Long-term outcomes of Madrid approach after TAR for complex abdominal wall hernias: a single-center cohort study.

PURPOSE: Undeniably, in the last 2 decades, surgical approaches in the field of abdominal wall repair have notably improved. However, the best approach to provide a durable repair with low morbidity rate has yet to be determined. The purpose of this study is to outline our long-term results following the Transverse Abdominis Release (TAR) approach in patients with complex ventral hernias, focusing on the incidence of recurrence and overall patient satisfaction following surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 167 consecutive patients who underwent TAR between January 2015 and December 2021 for primary or recurrent complex abdominal hernias. Of these, 117 patients who underwent the open Madrid approach with the use of a double mesh (absorbable and permanent synthetic mesh) were selected and analyzed. A quality of life questionnaire (EuraHS QoL) comparing the preoperative and the postoperative status was administered. RESULTS: Between January 2015 and December 2021, we successfully treated 117 patients presenting with complex ventral defects using the double mesh technique (absorbable and permanent synthetic mesh). Of these, 26 (22.2%) were recurrent cases. At a median follow-up period of 37.7 months, there had been 1 (0.8%) case of recurrence and 8 cases (6.8%) of bulging. The QoL score was significantly improved when compared to the preoperative status in terms of cosmesis, body perception, and physical discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: The Madrid approach for posterior component separation is associated with both a low perioperative morbidity and recurrence rate. In accordance with other studies, we demonstrated that the TAR with reconstruction according to the Madrid approach provides excellent results in the treatment of complex abdominal wall hernias, even at long-term follow-up.

Robotic transabdominal retromuscular rectus diastasis (r-TARRD) repair: a new approach.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present our innovative robotic approach for the treatment of rectus diastasis with concurrent primary or incisional ventral hernias. METHODS: We performed 45 r-TARRD repairs for symptomatic rectus diastasis with concomitant associated ventral/incisional umbilical and/or epigastric hernias between January 2019 and January 2020. Data on patient demographics, type of hernia, operative time, complications, recurrence rate, and hospital stay were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up was scheduled at 1, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: 45 patients (13 M, 32 F) underwent r-TARRD repair. Mean age was 54.8 years (range 31-68) and mean BMI was 26.74 kg/m2 (range 21.1-31). Mean ASA was 2.2 (range 1-3). In all patients we used a polypropylene mesh 25 × 15 cm, properly shaped. Mean operative time was 192 min (range 115-260). Mean hospital stay 4.2 days (range 2-7). No conversion to laparoscopy or open surgery and no major complications occurred. At 1-month follow-up one mesh infection (2.22%) was observed and it was treated conservatively. Four recurrences (8.88%) were reported at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted TARRD repair is conceived as a novel alternative minimally invasive procedure for RD with concurrent midline defects ensuring a primary fascial defect closure and mesh implantation in a sublay position with a wide overlap. It is important to better evaluate the suture that should be used to perform the repair, and multicenter studies with standardization of patient's demographics, RD characteristics, and long-term follow-up outcomes are mandatory to assess the effectiveness and durability of r-TARDD repair.

The use of biosynthetic mesh in giant hiatal hernia repair: is there a rationale? A 3-year single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Reinforced prosthetic crural repair is particularly indicated for giant hiatal hernias. The rationale is to reduce the recurrence rate in the long term. The aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic giant hiatal hernia repair using a biosynthetic mesh. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh-reinforced hiatal closure and fundoplication using a biosynthetic material. Inclusion criterion was large hiatal defects (> 5 cm). Follow-up was scheduled at 6, 12 and 36 months after surgery. RESULTS: 44 patients (29F) with a mean age of 62 years (range 14-85) and mean of BMI 24.5 kg/m2 (range 21-29) underwent successful laparoscopic repair. Twenty-six (59.1%) patients had Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication, whereas 18 (40.9%) had Toupet fundoplication. Six-month questionnaire for the evaluation of symptoms was available for 43 patients (97.7%) and for 40 (90.9%) patients at 12 and 36 months. Mean preoperative symptoms score analysis was 1.68 ± 0.73. Mean scores at each follow-up time were significantly improved compared to baseline (p > 0.05). Barium swallow was available in 37 patients (84.1%) at 1 year after surgery. Radiologic recurrence was observed in two patients (4.5%). No patient had symptoms attributable to recurrence or required revisional surgery. There were no mesh-related complications at 3 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The use of biosynthetic mesh for crural reinforcement is associated with a low incidence of mesh-related complications and with a reasonably low recurrence rate (4.5%) at 36 months. However, additional data with longer follow-up are needed to determine long-term safety and efficacy.

Robotic-assisted single site (RASS) TAPP: an advantageous choice? : Outcomes of single site robotic groin hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) is a valid option for bilateral primary groin hernia and recurrent cases. Robotic approach for inguinal hernia is still debated. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of robotic-assisted single site-TAPP (RASS-TAPP) reporting our experience. METHODS: We performed 44 RASS TAPP in 32 patients from February 2016 to July 2018. Data on patient demographics, type of hernia, operative time, complications, recurrence rate and hospital stay were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up was scheduled at 1 week, 4 months and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Forty-two hernias were treated in 32 patients (27 M). Mean age was 48.6 years (range 20-67), mean BMI was 26.49 kg/m2 (range 16-34.9). Mean operative time was 54.8 min (range 28-150). In two cases (6%) a conversion to laparoscopy was necessary. At 1 week, two scrotal hematomas and four seromas were observed and treated conservatively. At 4 months follow-up, one patient (3.1%) complained temporary pain. No patient had inguinal recurrence or incisional umbilical hernia and chronic pain at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: RASS TAPP is feasible and safe with a high patient satisfaction. However, the surgeon experiences a technical discomfort due to the conflict of the instrumentation which influences negatively the choice of this approach, despite the better vision and augmented dexterity provided by the robot.

The surgical management of acute bowel ischemia in octogenarian patients to avoid Short Bowel Syndrome: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: This is a multicenter study performed in two Italian tertiary care centers: General Emergency Surgery Unit at St. Orsola University Teaching Hospital - Bologna and Department of Surgical Sciences at Umberto I University Teaching Hospital - Rome. The aim was to compare the results of different approaches among elderly patients with acute bowel ischemia. METHODS: Sixty-three patients were divided in two groups: 1) DSgroup- 28 patients treated in Vascular Unit and 2) GEgroup- 35 patients treated in Emergency Surgery Unit. RESULTS: Mean age was 80 years, significantly higher for the GEgroup (p<0.001). Gender was predominantly female in both groups, without statistical difference. Pre-operatively, laboratory tests didn't show any difference in white blood cell count, serum lactate levels or serum creatinine among patients, while increase of c-reactive protein was observed in DSgroup with significant difference (p<0.001). The Romamain cause of acute bowel ischemia was embolism in DSgroup (p=0.03) and vascular spasm in GEgroup (p<0.001). On CT scan, bowel loop dilation was present in 58.7% of patients without statistical difference in both groups. The time lapse from diagnosis to operation didn't show significant differences between two groups (mean 349.4 min). Pre-operative heparin therapy was administered in DSgroup more frequently (p< 0.001). Among DS patients, thrombectomy was the most frequent procedure (19 patients) associated with bowel resection in 9 cases. In GEgroup, 22 patients had an explorative laparotomy (p<0.001), 8 had a bowel resection with anastomosis and 5 a bowel resection plus stoma. A second look was required more significantly in DSgroup (p<0.002). Post-operative morbidity affected significantly GEgroup (p=0.02). The 3-day survival was significantly higher in the DSgroup (p< 0.001). At discharge 32 patients (50.8%) were alive, 21 in DSgroup (p< 0.001). Only one patient among both groups (1.6%) developed a short bowel syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: In octogenarian patients with acute bowel ischemia, surgery should be always pursued whenever the interventional radiology is not assessed as a viable option. Both groups of patients showed an excellent outcome in terms of avoiding a short bowel syndrome. A multidisciplinary management by a dedicated team could offer the best results to prevent large intestinal resections.

Total thyroidectomy alone versus ipsilateral versus bilateral prophylactic central neck dissection in clinically node-negative differentiated thyroid carcinoma. A retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Central neck dissection (CND) remains controversial in clinically node-negative differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients. The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to determine the rate of central neck metastases, the morbidity and the rate of recurrence in patients treated with total thyroidectomy (TT) alone or in combination with bilateral or ipsilateral CND. METHODS: The clinical records of 163 clinically node-negative consecutive DTC patients treated between January 2008 and December 2010 in three endocrine surgery referral units were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups: patients who had undergone TT alone (group A), TT with ipsilateral CND (group B), and TT with bilateral CND (group C). RESULTS: The respective incidences of transient hypoparathyroidism and unilateral recurrent nerve injury were 12.6% and 1% in group A, 23.3% and 3.3% in B, and 36.7% and 0% in C. Node metastases were observed in 8.7% in group A, 23.3% in B, and 63.3% in C. Locoregional recurrence was observed in 3.9% of patients in group A and in 0% in B and C. CONCLUSIONS: We found no statistically significant differences in the rates of locoregional recurrence between the three groups. Therefore, TT appears to be an adequate treatment for these patients; CND is associated with higher rates of transient hypoparathyroidism and cannot be considered the treatment of choice even if it could help for more appropriate selection of patients for RAI. Ipsilateral CND could be an interesting option considering the lower rate of hypocalcemia to be validated by further studies.

Results of isolated infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for critical limb ischemia in high-risk diabetic patients.

AIM: Infrapopliteal occlusive arterial lesions mostly characterize diabetic patients arteriopathy. Diabetic patients are prone to multiple comorbidities that make them candidates for low-invasive therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of infrapopliteal angioplasty in high-risk diabetic patients. METHODS: We undertook a study (retrospective study of a prospectively collected database) of all infrapopliteal endovascular revascularizations performed for critical limb ischemia in high-risk (≥3 major comorbidities) diabetic patients in our institution between 2008 and 2010. Study end points were safety, technical success rate, healing rate, overall 1-year survival, primary patency, secondary patency and limb salvage rates. RESULTS: A total of 101 high-risk diabetic patients (160 arterial lesions: 94 stenosis and 66 occlusions) underwent infrapopliteal endovascular surgery. No major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event was recorded within 30 days. Two major adverse limb events (two thromboses requiring major amputation) and seven minor adverse events were recorded. Technical and healing rates were, respectively, 83% and 78%. The 1-year survival, primary patency, secondary patency and limb salvage rates were, respectively, 86%, 67%, 83% and 84%. CONCLUSION: Infrapopliteal angioplasty can be considered as a safe and feasible option for high-risk diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia.

Minimally invasive approach for adrenal lesions: Systematic review of laparoscopic versus retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy and assessment of risk factors for complications.

In the last decades, minimally invasive transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for surgical resection of the adrenal gland tumors. Recently, however, adrenalectomy by a mininvasive retroperitoneal approach has reached increasingly popularity as alternative technique. Short hospitalization, lower postoperative pain and decrease of complications and a better cosmetic resolution are the main advantages of these innovative techniques. In order to determine the better surgical management of adrenal neoplasms, the Authors analyzed and compared the feasibility and the postoperative complications of minimally invasive adrenalectomy approaches. A systematic research of the English literature, including major meta-analysis articles, clinical randomized trials, retrospective studies and systematic reviews was performed, comparing laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy versus retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Many studies support that posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is superior or at least comparable to laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in operation time, pain score, blood loss, hospitalization, complications rates and return to normal activity. However, laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy is up to now a safe and standardized procedure with a shorter learning curve and a similar low morbidity rate, even for tumors larger than 6 cm. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to objectively evaluate these techniques, excluding selection bias and bias related to differences in surgeons' experiences with this approaches.

Pancreatic fistula following pancreatoduodenectomy. Evaluation of different surgical approaches in the management of pancreatic stump. Literature review.

Pancreatoduodenectomy is the gold standard operation for malignant and benign diseases of the pancreas and periampullary region. Even if improvements in intensive care management and surgical technique have dramatically reduced postoperative mortality after pancreatic surgery, morbidity remains high (30-50%), also in specialized pancreatic units. In order to reduce postoperative complications, particularly pancreatic fistula, different surgical techniques and their modifications have been proposed. In order to determine the better management of the pancreatic stump after pancreatoduodenectomy, the Authors analysed and compared derivative - pancreaticojejunal, pancreaticogastrostomy - vs no-derivative technique - pancreatic stump closure (duct ligation or mechanical suture, duct occlusion by fibrin glue or cyanoacrylate). A systematic research of the English literature, including major meta-analysis articles, clinical randomized trials, retrospective studies and systematic reviews was performed, analysing the risk factors and the incidence of short-medium term postoperative complications. Up to now, even if derivative procedures are preferred as gold standard the best method to deal a pancreatic stump is still controversial and remains matter of research. Pancreatic surgeons must have more than one technique for managing the pancreatic remnant.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: 20 year experience of open surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Both open surgery (OS) and endovascular surgery (ES) have been proposed for the treatment of symptomatic chronic mesenteric ischaemia (CMI). OS was considered the gold standard but ES is increasingly proposed as the first option. The aim was to report long-term outcomes associated with OS in patients suffering CMI in the modern era in order to help in choose between the two techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single centre analysis of all consecutive digestive artery revascularizations performed for CMI between January 2003 and December 2012 was carried out. Primary outcomes were 30 day mortality and morbidity, and secondary outcomes were survival, primary patency (PP), secondary patency (SP), and freedom from digestive symptoms, depending on the completeness of the revascularization performed. RESULTS: Eighty-six revascularizations were performed. Median follow up was 6.9 years (range 0.3-20.0). The 30 day mortality and morbidity rates were respectively 3.5% and 13.9%. Ten year survival was 88% for complete revascularization (CR) and 76% for incomplete revascularization (IR) (p = .54). The PP was 84% at 10 years for CR and 87% respectively for IR (p = .51). The 10 year SP was 92% for CR and 93% for IR (p = .63). Freedom from digestive symptoms was influenced by the completeness of revascularization: 79% for CR versus 65% for IR at 10 years (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: OS for CMI, especially complete revascularization, provides lasting results despite high morbidity.

Statins reduce levels of metalloproteinases in patients with carotid occlusive disease.

AIM: Pharmaceutical stabilization of an unstable low-grade carotid artery stenosis delays surgery and improve outcome. Statins can be used to reduce intimal media thickness. Our aim was to determine the clinical and biological effects of rosuvastatin on plaque stabilization or regression. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive male patients presenting with an asymptomatic internal carotid artery plaque uniformly anechogenic (group 1) 40-50% lumen diameter reduction formed the basis of the study. A group of 35 patients affected with a uniformly echogenic carotid artery stenosis (40-50%) served as control (group 2). Patients were followed-up every 8-month for 2 years with B-mode ultrasonography and color imaging. A computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed before the initiation of the study period and at the end to confirm plaque characteristics and the degree of stenosis. Ticlopidine (250 mg/day) and rosuvastatin (10 mg/day) were administered. One blood sample was drawn at every control to assess the release of matrix metallopoteinases (MMPs)-1, -2, -3, -9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-1 and -2. RESULTS: After the administration of rosuvastatin plasma level of MMP-1, -2, -3 and -9 significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.001). Conversely, plasma level of TIMP-1 and -2 significantly increased in both groups (P<0.001). B-mode ultrasonography and color imaging and CTA failed to demonstrate a stabilization or regression of uniformly anehogenic carotid plaque during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Rosuvastatin decreases the plasma level of MMPs and increases those of TIMPs. However, neither progression nor stabilization of low-grade unstable carotid plaques was seen.

Long-term function of parathyroid subcutaneous autoimplantation after presumed total parathyroidectomy in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. A clinical retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroidectomy (PTx) is recommended in patients affected by secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorders (CKD-MBD), resistant to medical treatment. Analyzing total parathyroidectomy with muscular or subcutaneous autoimplantation (TPai) outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) 2HPT patients, and monitoring intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, we evaluated long-term functional results of subcutaneous parathyroid glandular tissue autoimplantation. METHODS: 40 HD 2HPT patients, resistant to medical treatment, and awaiting for renal transplantation, underwent total parathyroidectomy with subcutaneous autoimplantation of 9-12 fragments of not nodular hyperplasia parathyroid tissue in not dominant forearm. iPTH were analyzed 24 h, and 3-6-12-24 months after surgery. The 1.08-6.99 pmol/L range was taken as reference of normal iPTH level based on which eu- (1.08-6.99), hypo- (<1.08), aparathyroidism (0) and persistence or relapse (>6.99) of disease were determined. RESULTS: In every case PTai determined an extraordinary improvement of quality of life, associated with a notable reduction of iPTH serum level. Immediate normalization of iPTH was achieved in 50% of cases; hypoparathyroidism in 25% of cases and persistence of disease in 25% were observed. Long term follow-up showed a reduction of hypoparathyroidism and an increase of relapse rate up to 20%. Grafting resection was never performed. DISCUSSION: Subcutaneous autotrasplantation is a very simple and fast surgical technique. Nevertheless, similar success and recurrence rates were reported following muscular or subcutaneous grafting, as confirmed in our experience. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous grafting was effective as muscular implantation, with comparable functional results, but avoiding its potential complications.

The current status of lymph node dissection in the treatment of papillary thyroid cancer. A literature review.

AIM: Cervical lymph node micrometastases are observed in up to 90% of papillary thyroid cancers (PTC), showing that lymph nodal involvement is very common. Nevertheless, during the last years, the role of lymph node dissection in the treatment of PTC has been controversial and, at present, the best indications to the routine or therapeutic neck dissection remain subject of research. In order to better analyze the current role of lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of PTC, an analysis of the most recent literature data was performed. STUDY DESIGN: By using as keywords lymph node dissection, selective, lateral or central lymph node dissection, modified radical neck dissection, prophylactic or therapeutic lymph node dissection, papillary thyroid cancer, a Pub Med data base research was carried out. The most recent guidelines of different referral endocrine societies, inhering neck dissection for PTC, were also evaluated. RESULTS: The role of neck dissection in PTC management remains controversial regarding routine or therapeutic indications, surgical extension, and its impact on local recurrence and long term survival. Due to inhomogeneous literature data, the current status of node dissection is still subject of research. CONCLUSIONS: There is agreement between endocrine and neck surgeons about the extension of therapeutic lymph node dissection in N+ PTC patients , and also in the prophylactic treatment of N0 "high risk" patients. Considering a recent trend toward routine central lymphadenectomy avoiding radioactive treatment, prospective randomized trials are needed to evaluate the benefits of different approaches.

Practical experience with the TAG and conformable TAG devices: lessons learned in about 100 cases.

AIM: We reported our 10-year experience with the Gore TAG thoracic endoprosthesis for treatment of thoracic aorta pathologies. METHODS: We performed a systematic retrospective study of prospectively recorded data of all patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedure with Gore TAG thoracic endoprosthesis between January 2001 and March 2013, and conducted an analysis of patient demographics, periprocedural records, complications, reinterventions, and survival. RESULTS: During this period, 96 patients underwent TEVAR with Gore TAG device. Indications for operation were degenerative aneurysm in 38 patients (39.6%), type B aortic dissection in 24 (25.0%), penetrating ulcer in 8 (8.3%), intramural hematoma in 10 (10.4%), traumatic transection in 9 (9.4%), and other pathology in 7 (7.3%). Forty-four patients (45.8%) had acute thoracic aortic syndromes requiring immediate or delayed procedures. Forty-two (43.8%) patients underwent supra-aortic trunks debranching. Landing zones were zone 0 in 8 patients (8.3%), zone 1 in 4 (4.2%), zone 2 in 36 (37.5%), zone 3 in 29 (30.2%) and zone 4 in 19 (19.8%). Technical success rate was 96.6%. Thirty-day mortality was 10.4%. Major adverse events included stroke in 8.3%, spinal cord ischemia in 4.2%, and vascular injuries in 7.3%. Overall survival in the cohort was 86% at 1 year and 78% at 2 years with a mean follow-up of 11.1±12.4 months. Major reintervention was required in 10 patients (10.4%). CONCLUSION: This single-center study demonstrates acceptable rates for operative mortality and major adverse events after endovascular repair of various thoracic aortic pathologies with both generations of Gore TAG device. However, a better knowledge in long-term results is necessary to define target populations.

Properties and challenges in materials used as vascular and endovascular devices.

In the last decades, main evolutions in the field of vascular surgery have been correlated to the development of devices allowing more reliable and safe sustainable treatment. First devices that have been proposed were vascular prostheses made of polymeric materials. The second generation of devices was stents made of metals and alloys. The third generation, endografts, associated these both materials. Materials used as vascular and endovascular devices must meet a number of requirements based on dimensional, physical and mechanical criteria. Ideally, they should demonstrate a behavior as close as possible as that of human arteries in terms of mechanical properties such as compliance, long-term durability, and in terms of biological properties such as biocompatibility, luminal surface healing and thrombogenicity. We propose in the present manuscript a review of properties of materials currently used for the construction of vascular and endovascular devices, future challenges in the fields of new materials and scientific approaches and tests to understand and predict the behavior of the next generations of devices.

Gallstone ileus: One-stage surgery in an elderly patient: One-stage surgery in gallstone ileus.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone ileus (G.I.) is a mechanical bowel obstruction due to impaction of a large gallstone within the bowel and represents an uncommon complication of cholelithiasis. It accounts for 1-4% of all cases of mechanical bowel obstruction, up to 25% in patients over 65 years of age. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 75 year old male patient was referred to our hospital in March 2009 with clinical signs of bowel obstruction (abdominal pain and distension, post-prandial vomiting, absolute constipation) during the previous 3 days. A plain abdominal film demonstrated dilated bowel loops, air fluid levels and an image of a stone in the inferior left quadrant. Afterwards, diagnosis of Gallstone ileus was made by means of ultrasonography and colonoscopy. The patient underwent emergent laparotomy and a cholecysto-transverse colon fistula was observed. One-stage procedure consisting of enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy and fistula repair was performed. The post-operative course was complicated by a dehiscence of the colic suture with acute peritonitis. Therefore a colostomy was performed, followed by rapid recovery of general clinical conditions. DISCUSSION: Surgical treatment for G.I. by cholecysto-enteric fistula is still controversial. Enterolithotomy alone is best suited in all elderly patients with significant comorbidities. One-stage procedure - enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy and fistula repair - should be reserved for young, fit and low risk patients. In our case, mechanical obstruction was associated with a severe cholecystitis with a large fistula between gallbladder and transverse colon. CONCLUSION: A "radical" surgical option could certainly be characterized by a significant morbidity.