No significant differences in surgical site occurrence development were found between groups repaired with or without component separation technique, and between clean-contaminated or contaminated wound sites. At three months, there were no hernia recurrences. Phasix™ Mesh demonstrated acceptable postoperative surgical site occurrence rates in patients with a Ventral Hernia Working Group Grade 3 hernia. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the recurrence rate and the effects on quality of life. This study is ongoing through 24 months of follow-up.

A randomized controlled trial on irrigation of open appendectomy wound with gentamicin- saline solution versus saline solution for prevention of surgical site infection.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery. The present trial examined the efficacy of saline irrigation of open appendectomy wound with or without topical antibiotics in prevention of SSI. This was a double-blind randomized trial on patients with acute appendicitis who underwent open appendectomy. Patients were randomly allocated to one of three equal groups; group I had layer-by-layer wound irrigation with gentamicin-saline solution, group II had wound irrigation with saline solution, and group III received no irrigation (Control group). The main outcome measures were the incidence of incisional SSI, surgical site occurrence (SSO), other complications, operation time, postoperative pain, and patients' satisfaction. 205 patients (113 female) of a mean age of 27.9 years were included. The average hospital stay and pain scores were similar in the three groups. Groups I and II had significantly lower rates of incisional SSI (4.3% Vs 2.9%; Vs 17.4%, p=0.005) and SSO (24.6% Vs 13.4% Vs 43.5%; p=0.0003) as compared to group III. Groups I and II had comparable rates of SSI and SSO. The three groups had similar rates of wound seroma, hematoma, and dehiscence. Groups I and II had significantly higher satisfaction with the procedure than group III. Layer-by-layer irrigation of open appendectomy wound decreased the rates of incisional SSI and SSO significantly compared to the no-irrigation group. Adding gentamicin to saline solution was useless to improve the outcome and did not decrease rates of SSI or other complications.

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

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

Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release versus open: propensity-matched analysis of 30-day outcomes.

To examine the hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30day outcomes of hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) compared with open transversus abdominis release (oTAR). Patients receiving hrTAR were selected from the AHSQC database and propensity matched with a contemporary cohort of oTAR patients. The cohort included 95 hrTAR and 285 oTAR patients. There was a significantly shorter median LOS in the hrTAR cohort (3 vs. 5days, p < 0.001). The rate of surgical site occurrences in the hrTAR cohort was also lower than for oTAR (5% vs. 15%, p = 0.015). Readmission rates were not different between hrTAR and oTAR (6% vs. 8%, p = 0.65). hrTAR demonstrates improved LOS compared to oTAR as well as fewer surgical site related occurrences. Further studies are needed to investigate the etiology behind the improved LOS and to confirm appropriate long-term outcomes from hybrid robotic TAR.

Non-coated versus coated mesh for retrorectus ventral hernia repair: a propensity score-matched analysis of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC).

The outcomes of utilizing anti-adhesive barrier-coated mesh in the retrorectus position during open ventral hernia repair are unknown. We compared the wound-related outcomes between non-coated (NCM) and coated mesh (CM) placed in the retrorectus space. Patients undergoing elective, open, clean ventral hernia repair with retrorectus mesh were retrospectively identified in the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. Propensity score matching was performed based on clinically relevant demographic and operative covariates. The primary outcome was wound morbidity, defined as surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrence (SSO), and SSO requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI). 3609 patients were included (3281 NCM, 328 CM). Following 2:1 propensity score matching, rates of myofascial release remained the only statistically different matching parameter; external oblique releases were performed more frequently in the CM group (8% vs. 15%; p = 0.03). Rates of SSI (3% vs. 4%; p = 0.16) were similar between groups. Increased rates of SSO (13% vs. 18%; p = 0.045) and SSOPI (4% vs. 8%; p = 0.038) were observed in the CM group. The CM group had a higher rate of postoperative seroma (3% vs. 7%; p = 0.027) compared to the NCM group. Barrier-coated mesh in the retrorectus position was associated with increased wound morbidity requiring procedural intervention. Due to a lack of clinical benefit, the use of more costly barrier-coated mesh in the retrorectus position is not justified for routine, open ventral hernia repairs at this time.

Restoration of Spinopelvic Continuity with the Free Fibula Flap after Limb-Sparing Oncologic Resection Is Associated with a High Union Rate and Superior Functional Outcomes

Type 1 internal hemipelvectomies and total sacrectomies cause significant biomechanical instability, demanding pelvic ring reconstruction for ambulation and torso support. Previously described methods include autografts, allografts, and implants, commonly with poor long-term outcomes. The authors hypothesized that the free fibula flap for spinopelvic reconstruction is safe and effective, and associated with a high bony union rate and superior functional outcomes. The authors performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent free fibula flap surgery after internal hemipelvectomy or total sacrectomy at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from 2003 to 2018. The primary outcome was radiographic evidence of bony union. Secondary outcomes included surgical-site occurrence and lower extremity function. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Forty-seven patients were included (internal hemipelvectomy, n = 38; total sacrectomy, n = 9). The mean follow-up was 3.3 years and the most common abnormality was chondrosarcoma (30.4 percent). The nonunion rate was 9.7 percent and the surgical-site occurrence rate was 34 percent; there were no flap losses. Greater age was significantly associated with nonunion (OR, 1.1; 95 percent CI, 1 to 1.2; p = 0.003), whereas obesity was the only independent predictor of surgical-site occurrence (OR, 9.2; 95 percent CI, 1.2 to 71.3; p = 0.03). Functional metrics approached those of adult norms by 3 years postoperatively. Compared to internal hemipelvectomy patients, patients undergoing total sacrectomy had more comorbidities, a higher complication rate, and a worse functional outcome. The free fibula flap for spinopelvic reconstruction is safe and effective, and is associated with a high bony union rate and superior functional outcomes. Risk, III.

A retrospective, Italian multicenter study of complex abdominal wall defect repair with a Permacol biological mesh

Complex abdominal wall defects (CAWDs) can be difficult to repair and using a conventional synthetic mesh is often unsuitable. A biological mesh might offer a solution for CAWD repair, but the clinical outcomes are unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a cross-linked, acellular porcine dermal collagen matrix implant (Permacol) for CAWD repair in a cohort of 60 patients. Here, 58.3% patients presented with a grade 3 hernia (according to the Ventral Hernia Working Group grading system) and a contaminated surgical field. Permacol was implanted as a bridge in 46.7%, as an underlay (intraperitoneal position) in 38.3% and as a sublay (retromuscolar position) in 15% of patients. Fascia closure was achieved in 53.3% of patients. The surgical site occurrence rate was 35% and the defect size significantly influenced the probability of post-operative complications. The long-term (2 year) hernia recurrence rate was 36.2%. This study represents the first large multi-centre Italian case series on Permacol implants in patients with a CAWD. Our data suggest that Permacol is a feasible strategy to repair a CAWD, with acceptable early complications and long-term (2 year) recurrence rates.

Comparing outcomes of the endoscopic and open external oblique myofascial release

AIMS: The external oblique release (EOR) is a well-described technique for myofascial advancement during hernia repair. One of the reported drawbacks of an open approach is the high wound morbidity associated with this procedure. One proposed technique to reduce wound morbidity is the endoscopic EOR. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of the open and endoscopic EOR. METHODS: Data from the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative were queried on May 10, 2017. All patients undergoing open or endoscopic incisional hernia repair with an EOR were evaluated with comparative outcomes including hernia recurrence, quality of life, and 30-day wound complications. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-five patients met inclusion criteria of undergoing open or endoscopic EOR. Surgical site infections (SSIs) occurred in 6% of the patients undergoing open EOR and 14% undergoing endoscopic EOR. There were no differences in outcomes comparing open and endoscopic EOR for hernia recurrence, quality of life, or 30-day SSI rate (P > 0.05). Laparoscopic EOR had a significantly higher rate of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) compared with open EOR (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Equivalent outcomes were achieved using the open or endoscopic EOR technique in open repair of incisional hernia. Both techniques offer good outcomes and are important adjuncts in the repair of complex incisional hernias.

Comparison between transversus abdominis release and anterior component separation technique in complex ventral hernia

INTRODUCTION: Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is the new revolution in hernia surgery and hernia surgeons are passionately doing it all over the world. With the increase in the popularity of TAR technique, there seems a decrease in anterior component separation technique (ACST) popularity. ACST despite gone modification such as endoscopic and perforator preserving method is seen as an inferior procedure to TAR. Is TAR better than ACST? What are its theoretical limitations? We have done a literature review to compare the postoperative outcomes and technicality of open ACST and open TAR procedure. METHODS: We performed a search in the database of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library for articles that have compared ACST with TAR procedure for postoperative outcomes and technical superiority. The search was limited to human studies and in the English language with cadaveric studies included. RESULTS: We found seven studies that have compared ACST and TAR for various outcomes. They are three systemic reviews with meta-analysis, one multicentric prospective randomized controlled trial, one prospective study, and two cadaveric studies. They have compared the surgical site infection and surgical site occurrence rates, recurrence rate, quality of life (QOL), and extent of mobilization of the rectus muscle. Most of the studies found no significant difference between ACST and TAR; however, the overall quality of the studies may be limited. CONCLUSION: Open ACST is comparable to open TAR procedure and has equally acceptable outcomes. In ACST, it seems to be essential to preserve the perforator vessels; however, altogether further studies are needed to gain more clarity in the daily decision-making process in the repair of complex ventral hernias.

Fasical defect size predicts recurrence following incisional hernia repair: A 7-year, single-surgeon experience

BACKGROUND: This paper determines the most important risk factors associated with surgical site occurrence (SSO) and recurrence following open incisional hernia repair using synthetic mesh. METHODS: Retrospective review at a tertiary care hospital of adults who underwent incisional hernia repair using synthetic mesh by a single surgeon (2008–2015). Primary outcomes were SSO and hernia recurrence. Risk factors of body mass index >25, diabetes, active smoking, previous repair, bridged repair, and fascial defect size >10 cm were analyzed via Cox proportional hazard model and stepwise regression for SSO and recurrence. A Kaplan–Meier curve compares hernia recurrence for small versus large hernia groups. RESULTS: The overall recurrence rate was 19%. Only large fascial defect size was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence at all levels of analysis. Bridged repair was significantly associated with SSO on all levels of analysis except when paired with large hernia size in Cox multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Key technical aspects of the hernia repair surgery, specifically a fascial defect over 10 cm in width and performance of a bridged fascial repair pose a greater risk for hernia recurrence and SSO than patient comorbidities, including diabetes, active smoking, previous repair, and obesity. These results further indicate that synthetic mesh can be used safely in the one-stage repairs of incisional hernias in patients with comorbidities, without unacceptably high rates of SSO or hernia recurrence.

Evaluation of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Prevention of Surgical Site Occurrences After Radical Cystectomy: A New Addition to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol

BackgroundSurgical site infection (SSI) remains a significant complication after radical cystectomy (RC). Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) focuses on interventions to decrease length of stay, but few address wound-related complications directly. ObjectiveTo determine the impact that prophylactic incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) will have to reduce the rate of surgical site occurrences (SSOs = SSI + seroma + superficial dehiscence) after RC. Design, settings, and participantsWe retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing RC by a single surgeon from 2012 to 2017. As part of our ERAS pathway, we employed prophylactic iNPWT during abdominal closure and compared it with a contemporary cohort of standard wound closure. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe compared 90-d SSIs, SSOs, and readmissions between iNPWT and standard skin staple closure. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to compare the two groups. Results and limitationsWe identified 158 (104 iNPWT, 54 standard) patients from 2012 to 2017. The rates of SSIs and SSOs were 9.7% and 19.0%, respectively. The overall readmission rate for the cohort was 21.5%, with 4.4% of patients requiring readmission for SSI. The iNPWT group had lower rates of SSIs (5.8% vs 16.7%, p = 0.03) and SSOs (11.5% vs 33.3%, p < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups for readmission (21.1% vs 22.2%, p = 0.5). The iNPWT protected against both SSI (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–0.98) and 90-d SSO (OR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.68–0.87). ConclusionsProphylactic iNPWT is feasible after RC with a modest decrease in both 90-d SSIs and 90-d SSOs, but not readmissions. Wound closure assisted by iNPWT should be considered in RC ERAS pathways. Patient summaryIn this report, we looked at the impact of new vacuum suction dressing on the prevention of surgical infections after radical cystectomy (RC). We found that this wound dressing can decrease the impact of surgical infections and aid in recovery after RC.

An Evaluation of Fascial Closure Techniques in Open Ventral Hernia Repair: Practice Patterns and Short-Term Outcomes

The best method for fascial closure during hernia repair remains unknown. This study evaluates the impact of fascial closure techniques on short-term outcomes. All patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair were queried using the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative database. Analysis was stratified by suture type (absorbable and permanent) and technique (figure-of-eight, running, and interrupted). Outcome measures included SSI, surgical site occurrence (SSO), SSO requiring intervention, recurrence rate, and quality of life. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. The study included 6544 patients. Two-thirds of surgeons closed fascia during ventral hernia repair with absorbable suture and one-third with permanent suture. In the absorbable group, 17 per cent used figure-of-eight, 46 per cent running, and 4 per cent interrupted suture. In the permanent group, 13 per cent used figure-of-eight, 8 per cent running, and 11 per cent interrupted suture. There was no significant association between SSO and closure technique (P = 0.2). However, SSO and suture type were significant (P < 0.001) with the odds of SSO for closure with absorbable suture being 62 per cent higher than the odds of permanent. Fascial closure technique and suture type had no significant association (P > 0.5) with SSI, SSO requiring intervention, hernia recurrence rate, or HerQLes or NIH PROMIS 3a scores at 30 days or 6 months. Fascial closure technique and suture material do not have a major impact on outcomes in ventral hernia repair. Despite a significantly higher rate of SSO for absorbable sutures than permanent, this did not increase the rate of interventions.

Outcomes and Complications of Pediatric Cranioplasty: A Systematic Review.

Pediatric calvarial reconstruction is challenging because of the unique anatomical and growth considerations in this population. Comparative studies evaluating current cranioplasty materials are lacking. This review addresses the knowledge gap in pediatric cranioplasty outcomes with emphasis on current materials used. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome data comparing fresh bone, banked bone, titanium, poly(methyl methacrylate), and polyetheretherketone were abstracted. Twenty studies met the authors' selection criteria. The mean patient age ranged from 4 to 17.4 years. Autologous cranioplasty was performed in 439 patients, and 201 patients underwent alloplastic reconstruction. Fresh bone grafts and titanium mesh were associated with the lowest infection rates (0.4 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively; p < 0.001), graft failures (2.9 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively; p < 0.001), and surgical-site occurrence rates (8.8 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively; p < 0.001). Banked bone flaps had the highest overall complication rates (51 percent; p < 0.001), bone resorption (39.7 percent; p < 0.001), and failure rates (40.2 percent; p < 0.001), whereas polyetherether ketone had the highest rates of infection (16.1 percent; p < 0.001). Based on the available evidence to date, fresh bone grafts and titanium mesh demonstrated the lowest surgical-site infection, surgical-site occurrence, and graft failure rates. Banked bone flaps had the highest overall surgical-site complications and graft failures. Pediatric cranioplasty outcomes studies are needed to evaluate current and novel cranioplasty materials.

Systematic review of transversus abdominis release in complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Transversus abdominis release (TAR), as a type of posterior component separation, is a new myofascial release technique in complex ventral hernia repair. TAR preserves rectus muscle innervation, creates an immense retromuscular plane and allows bilaminar ingrowth of the mesh. The place of the TAR within the range of established anterior component separation techniques (CST) is unclear. Aim of this systematic literature review is to estimate the position of the TAR in the scope of ventral hernia repair techniques. MEDLINE, Embase, Pubmed and the Cochrane controlled trials register and Science citation index were searched using the following terms: 'posterior component separation', 'transversus abdominis release', 'ventral hernia repair', 'complex abdominal wall reconstruction'. To prevent duplication bias, only studies with a unique cohort of patients who underwent transversus abdominis release for complex abdominal wall reconstruction were eligible. Postoperative complications and recurrences had to be registered adequately. The rate of surgical site occurrences and recurrences of the TAR were compared with those after anterior CST, published earlier in two meta-analyses. Five articles met our strict inclusion criteria, describing 646 TAR patients. Methodological quality per study was good. Mean hernia surface was 509cm2 and 88% of the hernias were located in the midline. Preoperative risk stratification was distributed in low risk (10%), co-morbid (55%), potentially contaminated (32%) and infected (3%). Pooled calculations demonstrated a mean SSO rate of 15% after TAR (20-35% after anterior CST) and a mean 2-year hernia recurrence rate of 4% (13% after anterior CST). Mean hernia surface was 300cm2 in anterior component separation studies. This review demonstrates that the transversus abdominis release is a good alternative for anterior CST in terms of SSO and recurrence, especially in very large midline ventral hernias.

Does active smoking really matter before ventral hernia repair? An AHSQC analysis

Many studies implicate active smoking as a risk factor for postoperative wound complications and all 30-day morbidity, but the definitions of inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as outcome parameters are inconsistent. Critically, the ability of large databases and meta-analyses to generate statistically significant associations of active smoking with morbidity do not address whether those relationships are actually clinically meaningful. We investigated this relationship after open ventral hernia repair. Patients undergoing elective open ventral hernia repair in clean wounds with 30-day follow-up were extracted from the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. Current smokers (within 30 days of surgery) were 1:1 propensity matched to patients who had never smoked based on demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics. Wound complications and all 30-day morbidity were assessed. After matching 418 current smokers to 418 patients who had never smoked, the groups were similar with the exception of minor differences in body mass index (31.4 vs 33.3, P < .001) and incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (18% vs 6%, P < .001). Rates of surgical site occurrence were greater in active smokers (12.0% vs 7.4%, P = .03) driven by increased rates of wound cellulitis (2.4% vs 1.2%) and seroma (5.5% vs 1.2%); however, rates of surgical site infection (4.1 vs 4.1, P = .98), surgical site occurrences requiring a procedural intervention (6.2% vs 5.0%, P = .43), reoperation (1.9% vs 1.2%, P = .39), and all 30-day morbidity (7.5 vs 6.6, P = .60) were not significantly increased in active smokers. There were no instances of mesh excision. Active smoking prior to elective clean OVHR is associated with clinically insignificant differences in wound morbidity. Surgeons allowing perioperative smoking should monitor their outcomes to assure these findings are replicable in their own practice.

Immunosuppression is not a risk factor for 30-day wound events or additional 30-day morbidity or mortality after open ventral hernia repair: An analysis of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative

Some form of immunosuppression is relatively common in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair. Nevertheless, the association of immunosuppression with 30-day wound events and additional outcomes of morbidity and mortality remains unknown. The purpose of our study was to investigate the association of immunosuppression with 30-day wound events and additional morbidity and mortality after ventral hernia repair by evaluating the database of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. All patients undergoing open, elective, incisional ventral hernia surgery from July 2013 through April 2017 were identified within the database of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. Patients on immunosuppression within the 3 months before operative intervention were compared with patients not on immunosuppression with respect to the incidence of 30-day wound events, using a 1:5 propensity matched analysis. A total of 3,537 patients met inclusion criteria; 200 (5.7%) patients were on some form of immunosuppression at the time of ventral hernia repair. After propensity matching, 1,200 patients remained for analysis; 200 (16.7%) patients were in the immunosuppression group. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to the incidence of 30-day surgical site infection, surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention, or additional 30-day morbidity or mortality outcomes. Patients in the immunosuppression group had a greater rate of surgical site occurrences, the majority of which were seromas (P = .03). Immunosuppression is associated with an increased risk of 30-day surgical site occurrence but not surgical site infection, surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention, or additional 30-day morbidity or mortality. Additional studies are needed to determine the clinical importance of these surgical site occurrences with respect to long-term durability of the hernia repair.

What Do We Know About Component Separation Techniques for Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair?

IntroductionThe component separation technique (CST) was introduced to abdominal wall reconstruction to treat large, complex hernias. It is very difficult to compare the published findings because of the vast number of technical modifications to CST as well as the heterogeneity of the patient population operated on with this technique.Material and MethodsThe main focus of the literature search conducted up to August 2017 in Medline and PubMed was on publications reporting comparative findings as well as on systematic reviews in order to formulate statements regarding the various CSTs.ResultsCST without mesh should no longer be performed because of too high recurrence rates. Open anterior CST has too high a surgical site occurrence rate and henceforth should only be conducted as endoscopic and perforator sparing anterior CST. Open posterior CST and posterior CST with transversus abdominis release (TAR) produce better results than open anterior CST. To date, no significant differences have been found between endoscopic anterior, perforator sparing anterior CST and posterior CST with transversus abdominis release. Robot-assisted posterior CST with TAR is the latest, very promising alternative. The systematic use of biologic meshes cannot be recommended for CST.ConclusionCST should always be performed with mesh as endoscopic or perforator sparing anterior or posterior CST. Robot-assisted posterior CST with TAR is the latest development.