The outcomes of open anterior component separation versus posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release for complex incisional hernias: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The main objective was to assess the prevalence of hernia recurrence, wound complications (surgical site infections [SSI], seroma and hematoma) and mortality after anterior component separation (ACS) and posterior component separation via transversus abdominis muscle release (PCSTAR) in patients with complex incisional hernias. The so-called complex IH is a serious medical and societal challenge due to its direct and indirect costs; it is also hampered by the use of different surgical techniques, different type of meshes, and different results heterogeneously reported and interpreted. According to actual data, the best approach seems to be a mesh reinforcement component separation procedure augmented or not with an adjuvant technique (preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and/or Botulin toxin type A infiltration). METHODS: A systematic search of four databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholars) was conducted to identify studies reporting on outcomes of component separation techniques and which were published before December 2021. A systematic review and a meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes were performed. RESULTS: Nineteen studies including 3412 patients (1709 with ACS and 1703 with PCSTAR) were selected. Pooled hernia recurrence rate after a minimum 1-year follow-up was evaluated at 5.15% (odds ratio [OR] 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-0.9; p = 0.0175). Pooled surgical site infection rate was 10.6% (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.06-1.65; p = 0.0119). Seroma and hematoma were estimated at 9.75% (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.52-2.44; p = 0.0001) and 3.83% (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.26-2.61; p = 0.0012), respectively. ACS was associated with increased wound morbidity, seroma and hematoma. PCSTAR displayed higher recurrence rate (4.27% vs 6.11%). CONCLUSIONS: PCSTAR was superior to ACS in terms of wound morbidity, surgical site infections, seroma and hematoma incidence. The procedure should be further evaluated in comparative head-to-head randomized controlled trials.

Truncal function after abdominal wall reconstruction via transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) for large incisional hernias: a prospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Data about abdominal wall function in patients with incisional hernias (IH) are limited. Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) could be beneficial for the improvement of this function. The goal of the study was to evaluate if the abdominal wall function was restored after transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR). METHODS: We performed a prospective case-control study of 59 patients with IH equal or larger than 10 cm in their width undergoing AWR via TAR with mesh reinforcement and complete linea alba restoration. With two simple physical tests-Trunk Raising (TR) and Double Leg Lowering (DLL), we clinically assessed, preoperatively, 1 month and 1 year postoperatively the functionality of the abdominal wall (flexion). Patients were compared with a control group (n = 57) with an intact abdominal wall undergoing visceral surgery through a midline laparotomy. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups in terms of sex and mean age. In the study group, TR demonstrated an increase from 1.93 preoperatively to 2.44 at 1 month and 4.27, respectively, at 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). DLL was improved from 2.067 to 4.37 at 1 year postoperatively (p = 0.016). In the control group, surgery resulted in a decrease of truncal flexion. At 1 year postoperatively, the abdominal wall function for study group patients was almost identical with that the functionality of the control group featuring an intact abdominal wall (TR 4.26 vs 4.33 p = 0.532; DLL 4.42 vs 4.21 p = 0.193). CONCLUSION: AWR via TAR for large IH specifically improved long-term abdominal wall muscular function.

The influence of Transversus Abdominis Muscle Release (TAR) for complex incisional hernia repair on the intraabdominal pressure and pulmonary function.

INTRODUCTION: Among many other techniques for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR), posterior component separation with Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR), continues to gain popularity and it is increasingly used with promising long-term results. Our goal was to evaluate the influence of TAR with mesh retromuscular reinforcement on the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and respiratory function in a series of patients with complex incisional hernias (IH). METHODS: Since November 2014 through February 2019, patients with TAR were identified in the Clinical Department of Surgery database and were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures include: demographics, pre- and perioperative details, preoperative and postoperative IAP and plateau pressure (PP). RESULTS: One-hundred-and-one consecutive TAR procedures (19.7% from all incisional hernia repairs) were analyzed. Mean age was 63 years with a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 31.85 kg/m2 (25-51). Diabetes and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) were the main major comorbidities. Mean hernia defect area was 247 cm2 (104-528 cm2). CONCLUSION: TAR is a safe and sound procedure with acceptable modifications of the IAP morbidity and recurrence rate when correctly performed on the right patient.

Shouldice standard 2020: review of the current literature and results of an international consensus meeting.

INTRODUCTION: For many years the Shouldice technique was the gold standard for inguinal hernia repair. Nowadays mesh repair has been proven to entail better results in randomized trials. Since the first publication 1953 the Repair has been described in detail in many textbooks, articles and You Tube videos. It appears that the original technique is used almost exclusively in the Shouldice Hospital in Thornhill/ Canada and despite the success of the Shouldice Hospital many surgeons inexplicably modify this original technique in their daily practice. In the last couple of years there appears to be an increasing interest in pure tissue repairs for various reasons, often fear of mesh-related pain. The aim of the study was to review the current evidence and to define an updated standard with key principles of the Shouldice repair. METHODS: Because of unpublished evidence regarding many operative details the organizing group decided to create a technical update via a consensus meeting with 13 international designated hernia surgeons from six countries. In preparation of the meeting a review of the current literature regarding Shouldice repair was done by the organizing group. A questionnaire was prepared and sent to all participants before the meeting to get an independent answer on all critical aspects. RESULTS: All questions regarding a detailed standard of the operation technique could be outlined. As result of the consensus meeting the participants have formulated all key-points of preparation/dissection and repair of the Shouldice technique. For 5 of 6 critical technical surgical steps a strong consensus could be defined in the group. There was no consensus among the group regarding the cremaster resection and the ideal indication for Shouldice repair. CONCLUSION: After a 75-year history of the Shouldice repair the technique should continue to merit consideration by all hernia surgeons. After this consensus meeting a clear binding standard of the Shouldice technique for all interested surgeons is proposed.

Necessary duration of follow-up to assess complications of mesh in hernia surgery: a time-lapse study based on 460 explants.

PURPOSE: Risk of complications following hernia repair is the key parameter to assess risk/benefit ratio of a technique. As mesh devices are permanent, their risks are life-long. Too many reports in the past assessed mesh safety prematurely after short follow-ups. We aimed to explore what length of follow up would reveal the full extent of complications. METHODS: Time lapses between implantation and excision were analyzed in 460 cases of meshes excised for complications after hernia repair. Patterns of percentage growth and time lapses at 50th and 95th percentiles were used to compare groups of different hernia type, age, gender and reason for excision. RESULTS: The 50th and 95th case percentiles in the dataset were at 3.75 and 15.0 years between mesh implantation and excision. For hernia types, the longest time lapses were for groin hernias (4.0 and 16.11 years at 50th and 95th percentiles). The shortest were for umbilical hernias (2.16 and 9.68 years). Males had later excisions than females (4.11 and 16.1 vs. 2.47 and 9.79 years). Younger patients (< 45 y.o.) had later excisions than older patients (4.12 and 17.68 vs. 3.37 and 10.0 years). Out of all subgroups, the longest time lapses were for groin hernias in younger males (4.77 and 18.89 years) and for mesh erosion into organs (4.67 and 17.0 years). CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up of more than 15 years is needed to fully assess complications after mesh hernia repair. Especially longer periods are needed to detect mesh erosion into organs and complications in younger males. Presently, short observations and lack of reporting standard in the literature prohibit accurate assessment of complication risks. We propose to use cumulative incidence for standardized risk reporting (y% risk at x years). This will show time-dependent patterns and allow comparisons between different techniques and studies of variable duration. Standardization will also help to predict long-term risks beyond shorter (practical) follow-ups and facilitate real-time monitoring during surveillance.

Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum (PPP) as an adjunct for surgery of hernias with loss of domain.

BACKGROUND: forced repair of a giant abdominal wall defect end with unsatisfactory results despite development of prosthetics materials. The enlargement of abdominal wall dimensions could be realized altogether other methods with the aid of pneumo-peritoneum. The aim of the study is to evaluate early results of the method used for patients with giant incisional hernias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: between june 1998 - june 2013, 17 patients (4 males) with giant abdominal wall defects (incisional and inguinal hernias) were prepaired for radical surgery with pneumoperitoneum. Average age was 64.35 years. We reevaluated the standard constants of the pulmonary function,blood gases, and intra-vesical pressure in 3 moments: before the first gas insuflation, 24 hours before surgery and in the 7th daypost operatively. RESULTS: the method was free of accidents or incidents, no mortality was recorded. The respiratory function was significantly increased and also the intra-abdominal pressure. CONCLUSION: our results suggest that the method of progressive pneumoperitoneum is safe, costless of choice for creating a clear compatibility between the wall and abdominal content inpatients with giant abdominal wall defects. Also ensures a longterm and stable improvement of the respiratory function in all its components.

Late results and quality of life after Rives-Stoppa repair for incisional hernias: a prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The prosthetic repair of incisional hernias drastically reduced the incidence of recurrence, but increased the associated morbidity. We report a consecutive series of patients with incisional hernias operated by Rives- Stoppa procedure. The aim is to identify the early and late complications associated with the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 275 patients admitted and operated on between 2002-2006 were prospectively evaluated by direct examination and questionnaire. RESULTS: 171 responded in 2007 and 148 in 2009; direct examination was obtained 143 and 118 patients respectively.Recurrence rate 6.7%. Good and very good comfort rates in 58%. CONCLUSIONS: Similar results with the expert centre.

[Immunohistochemical considerations in local inflammatory response induced by prosthetic materials]. / Consideratii imuno-histochimice asupra reactiei inflamatorii locale induse de materialele protetice.

INTRODUCTION: Even they are considered inert and biocompatible, prosthetic materials induce a local inflammatory response with the host despite of their composition and structure. This reaction is responsible for most of the long-term complications of the prosthetic repair of abdominal wall defects. Unfortunately, most of the published studies are the results of animal experiments. Our study analyses the prosthetic materials extruded from humans for various reasons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 prosthetic samples extruded from human patients for various reasons were analyzed. This were prepared with standard colorations (eosin - hematoxilin), for collagen (rethiculyn, Syrius red) and immunohistochemical in order to count inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, collagen fibers, blood vessels. RESULTS: 10 polypropilene (Prolene) and 5 polyester (Mersilene) samples extruded from 11 male patients and 5 female patients with the age between 36 and 73 years old (average 57.46 +/- 9.7) have been studied. Average implantation period was 15.13 +/- 14.14, larger for the Mersilene samples (p = 0.0149). Inflammatory cells, connective tissue, fibroblasts and the number of blood vessels were significantly higher for Prolene samples (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The inflammatory response of the host to the prosthetic material persists years after the repair and is mainly dependent by the textile properties of the mesh. Polyester materials conduct to a minimal inflammatory response with lower levels of collagen deposition. The resulted scar is more supple and does not interfere with the mobility of the abdominal wall.

Candida endocarditis in an infant.

Infective endocarditis is a rare disease in infants. A 1-year-old boy with a large Candida albicans vegetation in the right atrium and superior vena cava was operated on successfully. During the newborn period he had had a right transverse colostomy for Hirschsprung's disease. Ten months later a subsequent rectosigmoidectomy and direct anastomosis were performed, but because of peritonitis that followed a leak at the site of the anastomosis parenteral nutrition was needed for 8 weeks. The probable source of Candida was an infected intravenous line.

[Successful multi-step management of developmental heart defects after intrauterine diagnosis]. / Intrauterin diagnosztizált összetett szívfejlódési rendellenesség többlépcsós sikeres sebészi korrigálása.

At 28th week of gestation a conotruncal malformation with ventricular septal defect was diagnosed by fetal echocardiography. Postnatal echocardiographic and angiocardiographic examinations confirmed the diagnosis of conotruncal malformation (pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, aortopulmonary collateral arteries). The unifocalization (age: 11 months) and total correction with aortic homograft (age: 7 years) were performed. To our knowledge our case is the first whose intrauterine diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease was confirmed after delivery and had successful two-stage surgical management.