New technique for inguinal hernia repair.

We compared a new fascia transversalis based hernioplasty with mesh repair techniques which leave the fascia transversalis intact. We prospectively randomized 180 consecutive patients with inguinal hernia to undergo one of the three hernia repair techniques. Hernias were repaired either by using the new fascia transversalis repair-Coskun's hernia repair (FTR), based on the plication of fascia using continuous sutures and followed by a second layer of interrupted or continuous sutures between inguinal ligament and conjoint tendon to distribute the tension, or one of the two mesh repair techniques: anterior (Lichtenstein) or posterior (preperitoneal) repair. Parameters such as age, sex, hernia cause, operation time, type of anesthesia, surgeon's seniority, complications, hospital stay and follow-up were evaluated. Recurrence rates were determined through clinical examination. Effect of prostatism, co-morbid disease, operation time, complications and Nyhus type of hernia on recurrences were also analysed. Most patients in each group were operated on under general anesthesia (78% vs. 80% vs. 85% for FTR, Lichtenstein, and preperitoneal repair, respectively) and by surgeons in training (average 78%). Patients were followed up for a median of 36 months. FTR had less complications and an acceptable time for operation whereas preperitoneal repairs needed more seniority, longer operation time, and caused more complications. There were only 3 (1.6%) recurrences, none in the FTR group and two the in Lichtenstein group during first postoperative year. There was no recurrence in preperitoneal repair group. All patients with recurrences had an operation time longer than 60 min and were operated on by surgeons in training. Two patients with recurrences had prostatism symptoms and chronic cough. We conclude that the new FTR is as effective as mesh repair (either anterior or posterior) with an acceptable rate of recurrences, fewer complications, and that it can be performed by the surgeons in training.

The value of 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid measurement in spot urine in diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of 5-Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid (5-HIAA) levels in spot urine in diagnosis of acute appendicitis. DESIGN: A prospective, controlled study. SETTING: Ankara Numune Teaching and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. SUBJECT: Twenty six patients with histologically proven acute appendicitis following appendectomy were included in the study. Control group with consisted of patients prepared for hernia repair in the same duration. In the preoperative period, urine samples were collected from every patient for measurement of 5-HIAA. RESULTS: The study group comprised 26 patients; 15 of those had high urine 5-HIAA levels, whereas 11 patients had values within normal range. None of ten control patients displayed positive test result. The test had 58% sensitivity and 48% specificity. In histopathological examination only two of ten patients with gangrenous appendicitis showed positive test result, whereas 13 of 16 patients with no histopathological gangrenous changes had high values. CONCLUSION: Urine 5-HIAA measurement has low sensitivity and specificity. The value of the test is even clearly lower in gangrenous appendicitis. This may be misleading in management of patients in late phase of appendicitis and in cases with perforation which is mainly responsible for morbidity.

Urological findings in inguinal hernias: a case report and review of the literature.

We report on a rare case of massive incarcerated inguinoscrotal bladder herniation in a direct hernia and present the review of the literature on urological findings in relation to the inguinal hernial sac. The English-based literature was searched using the words inguinal hernia, bladder, ureter, diverticule, and incarceration and discussed in relation to the present case. We found 190 cases of inguinal hernia associated with urological findings, such as herniation of the bladder, ureter, and diverticulum. We also found that 11.2% of these hernias were associated with urological malignancies and 23.5% of these were associated with a variety of complications. The high-risk patients, who are males, obese, older than 50 years and who have symptoms that indicate urological pathologies to a physician, are more likely to be in the high-risk group for bladder herniation.