Inguinal hernia in southern Brazil - challenges in follow-up and recurrence rates / Hérnia inguinal no Sul do Brasil - desafios no seguimento e taxas de recorrência

ABSTRACT Introduction: recurrence rates for primary hernia repair range from 0.5 to 15 percent depending upon the hernia site, type of repair, and clinical circumstances. Many risk factors are known and they must be considered before the procedure. In developing countries, follow up and maintenance of databases are critical to understand the real numbers. Methods: a retrospective cohort study analyzed adult patients who have undergone inguinal hernia repair at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, a tertiary care government public hospital, between 2013 and 2015. Medical records, telephone, and letter contact have been reviewed in order to complete the minimum period of 5 years of follow-up. The analyzed data focused on the surgeon's experience and the recurrence rate in 5 years of follow-up. Results: a total of 1094 medical records were selected and a complete five years follow-up were possible in 454 patients - 538 inguinal hernia repairs due to bilateral approach in 84 patients. These 454 patients answered, in a validated questionnaire about symptoms of recurrence. The total recurrence rate was 9.29%. For the patients who had Nyhus IV, recurrence rate was 24.1% against 9.9% after primary hernia repair, with a 2.4 higher risk. There was no difference in recurrence between surgeons and training surgeons. Conclusion: our data reveal an acceptable recurrence rate in a tertiary care hospital with residents, and to our knowledge is the first Brazilian report with long term follow up. An increased re-recurrent hernia was found when compared with primary hernia repair.

RESUMO Introdução: a recorrência da hérnia inguinal após hernioplastia varia de 0,5 a 15 por cento, dependendo do local da hérnia, tipo de reparo e circunstâncias clínicas. Muitos fatores de risco são conhecidos e devem ser considerados antes do procedimento. Acompanhamento e adequado bancos de dados são fundamentais para entender a incidência de recidiva. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectivo analisou hernioplastias inguinais realizados no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre entre 2013 e 2015. Para concluir 5 anos de seguimento, analisamos o prontuário e fizemos contato telefônico e por correio. Resultados: o total de 1094 registros médicos foram selecionados e um seguimento de pelo menos 5 anos foi possível em 454 pacientes - 538 reparos de hérnia inguinal devido à abordagem bilateral em 84 pacientes. Os pacientes responderam um questionário validado sobre sintomas de recorrência. A taxa total de recorrência foi de 9,29%. No grupo masculino, a recorrência foi de 10% contra 4% no grupo feminino. Para os pacientes com hérnia Nyhus IV, a recidiva foi de 24% contra 8% após o reparo da hérnia primária, com um risco de 2,8 maior. Não houve diferença na recorrência entre cirurgiões experientes e em treinamento. Conclusão: nossos dados revelam uma taxa de recorrência aceitável em um hospital de ensino, e para o nosso conhecimento é o primeiro artigo com acompanhamento de longo prazo no sul do Brasil. A re-recidiva da hérnia foi maior quando comparada com o reparo da hérnia primária.

Resultados clínicos del tratamiento de pacientes con hernia inguinal unilateral mediante cirugía ambulatoria

Objetivo: Describir los resultados clínicos del tratamiento de pacientes con hernia inguinal unilateral (HIU) realizados en una unidad de cirugía mayor ambulatoria de un hospital de nivel III. Material y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes operados de HIU en la Unidad de Cirugía Mayor ambulatoria (UCMA) del Hospital Cayetano Heredia (HCH) entre julio del 2013 y junio del 2016. Resultados: El número final de pacientes incluidos fue 154. La edad promedio fue 43 años; 101 (65,6%) fueron varones; 104 (67,5%) tenían riesgo quirúrgico ASA I; 12 (7,8%) tenían enfermedades asociadas; 94 (61,0%) se operaron con la técnica abierta, y 60 (39,0%) por la vía laparoscópica. La cirugía laparoscópica fue usada con más frecuencia en las mujeres (p=0.037). El tiempo operatorio fue mayor en la cirugía laparoscópica (p=0.033). No hubo diferencia significativa con respecto a la edad, riesgo quirúrgico, complicaciones anestésicas y complicaciones quirúrgicas entre pacientes operados con cirugía abierta y con cirugía laparoscópica. En total 34 (22%) pacientes no salieron de alta el mismo día de la cirugía: Ocho (5,2%) pacientes por presentar complicaciones y 26 (16,8%) pacientes por razones administrativas/ sociales. Conclusión: La cirugía ambulatoria de HIU en adultos realizada por la técnica abierta o laparoscópica, es un procedimiento seguro que permite el alta del paciente el mismo día de la cirugía.

SUMMARY Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral inguinal hernia (UIH) treated in an ambulatory surgical unit (ASU) of a level III hospital. Methods: The clinical charts of patients treated at the ASU of Cayetano Heredia Hospital from July 2013 to June 2016 were reviewed. Results: 154 patients were included, mean age was 43 years; 101 (65.6%) were males; 104 (67.5%) had ASA I risk; 12 (7.8%) had underlying diseases; 94 (61.0%) undergone the open technique and 60 (39.0%) undergone laparoscopy. Laparoscopy was most frequently applied in women (p=0.037). Surgical time was higher in laparoscopic procedures (p=0.033). No significant differences were observed in variables such as age, surgical risk, anesthetic and surgical complications between open and laparoscopic procedures. Thirty-four (22%) patients were not discharged the day of the procedure: 8 (5.2%) presented complications and 26 (16.8%) had administrative or social reasons. Conclusion : Ambulatory surgery of UIH in adults either by open or laparoscopic procedures is safe and allows discharging patients the day of the procedure.

Femoral hernia: uncommon, but associated with potentially severe complications / Hérnia femoral: incomum, mas associada a complicações potencialmente graves

ABSTRACT Background: Although the laparoscopic access is becoming the preferable treatment for femoral hernia, there are only few studies on this important subject. Aim: To assess the outcomes of the totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic (TEP) access in the treatment of femoral hernia. Methods: Data of 62 patients with femoral hernia who underwent herniorrhaphy were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of femoral hernia was established by clinical and/or imaging exams in 55 patients and by laparoscopic findings in seven. Results: There were 55 (88.7%) females and 7 (11.3%) males, with female to male ratio of 8:1. The mean age was of 58.9±15.9 years, ranging from 22 to 92 years. Most patients (n=53; 85.5%) had single hernia and the remaining (n=9; 14.5%) bilateral, making a total of 71 hernias operated. Prior lower abdominal operations were recorded in 21 (33.9%) patients. Conversion to laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal procedure was performed in four (6.5%). Open herniorrhaphy was needed in two (3.2%), one with spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula in the groin region (Richter's hernia) and the another with incidental perforation of the adjacent small bowel that occurred during dissection of hernia sac. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Femoral hernia is uncommon, and it may be associated with potentially severe complications. Most femoral hernias may be successfully treated with totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic access, with low conversion and complication rates.

RESUMO Racional: Embora o acesso laparoscópico esteja se tornando o tratamento preferencial para a hérnia femoral, poucos são os estudos sobre esse importante assunto. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados do acesso laparoscópico totalmente extraperitoneal no tratamento da hérnia femoral. Métodos: Os dados de 62 pacientes com hérnia femoral que foram submetidos a herniorrafia foram revisados ​​retrospectivamente. O diagnóstico foi estabelecido por exames clínicos e/ou de imagem em 55 pacientes e por achados laparoscópicos em sete. Resultados: Havia 55 (88,7%) mulheres e 7 (11,3%) homens, com proporção feminino/masculino de 8: 1. A média de idade foi de 58,9±15,9 anos (22-92). A maioria (n=53, 85,5%) apresentava hérnia única e o restante (n=9, 14,5%) bilaterais, perfazendo um total de 71 hérnias femorais operadas. Operações prévias no abdome inferior foram registradas em 21 (33,9%) pacientes. A conversão para procedimento pré-peritoneal transabdominal laparoscópico foi realizada em quatro (6,5%). Herniorrafia aberta foi necessária em dois pacientes (3,2%), um com fístula enterocutânea espontânea na região da virilha (hérnia de Richter) e o outro com perfuração incidental do intestino delgado adjacente que ocorreu durante a dissecção do saco herniário. Não houve mortalidade. Conclusão: A hérnia femoral é incomum e pode estar associada a complicações potencialmente graves. A maioria das hérnias femorais pode ser tratada com sucesso através do acesso laparoscópico totalmente extraperitoneal, com baixas taxas de conversão e complicações.

The clinical character of adolescent female inguinal hernia and the key points in management / 中国实用外科杂志

Female adolescent is in the beginning of sexual maturity period and get into stage of give birth. The key points of management for the inguinal hernia of female adolescent is to cure the hernia, decrease the incidence of recurrence and the complications and protect the round ligament uterus, avoid damage to reproductive function. Tension free hernia repair is the mainly method for inguinal hernia management.Laparoscopic hernia repair is good in decrease the incidence of post operation recurrence and the chronic pain in female adolescent inguinal hernia.

Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment on the adult groin hernia (2018 edition) / 中华外科杂志

Throughout the world, the related etiology, pathology, classification and typing of groin hernia, combined with the clinical practice in China, on the basis of the previous edition of the Guidelines, through the domestic more than 50 experts and scholars to discuss the consultation, completed the "Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment on the Adult Groin Hernia (2018 edition)" . The diagnosis, differential diagnosis, surgical treatment and other aspects of inguinal hernia were comprehensively expounded. It also points out the viewpoints, measures and methods of evidence-based medical evidence support. The relevant medical institutions and peers in China are requested to carry out the actual clinical reference.

Comparison of Coskun and Lichteinstein hernia repair methods for groin hernia

PURPOSE: Coskun hernia repair technique has been reported to be an effective new fascia transversalis repair with its short-term follow-up results. Our aim is to determine the results of Coskun hernia repair technique and to compare it with Lichtenstein technique. METHODS: At this comparative retrospective study a total of 493 patients, who had groin hernia repair procedure using Coskun or Lichtenstein technique, between January 1999 and March 2010 were enrolled into the study. Patients were reached by telephone and invited to get a physical examination. RESULTS: Out of 493 groin hernia repairs, 436 (88.5%) were carried out by residents and 57 (11.5%) by attending surgeons. Lichtenstein technique was the choice in 241 patients and 252 patients underwent Coskun hernia repair technique. Groin hernia recurrence was detected in 8 patients (3.1%) in Coskun hernia repair group and 7 patients (2.9%) in Lichtenstein group. Comparison of early complication rates in Coskun group (3.9%) and Lichtenstein group (4.5%) showed no significant difference. Late complication rates were significantly higher in Lichtenstein group (1.2% vs. 4.9%). The operation time was shorter in Coskun group (44 minutes) than in Lichtenstein group (60 minutes). Subgroup of patients, whose hernia repair operations were carried out by attending surgeons, had a recurrence rate of 0% and 3.8%, in Coskun group and Lichtenstein group, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Coskun hernia repair technique has a similar efficacy with Lichtenstein repair, on follow-up.

La ecografía en el estudio del dolor inguinal sin alteraciones concluyentes al examen físico / Echography in the study of groin pain with no conclusive alterations in the physical examination

En el Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" consultan pacientes, fundamentalmente jóvenes con dolor inguinal sin alteraciones al examen físico y resulta complejo tratarlos adecuadamente al no poder precisarse la causa del dolor. Objetivo: determinar la utilidad de la ecografía en la determinación de las causas del dolor. Métodos: se desarrolló un estudio prospectivo y longitudinal con 30 pacientes que consultaron por síndrome doloroso inguinal. Se les realizó ecografía inguinal, crural, del cordón, del escroto con su contenido o labios mayores de la vulva, y se relacionaron los hallazgos con lo encontrado en la intervención quirúrgica o la evolución clínica si no fueron intervenidos durante los tres meses posteriores a la primera consulta. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 21,2 años con predominio de los hombres (96,7 %). Se sospecharon por ecografía enfermedades en 29 regiones inguinocrurales (93,5 %) en las que no se habían encontrado alteraciones al examen físico y dos cuyo ecograma se consideró normal. De ellas, en 18 se informó sospechas de hernias inguinales, siete adenomegalias, dos varicoceles, un quiste del cordón y uno de Nuck. Se operaron todos los pacientes con hernias, uno con varicocele y dos con quiste, en los que se confirmó el diagnóstico. Conclusiones: la ecografía constituye una herramienta útil cuando el examen físico no justifica el dolor inguinal...

Patients, most of them young, present at Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital with groin pain without any alterations in the physical examination. Since the source of the pain cannot be determined accurately, it is difficult to indicate an effective treatment. Objective: determine the usefulness of echography in establishing the causes of the pain. Methods: a prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 30 patients presenting with groin pain syndrome. Echography of the groin, crus, cord and scrotum was performed, including its content or vulvar labia majora. Results were compared with those found in surgical interventions or the clinical evolution or those who were not operated on during the three months following the first consultation. Results: mean age was 21.2 with a predominance of the male sex (96.7 %). Echography revealed 29 cases of suspected inguinocrural disease (93.5 %) in which no alterations had been found in the physical examination, and two whose echogram was considered to be normal. Of these, 18 were reported as suspected groin hernia, seven as adenomegaly, two as varicocele, one as a cord cyst and one as a Nuck cyst. All patients with hernias, one with varicocele and two with cysts underwent surgery, and the diagnosis was confirmed. Conclusions: echography constitutes a useful tool when the physical examination does not reveal the cause of groin pain...

Experience of Open Herniorrhaphy Using the PerFix(R) Plug for Patients with Recurrent Groin Hernias

PURPOSE: The recurrence of a groin hernia presents few surgical options for repair. We investigated the safety and efficacy of herniorrhaphy using PerFix(R) plug for patients with recurrent groin hernias. METHODS: Between October 2000 and December 2004, 30 herniorrhaphies for recurrent groin hernia were performed and followed-up. The operation time, length of hospital stay, time of analgesic use, complication rates, and recurrence were investigated. RESULTS: Surgery had been initially performed in 26 patients with the non-mesh method, and with mesh in 4 patients; 12 patients had a direct recurrence at the medial side of the inguinal area near the pubic tubercle, 7 patients had a direct recurrence at other sites, and 11 patients had an indirect recurrence. Eight patients had urinary retention and 2 patients had minor wound complications. Hospital stays and analgesic use were comparable to non-recurrent groin hernia operations, although operation time was significantly longer in recurrent group, and there were no recurrences during the 70 months of followup. CONCLUSION: Comparing open or laparoscopic preperitoneal approach, the PerFix(R) plug method is simple and effective for recurrent groin hernia repair.

A Tailored Approach for Recurrent Groin Hernias

PURPOSE: Recurrent groin hernias are a significant problem with high recurrence rates. There is a great deal of controversy regarding their management. This study examined the outcome of patients who had undergone a repair of recurrent groin hernias. METHODS: This study examined retrospectively the medical records of all patients who underwent repairs of recurrent groin hernias (a total 239 cases) between January 1998 and December 2006. The repair was tailored to the previous operation and the patients' medical condition. The types of previous operations, present operation, complications and re-recurrence rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 2,542 groin hernias operated on, 239 cases (9.4%) were treated for recurrent groin hernias. The types of previous surgery were conventional open tissue repair in 199 cases (83.3%), Lichtenstein repair in 28 cases (11.7%), open mesh repair (PHS, Perfix plug) in 6 cases (2.5%) and laparoscopic repair in 6 cases (2.5%). The recurrent groin hernias were repaired using a laparoscopic method in 123 cases (51.4%), open mesh repair in 92 cases (38.4%), Lichtenstein repair in 18 cases (7.5%) and a conventional open tissue repair in 6 cases (2.5%). Postoperative complications occurred in 40 cases (16.7%), which included 10 seromas, 4 wound infections, 3 hematomas, 2 wound swellings, 8 scrotal swelling, 5 dysurias, 2 chronic neuralgias. There were 6 cases of re-recurrence in the 239 cases of recurrent groin hernias (2.5%). CONCLUSION: A tailored approach based on the previous repair and the medical condition of the patients with recurrent groin hernias is associated with a decrease in the incidence of major postoperative complications and a low recurrence rate (2.5%).

Lichtenstein's Tension-Free Repair of Groin Hernias: A Single-Surgeon Experience with 321 Cases

PURPOSE: Tension-free hernioplasty has become the most popular procedure for the repair of groin hernias in the United States and United Kingdom. The purpose of this study is to describe a 7-year personal experience with Lichtenstein's tension-free groin hernia repair under local anesthesia. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the clinical outcome of 321 cases of Lichtenstein repairs, performed consecutively by an experienced surgeon between Jan. 1994 and Dec. 2000. RESULTS: Of the 321 cases, 242 (75.4%) were indirect, 34 (10.6%) were direct, 8 (2.5%) were femoral, 7 (2.2%) were pantaloon, and 30 (9.3%) were recurred hernias. The mean age was 55 years; 91% were male. The mean number of injections of analgesics required in the postoperative period was 3.2. The mean hospital stay following repair was 2.7 days. Complications occurred in 23 cases (7.1%). Most of these were minor, consisting of five cases of bruising or hematomas (1.6%), four superficial infections (1.3%), three seromas (0.9%), two hydroceles (0.6%), six patients with persisting groin pain for more than a month (1.8%), one foreign body granuloma, one urinary retention, and one testicular atrophy. There were no recurrences or operative deaths. CONCLUSION: Lichtenstein's tension-free hernioplasty is an easy and simple technique with less pain, minor complications and only rare instances of recurrence. This procedure can be performed on a same-day basis under local anesthesia. Lichtenstein repair may be the most promising technique for the repair of groin hernias.