Endoscopic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal prosthetic (eTEP) versus open Rives-Stoppa repair as a treatment of midline abdominal wall hernias with rectus diastasis: comparison of postoperative pain and length of hospital stay in a single-centre surgical cohort.

The Rives-Stoppa (RS) procedure is a gold standard treatment of midline abdominal wall hernias. Comparability of pain control and outcomes to the enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal prosthetic (eTEP) repair remain unclear. A single-centre retrospective surgical cohort was selected including 30 RS repairs (January 2019-November 2021) and 30 consecutive eTEP procedures (September 2021-August 2022) for midline abdominal wall hernia(s) with rectus abdominis diastasis. Postoperative pain and outcomes were compared up to 1 month. Presence and median duration of patient-controlled analgesia were, respectively, 90% and 3 nights with RS, versus 30% and 0 nights with eTEP. Median switch to only oral analgesics occurred at postoperative day (POD) 3 after RS and at POD 2 after eTEP. Postoperative analgesics and opioid prescription at discharge were comparable. Median length of hospital stay was six nights after RS versus 3 nights after eTEP. Median duration of surgery was 110.5 and 164.5 min for RS and eTEP, respectively. After RS, 30 patients had postoperative drain(s) compared to 3 patients after eTEP. Conversion was needed in 3 eTEP procedures. Postoperative complications were comparable. No early recurrences were observed. Minimal residual diastasis was seen at postoperative consultation in 11 patients after eTEP. Compared to RS, eTEP is a minimally invasive alternative treatment of midline abdominal wall hernias with rectus abdominis diastasis and is associated with a shorter length of hospital stay, less postoperative pain and a comparable risk of short-term complications. At 1 month after eTEP, minimal residual diastasis can be present. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05446675. Secondary identifying number: EC/EH/220608-SK. Date of Registration: June 24, 2022.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presenting as an inguinal hernia - case report.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) masquerading as a recurrent inguinal hernia is rare. We report the case of a 73-year-old male patient who presented with a symptomatic bulge in his left groin. Medical history revealed bilateral preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair, osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation. The patient's further history was not significant. METHODS: Sonography revealed recurrence of an indirect inguinal hernia (4.5 cm × 2.3 cm) on the left, with bilateral subcutaneous lymph nodes that were deemed unremarkable. We planned an elective left-sided anterior inguinal repair. Apixaban was stopped two days prior to surgery. RESULTS: During surgery we identified the bulge as a lump attached to the spermatic cord. No hernial sac was present. Together with the consulting urologist, we concluded a possible malignant etiology and performed an orchiectomy along with resection of the lump. CONCLUSION: Microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a DLBCL with non-germinal center phenotype and c-MYC rearrangement. Further staging confirmed stage IE disease with extranodal paratesticular involvement. The patient was subsequently treated with rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and showed complete metabolic remission after two cycles. This case illustrates the broad differential diagnosis of inguinal swelling and (para)testicular tumors.

Local control of hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastases after surgical microwave ablation without concomitant hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: Microwave ablation (MWA) is an accepted technique in the multimodal treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Study endpoints were to evaluate the local efficacy of surgical MWA in selected patients with oligonodular disease without the combination of liver resection to allow a clear interpretation of the follow-up imaging and compare it to the results on percutaneous MWA available in the literature. METHODS: Consecutive MWA-only procedures performed between May 2013 and May 2018 for HCC and CRLM with free-hand ultrasound guidance were identified. MWA systems with 2450 MHz were used. Incomplete ablation (IA) was defined as residual disease within 1 cm of the ablation site at the first post-ablation imaging and local recurrence (LR) as the presence of disease after at least one tumor-free imaging. RESULTS: A total of 70 tumors in 47 patients were treated with 46 laparoscopic and 1 open procedures. Each patient had no more than 3 tumors, and median size of the lesions was 15 mm (IQR: 10-22). After a median follow-up of 26 months (IQR: 12-40), IA rate was 8.6% and LR rate was 29.4%. Multivariable analysis showed that vascular proximity (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.26-9.22; p=0.016) was the only significant predictor of the combined outcome IA or LR. DISCUSSION: In the present study, after mostly laparoscopic MWA, LR was higher than the rates available in the literature for percutaneous MWA of HCC but lower than in the limited studies analyzing isolated percutaneous MWA of liver metastases. Future developments may help establish the role of each therapeutic modality per tumor, in order to improve the outcomes.

Quality of life after open versus laparoscopic preperitoneal mesh repair for unilateral inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Both the open transinguinal preperitoneal repair (TIPP) and the laparoscopic total extraperitoneal mesh repair (TEP) show excellent outcomes. Direct comparative data between these 2 preperitoneal techniques is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) for these open and laparoscopic preperitoneal repair techniques. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2016, 204 male patients underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair through TIPP (n = 135) or TEP (n = 69). Data recorded include demographic profile, preoperative and intraoperative variables, postoperative complications and postoperative quality of life. Two validated hernia-specific QoL questionnaires, the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) and the European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life score (EuraHS QoL) were used to assess postoperative QoL. RESULTS: The TIPP group consisted of 135 patients, the TEP group of 69 patients. The mean age of patients was significantly higher in TIPP (64.07 ± 17.10 years) than in TEP (59.0 ± 15.53 years) (p = 0.022). A total of 96 patients (47.1%) responded to our invitation for longterm follow-up: 58 in the TIPP group (43%) and 38 in the TEP group (55.1%). There was no difference in mean follow-up time between the surgical procedure and filling in the questionnaires: 37.4 ± 12.8 months for TIPP and 33.5 ± 11.3 months for TEP group (p = 0.13). No significant differences in quality of life were found between TIPP and TEP for all explored domains. CONCLUSION: TIPP and TEP show equivalent results considering postoperative quality of life. Compared to existing literature on mesh repair for unilateral inguinal hernias, we may conclude that the preperitoneal location of the mesh probably is a more decisive factor for quality of life than the surgical approach used.

Incisional lumbar hernia after the use of a lumbar artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction.

Autologous breast reconstruction with a perforator flap has become increasingly popular. The free lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap has been described as a good alternative for autologous breast reconstruction. The LAP flap is a perforator flap based on a single pedicle. This flap is easy to harvest, with minimal donor-site morbidity. We present a case of a lumbar incisional hernia after LAP flap breast reconstruction in a 53-year-old patient. The patient had been treated with a bilateral mastectomy for cancer. Secondary breast reconstruction was performed with a bilateral DIEP flap. Reoperation was necessary because of a failed DIEP flap at the left side. Reconstruction was performed with a free LAP flap. The patient was referred for a right lumbar incisional hernia at the donor-site of the LAP flap. Open repair was performed with a retroperitoneal mesh. The thoracolumbar fascia was closed in with a running suture. Lumbar artery perforator is a perforator flap based on a single pedicle. Although it does not sacrifice any muscle and seems to be associated with minimal donor-site morbidity, we present the first report of a lumbar incisional hernia repair after LAP flap breast reconstruction treated using an open retroperitoneal mesh repair.

Early Initiation of a Standardized Open Abdomen Treatment With Vacuum Assisted Mesh-Mediated Fascial Traction Achieves Best Results.

Background: The open abdomen (OA) is an important approach for managing intra-abdominal catastrophes and continues to be the standard of care. Complete fascial closure is an essential treatment objective and can be achieved by the use of different dynamic closure techniques. Both surgical technique and-decision making are essential for optimal patient outcome in terms of fascial closure. The aim of this study was to analyse patients' outcome after the use of mesh-mediated fascial traction (MMFT) associated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and identify important factors that negatively influenced final fascial closure. Methods: A single center ambispective analysis was performed including all patients treated for an open abdomen in a tertiary referral center from 3/2011 till 2/2020. All patients with a minimum survival >24 h after initiation of treatment were analyzed. The data concerning patient management was collected and entered into the Open Abdomen Route of the European Hernia Society (EHS). Patient basic characteristics considering OA indication, primary fascial closure, as well as important features in surgical technique including time after index procedure to start mesh mediated fascial traction, surgical closure techniques and patients' long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: Data were obtained from 152 patients who underwent open abdomen therapy (OAT) in a single center study. Indications for OAT as per-protocol analysis were sepsis (33.3%), abdominal compartment syndrome (31.6%), followed by peritonitis (24.2%), abdominal trauma (8.3%) and burst abdomen (2.4%). Overall fascial closure rate was 80% as in the per-protocol analysis. When patients that started OA management with MMFT and NPWT from the initial surgery a significantly better fascial closure rate was achieved compared to patients that started 3 or more days later (p < 0.001). An incisional hernia developed in 35.8% of patients alive with a median follow-up of 49 months (range 6-96 months). Conclusion: Our main findings emphasize the importance of a standardized treatment plan, initiated early on during management of the OA. The use of vacuum assisted closure in combination with MMFT showed high rates of fascial closure. Absence of initial intraperitoneal NPWT as well as delayed start of MMFT were risk factors for non-fascial closure. Initiation of OA with VACM should not be unnecessary delayed.

A subcutaneous infection mimicking necrotizing fasciitis due to Butyricimonas virosa.

INTRODUCTION: Butyricimonas virosa is a Gram-negative rod who was first identified in rat faces in 2009. Since then only six human infections have been described in literature of which five bacteremia and one bone abscess. We report a clinical case of a subcutaneous infection mimicking necrotizing fasciitis due to B. virosa. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 78-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a wound infection at the surgical site with suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis. Treatment consisted of immediate surgical exploration with obtainment of intra-operative specimens for microbiologic examination, 15 d of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and antibiotic treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam (12 d) plus vancomycin (9 d). RESULTS: Surgical exploration did not show necrotising fasciitis but a subcutaneous infection mimicking necrotising fasciitis. The results of the intra-operative specimens revealed the presence of B.virosa and Finegoldia magna. Cultures taken during the NPWT replacements became negative and the patient was able to leave the hospital after 18 d. CONCLUSIONS: Considering there was no necrotizing infection present it may have been possible to safely close the wound sooner. However, it is difficult to differentiate between an actual necrotizing fasciitis and a subcutaneous infection mimicking necrotizing fasciitis. Therefore further studies on effective assessment tools to diagnose necrotizing fasciitis, such as the (modified) laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score and enhanced computed tomography (CT), could be helpful.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic groin hernia repair: observational case-control study on the operative time during the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Robotic groin hernia repair (r-TAPP) is demonstrating rapid adoption in the US. Barriers in Europe include: low availability of robotic systems to general surgeons, cost of robotic instruments, and the perception of longer operative time. METHODS: Patients undergoing r-TAPP in our start-up period were prospectively entered in the EuraHS database and compared to laparoscopic TAPP (l-TAPP) performed by the same surgeon within the context of two other prospective studies. Operations were performed with the daVinci Xi robot and the primary endpoint was skin-to-skin operative time. RESULTS: Following proctoring in September 2016 by US surgeons, 50 r-TAPP (34 unilateral and 16 bilateral) procedures have been performed up to January 2017. Mean operative time for unilateral r-TAPP was 54 min, with a decrease from 63 min for the first tertile to 44 min for the third tertile. For unilateral l-TAPP, the mean operative time was 45 min. Mean operative time for bilateral r-TAPP was 78 min, with a decrease from 90 min for the first half to 68 min for the second half. For bilateral l-TAPP, the mean operative time was 61 min. There were no intraoperative complications and no conversions to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. The operation was performed as an outpatient in 67% of cases. Urinary retention requiring urinary catheterization was the only early postoperative complication noted in 5 patients (10.2%). At 4 week follow-up, 7 patients (14.3%) had an asymptomatic seroma, but no other complications were seen. CONCLUSION: Robotic TAPP was associated with a rapid reduction in operative time during our learning curve and afterwards the operative time to perform a robotic TAPP equals the operative time to perform a laparoscopic TAPP, both for unilateral and for bilateral groin hernia repairs. No complications related to the introduction of robotic-assisted laparoscopic groin hernia repair were observed.

Evolution of Laparoscopic Liver Surgery from Innovation to Implementation to Mastery: Perioperative and Oncologic Outcomes of 2,238 Patients from 4 European Specialized Centers.

BACKGROUND: First seen as an innovation for select patients, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has evolved since its introduction, resulting in worldwide use. Despite this, it is still limited mainly to referral centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate a large cohort undergoing LLR from 2000 to 2015, focusing on the technical approaches, perioperative and oncologic outcomes, and evolution of practice over time. STUDY DESIGN: The demographics and indications, intraoperative, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes of 2,238 patients were evaluated. Trends in practice and outcomes over time were assessed. RESULTS: The percentage of LLR performed yearly has increased from 5% in 2000 to 43% in 2015. Pure laparoscopy was used in 98.3% of cases. Wedge resections were the most common operation; they were predominant at the beginning of LLR and then decreased and remained steady at approximately 53%. Major hepatectomies were initially uncommon, then increased and reached a stable level at approximately 16%. Overall, 410 patients underwent resection in the posterosuperior segments; these were more frequent with time, and the highest percentage was in 2015 (26%). Blood loss, operative time, and conversion rate improved significantly with time. The 5-year overall survival rates were 73% and 54% for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), respectively. The 5-year, recurrence-free survival rates were 50% and 37% for HCC and CRLM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Since laparoscopy was introduced, a long implementation process has been necessary to allow for standardization and improvement in surgical care, mastery of the technique, and the ability to obtain good perioperative results with safe oncologic outcomes.