Use of botulinum toxin type A in the prehabilitation of abdominal wall musculature for hernia repair: a consensus proposal.

The prehabilitation of the abdominal wall through the infiltration of botulinum toxin type A, which induces temporary chemical denervation ("chemical component separation") in the lateral abdominal musculature, is a common practice in units specialized in abdominal wall surgery. However, its use for this indication is currently off-label. The main objective of this article is to describe a consensus proposal regarding indications, contraindications, dosages employed, potential side effects, administration method, and measurement of possible outcomes. Additionally, a proposal for an informed consent document endorsed by the Abdominal Wall Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons is attached.

Mesh Infection After Hernia Repair and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical mesh infection (SMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) is a challenging and highly debated clinical problem with no current consensus. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature about the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of the conservative treatment of SMI and report results about infected mesh salvage. METHODS: A systematic review of EMBASE and PUBMED was performed describing the use of NPWT in patients with SMI following AWHR. Reviewed articles evaluating data about the association between clinical, demographic, analytic and surgical characteristics about SMI after AWHR were analyzed. The high heterogeneity of these studies did not allow a meta-analysis of outcomes. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 33 studies from PubMed, and 16 studies from EMBASE. NPWT was performed in 230 patients across 9 studies being achieved the mesh salvage in 196 (85.2%). Of these 230 cases, 46% were polypropylene (PPL), 9.9% polyester (PE), 16.8% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 4% biologic and 10.2% composite mesh (PPL and PTFE). Infected mesh location was onlay (43%), retromuscular (22%), preperitoneal (19%), intraperitoneal (10%) and between the oblique muscles (5%). The better option on salvageability with the use of NPWT was the combination of macroporous PPL mesh in an extraperitoneal position (19.2% onlay, 23.3% preperitoneal, 48.8% retromuscular). CONCLUSION: NPWT is a sufficient approach to treat SMI following AWHR. In most cases, infected prostheses can be salvaged with this management. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our analysis results.

Resultados de la reparación de la hernia incisional asociada al trasplante renal en un centro especializado. Análisis de nuestra experiencia de 7 años / Incisional hernia repair outcome after renal transplantation in a reference center. Our experience of 7 years

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las hernias incisionales secundarias al trasplante renal (HITR) se consideran hernias complejas debido a su localización lateral a la vaina del músculo recto abdominal. También influyen la presencia del injerto en la fosa iliaca y la proximidad del área inguinal, el margen costal y los huesos iliacos como rebordes de difícil fijación de la prótesis. Además, estos pacientes presentan connotaciones específicas, como el tratamiento con inmunosupresores, que podrían alterar la evolución postoperatoria. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los resultados obtenidos en la reparación de las HITR en un hospital terciario, comparando estos datos con la literatura internacional. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, desde el 1 de enero de 2011 al 31 de enero de 2018, de los pacientes operados de HITR en nuestra unidad. Análisis de factores preoperatorios, intraoperatorios y de complicaciones postoperatorias observados durante el seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se operaron 25 pacientes, encontrando un índice de recidiva herniaria del 4% tras un seguimiento mediano de 27,5 meses (20-39). La técnica más utilizada fue la separación posterior de componentes con liberación del transverso en un 42%, seguida de la reparación preperitoneal en un 27% y la reparación interoblicuos en un 12%. La morbilidad postoperatoria global fue del 23%, siendo las más frecuentes las relacionadas con el sitio quirúrgico (12%). CONCLUSIONES: La reparación de las HITR es un procedimiento seguro en nuestro centro, con un índice de recidiva herniaria aceptable, aunque no exento de complicaciones

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias secondary to renal transplantation (IHRT) are considered complex hernias because they are lateral to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The presence of the graft in the iliac fossa and the proximity to the inguinal area, costal margin and iliac bones, as zones with difficult fixation for prostheses, increases repair complexity. In addition, these patients have specific characteristics, such as treatment with immunosuppressive medication, that could alter postoperative evolution. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained in IHRT repair at a tertiary hospital, and to compare these data with the international literature. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients treated surgically for IHRT in our unit from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2018. Preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors and postoperative complications during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent hernia repair, finding a 4% hernia recurrence rate during a median follow-up of 27.5 months (20-39). The most frequently used technique was the posterior transversus abdominis release component separation technique in 42%, followed by preperitoneal repair in 27% and interoblique repair in 12%. The overall postoperative morbidity was 23%, which was frequently related to the surgical site (12%). CONCLUSIONS: IHRT repair is a safe procedure at our medical center, with an acceptable rate of hernia recurrence, but it is not without complications

Incisional hernia repair outcome after renal transplantation in a reference center. Our experience of 7 years. / Resultados de la reparación de la hernia incisional asociada al trasplante renal en un centro especializado. Análisis de nuestra experiencia de 7 años.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias secondary to renal transplantation (IHRT) are considered complex hernias because they are lateral to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The presence of the graft in the iliac fossa and the proximity to the inguinal area, costal margin and iliac bones, as zones with difficult fixation for prostheses, increases repair complexity. In addition, these patients have specific characteristics, such as treatment with immunosuppressive medication, that could alter postoperative evolution. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained in IHRT repair at a tertiary hospital, and to compare these data with the international literature. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients treated surgically for IHRT in our unit from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2018. Preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors and postoperative complications during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent hernia repair, finding a 4% hernia recurrence rate during a median follow-up of 27.5 months (20-39). The most frequently used technique was the posterior transversus abdominis release component separation technique in 42%, followed by preperitoneal repair in 27% and interoblique repair in 12%. The overall postoperative morbidity was 23%, which was frequently related to the surgical site (12%). CONCLUSIONS: IHRT repair is a safe procedure at our medical center, with an acceptable rate of hernia recurrence, but it is not without complications.

Preoperative preparation of «loss of domain¼ hernia. Progressive pneumoperitoneum and botulinum toxin type A. / Preparación preoperatoria de la hernia con pérdida de domicilio. Neumoperitoneo progresivo y toxina botulínica tipo A.

Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and botulinum toxin type A are useful tools in the preparation of patients with loss of domain hernias. Both procedures are complementary in the surgical repair, especially with the use of prosthetic techniques without tension, that allow a integral management of these patients. The aim of this paper is to update concepts related to both procedures, emphasizing the advantages that take place in the preoperative management of loss of domain hernias.

Preparación preoperatoria de la hernia con pérdida de domicilio. Neumoperitoneo progresivo y toxina botulínica tipo A / Preoperative preparation of «loss of domain» hernia. Progressive pneumoperitoneum and botulinum toxin type A

El neumoperitoneo progresivo preoperatorio y la toxina botulínica tipo A son herramientas útiles en la preparación de los pacientes con hernias gigantes que han perdido el domicilio. Ambos procedimientos son armas complementarias del procedimiento quirúrgico, especialmente con el uso de técnicas protésicas sin tensión, que permiten el manejo integral de estos pacientes. Este artículo tiene por objeto actualizar conceptos relacionados con ambos procedimientos, incidiendo en las ventajas que aportan en el manejo preoperatorio de las hernias gigantes que han perdido el domicilio (AU)

Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and botulinum toxin type A are useful tools in the preparation of patients with loss of domain hernias. Both procedures are complementary in the surgical repair, especially with the use of prosthetic techniques without tension, that allow a integral management of these patients. The aim of this paper is to update concepts related to both procedures, emphasizing the advantages that take place in the preoperative management of loss of domain hernias (AU)

Partial versus complete removal of the infected mesh after abdominal wall hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: To compare the results with complete mesh removal (CMR) versus partial mesh removal (PMR) in the treatment of mesh infection after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR). METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgery for mesh infection between January 2004 and May 2014 at a tertiary center. RESULTS: Of 3470 cases of AWHR, we reported 66 cases (1.9%) of mesh infection, and 48 repairs (72.7%) required mesh explantation. CMR was achieved on 38 occasions, while PMR was undertaken ten times. We observed more postoperative complications in CMR than PMR group (p = 0.04). Three patients with intestinal fistula were reoperated in postoperative period after a difficult mesh removal; one of them died due to multiple organ failure. The overall recurrence rate after explantation was 47.9%: recurrence was more frequent in CMR group (p = 0.001), although persistent or new mesh infection was observed more frequently with PMR (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although PMR has less postoperative morbidity, shorter duration of hospitalization and lower rate of recurrence than CMR, prosthetic infection persists in up to 50% of cases.

Tratamiento de la eventración subxifoidea: técnica de doble malla ajustada al defecto / Subxiphoid incisional hernia treatment: a technique using a double mesh adjusted to the defect

Introducción La eventración subxifoidea tiene características que la diferencian del resto y le dan entidad propia. El hecho de tener su saco muy próximo a los relieves costales óseos y esternón condiciona mucha tensión en los márgenes; la reparación, tanto por vía abierta como laparoscópica, no ha demostrado buenos resultados a pesar del uso generalizado de prótesis. Son poco frecuentes y se presentan en pacientes con comorbilidad importante (cardiópatas severos, trasplantados, inmunodeprimidos), tras intervenciones del área hepato-bilio-pancreática con incisiones transversales, esternotomías ampliadas por debajo del xifoides o laparotomías medias muy altas para cirugía gastro-esofágica. Material y método En nuestra Unidad hemos desarrollado una nueva técnica, basada en el uso de doble prótesis y adaptada a las características anatomo-fisiológicas de la región, para la reparación de estas eventraciones. La serie consta de 35 pacientes intervenidos de forma consecutiva entre 2004 y 2010, siguiendo protocolo quirúrgico y de manejo consensuado. Resultados No hubo complicaciones importantes –la más frecuente es el seroma, 17,4%-, excepto un caso de infección de la herida por isquemia de piel en un paciente multioperado y trasplantado. El seguimiento postoperatorio hasta el día de hoy (entre 4 y 80 meses) no ha demostrado recidivas de la eventración y no se refieren molestias locales importantes. Conclusiones La técnica «doble malla ajustada» consigue en nuestro medio unos buenos resultados, tanto desde el punto de vista del cirujano (reproducibilidad, recidiva), como del paciente, con mínimas molestias y recuperación de la calidad de vida (AU)

Introduction: Subxiphoid incisional hernia has characteristics that differentiate it from the rest and make it a distinctive entity. The fact that it has its sac very near the rib cage and sternum determines the pressure in the margins. The repair, by open or by laparoscopic approach, has not demonstrated good results despite the generalised use of a prosthesis. They are uncommon, and have a significant comorbidity in patients (severe heart diseases, transplants, immunosuppressed), after surgery of the hepato-bilio-pancreatic area with transverse incisions, or very high mid-laparotomies for gastro-oesophageal surgery. Material and methods: A new technique has been developed in our Unit, based on a double mesh and adapted to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the region. The series consisted of 35 consecutive patients operated on between 2004 and 2010, following anagreed surgical and management protocol. Results: There were no significant complications -the most frequent (17.4%) was a seroma exceptone case of a wound infection due to skin is chaemia in one patient who had had multiple operations and a transplant. During the post-surgical follow up to the present(between 4 and 80 months), there has been no recurrence of the incisional hernia and no significant local discomfort has been reported. Conclusions: The «adjusted double mesh» technique achieved good results in our hands, from the surgical point of view (reproducibility, recurrence), and for the patient, with minimal discomfort and recovery of quality of life (AU)

[Subxiphoid incisional hernia treatment: a technique using a double mesh adjusted to the defect]. / Tratamiento de la eventración subxifoidea: técnica de doble malla ajustada al defecto.

INTRODUCTION: Subxiphoid incisional hernia has characteristics that differentiate it from the rest and make it a distinctive entity. The fact that it has its sac very near the rib cage and sternum determines the pressure in the margins. The repair, by open or by laparoscopic approach, has not demonstrated good results despite the generalised use of a prosthesis. They are uncommon, and have a significant comorbidity in patients (severe heart diseases, transplants, immunosuppressed), after surgery of the hepato-bilio-pancreatic area with transverse incisions, or very high mid-laparotomies for gastro-oesophageal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A new technique has been developed in our Unit, based on a double mesh and adapted to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the region. The series consisted of 35 consecutive patients operated on between 2004 and 2010, following an agreed surgical and management protocol. RESULTS: There were no significant complications -the most frequent (17.4%) was a seroma- except one case of a wound infection due to skin ischaemia in one patient who had had multiple operations and a transplant. During the post-surgical follow up to the present (between 4 and 80 months), there has been no recurrence of the incisional hernia and no significant local discomfort has been reported. CONCLUSIONS: The «adjusted double mesh¼ technique achieved good results in our hands, from the surgical point of view (reproducibility, recurrence), and for the patient, with minimal discomfort and recovery of quality of life.

Nuevo método de operar en la eventración compleja: separación anatómica de componentes con prótesis y nuevas inserciones musculares / New surgical technique in complex incisional hernias: Component Separation Technique (CST) with prosthesis and new muscle insertions

Introducción El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar a la comunidad quirúrgica una nueva técnica para el tratamiento de eventraciones complejas y catastróficas desarrollada en este equipo: separación anatómica de componentes (SAC) modificada por Carbonell-Bonafé. Material y método Se trató a 100 pacientes con eventración compleja. Se documentó tamaño, contenido y reductibilidad de la eventración (tomografía computarizada preoperatoria), recidivas y técnicas de cierre previas, talla y peso, alteraciones tróficas de la piel y necesidad de neumoperitoneo preoperatorio. Se operó siguiendo un protocolo homogéneo, con medida de presión intraabdominal antes, durante y tras la intervención. Se evaluó al paciente en consulta a los 15 y 30 días, mensualmente durante 3 meses, al sexto mes y anualmente hasta 5 años. Resultados Entre enero de 2003 y mayo de 2008 se intervino a 100 pacientes consecutivos. En el postoperatorio inmediato se tuvo un 12% de seromas, un 8% de isquemia parcial de bordes de la herida y un fallecimiento debido a fallo multiorgánico; en el postoperatorio tardío se tuvo un 6% de algias transitorias en los puntos de anclaje óseo. Los pacientes reanudaron su actividad habitual en una media de 2 meses con gran mejoría en su calidad de vida. No se han encontrado recidivas hasta la fecha. Conclusiones La técnica SAC que esta Unidad ha modificado es un excelente recurso en el tratamiento de grandes eventraciones: garantiza el éxito del cierre con poca morbilidad y, además, reconstruye la biomecánica de la pared abdominal (AU)

Introduction Our goal is to show the surgical community a new technique developed by our team for treating complex and catastrophic ventral hernias: Separation of Anatomical Component (SAC) amended by Carbonell–Bonafé. Materials and methods A total of 100 patients with complex incisional hernias have been treated. The size, content and reducibility of ventral hernia (preoperative CT scan), recurrences and pre-closure techniques, height and weight, trophic skin alterations and need for preoperative pneumoperitoneum were all documented. The operation was performed following a standardised protocol; intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured before, during and after the intervention. Patients were evaluated in the clinic at 15 and 30 days, monthly for 3 months, at sixth months and annually for up to 5 years. Results A total of 100 consecutive patients were operated on between January 2003 and May 2008. In the immediate post-surgical period there were 12% seromas, 8% of partial-ischaemia on the edges of the wound and 1 death due to multi-organ failure. In the later period, 6% had transitional pain in bone anchorage points. They resumed their normal activities after an average of 2 months, with great improvement in their quality of life. There have been no recurrences to date. Conclusions The SAC technique, as modified by our Unit, is an excellent resource in managing large ventral hernias: successfully closing with low morbidity, as well as reconstructing the biomechanics of the abdominal wall (AU)

[New surgical technique in complex incisional hernias: Component Separation Technique (CST) with prosthesis and new muscle insertions]. / Nuevo método de operar en la eventración compleja: separación anatómica de componentes con prótesis y nuevas inserciones musculares.

INTRODUCTION: Our goal is to show the surgical community a new technique developed by our team for treating complex and catastrophic ventral hernias: Separation of Anatomical Component (SAC) amended by Carbonell-Bonafé. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with complex incisional hernias have been treated. The size, content and reducibility of ventral hernia (preoperative CT scan), recurrences and pre-closure techniques, height and weight, trophic skin alterations and need for preoperative pneumoperitoneum were all documented. The operation was performed following a standardised protocol; intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured before, during and after the intervention. Patients were evaluated in the clinic at 15 and 30 days, monthly for 3 months, at sixth months and annually for up to 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 100 consecutive patients were operated on between January 2003 and May 2008. In the immediate post-surgical period there were 12% seromas, 8% of partial-ischaemia on the edges of the wound and 1 death due to multi-organ failure. In the later period, 6% had transitional pain in bone anchorage points. They resumed their normal activities after an average of 2 months, with great improvement in their quality of life. There have been no recurrences to date. CONCLUSIONS: The SAC technique, as modified by our Unit, is an excellent resource in managing large ventral hernias: successfully closing with low morbidity, as well as reconstructing the biomechanics of the abdominal wall.

[Prosthetic infection after hernioplasty. Five years experience]. / Infección de la prótesis en la reparación herniaria. Nuestra experiencia en 5 años.

INTRODUCTION: Prosthesis infection is an infrequent but important complication in abdominal wall surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for the infection of the prosthesis after hernia repair, as well as the treatment to apply. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 2002 and December 2006, we performed 1055 prosthetic hernia repairs: 761 inguinal hernias (72.1%), 74 umbilical hernias (7%) and 220 ventral hernias (20.9%). We prospectively analysed preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables, as well as the incidence of infection of surgical wound and of prosthesis. We used ASA classification for preoperative anaesthetic evaluation. RESULTS: The overall percentage of infection of the prosthesis was 1.3%. Infection was observed in 11 repairs with polypropylene mesh (PPL), in 4 with PTFE mesh, and one case in combined mesh. Risk factors of mesh infection were: obesity (p=0.002), diabetes (p=0.020), the type of repair (p=0.047), emergency surgery (p=0.001), the type and size of mesh (p=0.003; p=0.007) and time of surgery >180 min (p<0.001). Seven of the 11 patients with infection of PPL prosthesis were resolved with conservative treatment, whereas all the cases with PTFE infection or mixed mesh needed removal to solve the problem. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors are involved in producing a prosthesis infection. Whereas antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage of the infection can be sufficient in most PPL mesh infection, PTFE prostheses need to be removed prematurely in order to halt the infection process.

Infección de la prótesis en la reparación herniaria. Nuestra experiencia en 5 años / Prosthetic infection after hernioplasty. Five years experience

Introducción: la infección de la prótesis es una complicación infrecuente pero importante en la cirugía de la pared abdominal. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo influyentes en la infección de la prótesis tras la reparación herniaria, así como el tratamiento a aplicar. Material y método: entre enero de 2002 y diciembre de 2006, se realizaron en total 1.055 reparaciones protésicas herniarias: 761 hernias inguinocrurales (72,1%), 74 hernias umbilicales (7%) y 220 eventroplastias (20,9%). Se analizaron de forma prospectiva variables preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y postoperatorias, así como la incidencia de infección de herida quirúrgica y de prótesis. Se utilizó la clasificación ASA para la valoración preoperatoria anestésica. Resultados: el porcentaje de infección del biomaterial en general fue del 1,3%. Observamos infección en 11 reparaciones con prótesis de polipropileno (PPL), en 4 con PTFE-e y 1 caso en prótesis combinada. Fueron factores de riesgo en la infección del biomaterial: la obesidad (p=0,002), la diabetes mellitus (p=0,020), el tipo de reparación (p=0,047), la intervención de urgencia (p=0,001), el tipo y el tamaño de la prótesis (p=0,003 y p=0,007) y el tiempo quirúrgico >180min (p<0,001). De 11 pacientes con infección de prótesis de PPL, 7 respondieron al tratamiento con curas, mientras que todos los casos con infección de PTFE-e o prótesis mixta necesitaron de su extirpación para resolver el problema. Conclusiones: existen numerosos factores de riesgo influyentes en la tasa de infección del biomaterial. Mientras que la terapia antibiótica adecuada y el drenaje quirúrgico de la infección pueden ser suficientes en la mayoría de las infecciones de prótesis de PPL, las de PTFE-e requieren extirpación precoz para acabar con el proceso infectivo (AU)

Introduction: Prosthesis infection is an infrequent but important complication in abdominal wall surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for the infection of the prosthesis after hernia repair, as well as the treatment to apply. Material and method: Between January 2002 and December 2006, we performed 1055 prosthetic hernia repairs: 761 inguinal hernias (72.1%), 74 umbilical hernias (7%) and 220 ventral hernias (20.9%). We prospectively analysed preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables, as well as the incidence of infection of surgical wound and of prosthesis. We used ASA classification for preoperative anaesthetic evaluation. Results: The overall percentage of infection of the prosthesis was 1.3%. Infection was observed in 11 repairs with polypropylene mesh (PPL), in 4 with PTFE mesh, and one case in combined mesh. Risk factors of mesh infection were: obesity (p=0.002), diabetes (p=0.020), the type of repair (p=0.047), emergency surgery (p=0.001), the type and size of mesh (p=0.003; p=0.007) and time of surgery >180min (p<0.001). Seven of the 11 patients with infection of PPL prosthesis were resolved with conservative treatment, whereas all the cases with PTFE infection or mixed mesh needed removal to solve the problem. Conclusions: Several factors are involved in producing a prosthesis infection. Whereas antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage of the infection can be sufficient in most PPL mesh infection, PTFE prostheses need to be removed prematurely in order to halt the infection process (AU)