Retrospective analysis of umbilical, epigastric, and small incisional hernia repair using the Ventralex™ hernia patch.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term recurrence and complication rates following small abdominal wall hernia repair with the Ventralex hernia patch. The study also aimed to identify risk factors for hernia recurrence in patients undergoing such repair and to examine the relationship between quality of life and hernia recurrence. BACKGROUND: Hernia repair using prosthetic mesh materials has become the preferred method of repair, as the recurrence rates are much lower than with conventional repair techniques. The prevention of long-term complications and improvements in the quality of life should also be considered as important features of successful repair. The Ventralex patch is a bilayer prosthesis, designed for retromuscular or intraperitoneal placement. Currently, seven studies have evaluated the device for small ventral hernia repair, and all have shown low short- and long-term recurrence rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 176 patients who underwent abdominal wall hernia repair using the Ventralex patch between May 2004 and February 2009 were reviewed. All patients were followed up after 1 month and later in 2010. The rate of recurrence, immediate postoperative and long-term complications, and quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up data were available for 135 patients. The mean follow-up was 49 months (range 13-70 months). There were 12 hernia recurrences (8.9%) during this time. Postoperative (1-month) complications included seroma (4%), superficial surgical site infections (3%), and an abscess (1.5%). At the mean long-term follow-up, complications included infection (1.5%) and subobstruction (1.5%). The only risk factor for hernia recurrence was female gender (unadjusted odds ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05-0.72, P = 0.02). Patients with hernia recurrence reported significantly lower quality of life scores than patients without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The Ventralex hernia patch offers a simple and quick means of repairing small abdominal wall hernias. A relatively high recurrence rate was observed in this study. Reviewing the available literature, a critical appraisal is needed, attention should be paid to follow the correct implantation technique, proper deployment technology should be used, and a lightweight version would be welcome.

Choledochal cyst: diagnosis and surgical treatment.

A 20-year old woman with a 2-month history of epigastric pain, progressive jaundice and obstructive liver biochemistry underwent imaging of the biliary tract, carried out using ultrasonography, CT-scan and MRI. Abdominal ultrasound showed a dilation of the choledochal duct. CT-scan and MRI revealed a cystic dilation of the choledochal duct. Because of possible malignant degeneration, en-bloc cholecystectomy and resection of the cyst were performed, with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction. This case demonstrates the diagnostic value of MRI and MRCP in a pathology that is rather rare in Western countries.

Ileo-ileal intussusception secondary to a lipoma: a literature review.

Intussusception is rare in adults and it can be a challenge to diagnose on admission. Non-specific and variable signs and symptoms, frequently only occurring episodically, may cause a considerable delay before treatment. However, in 90% a predisposing organic cause can be found in adults. A case is presented of small bowel intussusception secondary to a lipoma in a 54-year-old man in whom diagnosis was suggested by CT-scan. The patient was treated with a laparoscopic-assisted reduction and extracorporeal partial small bowel resection, followed by a latero-lateral anastomosis. This case serves as the basis of a review of small bowel intussusception in adults secondary to lipomas. It focuses on the rarity of the disease, but stresses the need for early referral and investigation in middle-aged patients with recurrent abdominal symptoms.

Use of gentamicin in the treatment of access-port infections.

BACKGROUND: A therapy concept for access-port infections is presented. METHODS: Between January 2001 and May 2005, 556 adjustable gastric bands were placed laparoscopically, and access-port infection data were analyzed. 6 early infections and 1 late infection occurred. 2 early infections were treated successfully with placement of a PMMA-chain at the port-site--without port removal. 2 other early infections were treated successfully with port removal and later reconnection; however, infection recurred at the access-port soon after reconnection, so a PMMA-chain was positioned around the port. The last 2 early infections were treated successfully by port removal and later connection of a new access-port surrounded by a PMMA-chain. The late access-port infection appeared to be caused by gastric erosion. RESULTS: Complete healing was achieved in all cases of early infection, and follow-up revealed no complications with subsequent band adjustments. The gastric erosion required removal of the entire banding system. CONCLUSION: For early port infection, the placement of a PMMA-chain around the subcutaneous port appears to be a safe and effective approach that is less invasive than the usual port removal under general anesthesia. Placing the PMMA-chain is a rapid and simple procedure that allows retention of the original access-port. Once local healing is complete, the port can then be accessed easily and safely for band inflation.

Experience with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (la-band system) up to 8 years.

Morbid obesity occurs in 2-5% of the population in Western countries. Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding is a minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The lap-band system was evaluated retrospectively in a series of 222 patients. Postoperative outcome and weight loss patterns at up to 8 years follow-up are presented. The most frequent late complications were a leak between the port and the catheter, which occurred in 21 patients (9.4%) and total and irreversible food intolerance due to pouch dilation and/or slippage, which occurred in 13 patients (5.8%). The postoperative BMI reductions are successful and stable after a follow-up of up to 96 months. The lap-band system seems an effective procedure for achieving appreciable and stable weight loss up to 8 years of follow-up and the complications and re-operation rates are acceptable. In 81% of the cases also, the patient is very satisfied with the results of the operation. From the 47.3% who found their quality of life before the operation bad or even devastating, 93% envoy life after the operation like never before.

Surgical treatment of patent omphalomesenteric duct presenting as faecal umbilical discharge.

A newborn infant with patent omphalomesenteric duct (POMD), who presented faecal umbilical discharge, was treated with a semicircular periumbilical incision up to the abdominal cavity. The omphalomesenteric duct was followed up to the junction with the small intestine and there resected. The abdominal wall was closed without resection of the umbilicus.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis: diagnosis and surgical management--a case report.

Endometriosis has been observed in 8 to 15% of the women of reproductive age. Occasionally it can be found outside the pelvis, its usual location. Rather exceptionally it is located on the diaphragm. A case report of preoperatively diagnosed bilateral diaphragmatic endometriosis is presented and its surgical treatment will be discussed.

Needle catheter jejunostomy complicated by pneumatosis intestinalis: a case report.

Needle catheter jejunostomy is a technique to allow enteral feeding after upper abdominal surgery. An unusual postoperative complication is pneumatosis intestinalis which can be life-threatening. A case of a 76-year-old man with pneumatosis intestinalis due to needle catheter jejunostomy, in whom diagnosis was made by CT-scan, is described. Needle catheter jejunostomy complicated by pneumatosis intestinalis needs attention and careful treatment. Removal of the catheter seems necessary, although controversy remains.