Protection from phototoxic injury during laparoscopic surgery in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a hereditary defect in heme synthesis, causing protoporphyrin deposition and phototoxic reactions after exposure to light, especially at a wavelength of about 400 nm. Sensitivity to light may cause postoperative complications. Therefore, in open surgery protective filters are employed on surgical luminaires. The dangers of laparoscopy are little understood and the intensity of the light used can be high. To protect against phototoxic injury, we inserted an OG 530 filter in the video track. This filter blocks wavelengths below 470 nm. Three cholecystectomies and one sigmoidectomies were performed laparoscopically. The procedures were uneventful, and the patients suffered no adverse reactions, including phototoxic symptoms. The filter had a moderate influence on color perception and caused no significant restrictions on working conditions. We consider that it is appropriate to develop a relevant design to meet the suitable requirements for a durable filter holder in the laparoscopic video track.

[Porcelain gallbladder with suspected gallbladder cancer. Case report and review of the literature]. / Porcelanowy pecherzyk zólciowy z podejrzeniem raka pecherzyka zólciowego. Opis przypadku i przeglad literatury.

Gallbladder calcification known as porcelain gallbladder (PGB) is most often asymptomatic disease developing in consequence of chronic inflammatory process in the course of other gallbladder diseases (gallstone disease). In the past PGB was reported to be associated with carcinoma of gallbladder, with the incidence of 30%, nowadays recent studies suggesting a rate of 6%. Patients with PGB due to malignancy risk undergo , prophylactic cholecystectomy although as recent studies show part of them could avoid it. AIM: Presentation of a case of a patient with calcification of the gallbladder wall and suspicion of gallbladder cancer and a review of the literature. A CASE REPORT: A 66-year-old woman was admitted with a diagnosis of PGB and concomitant diseases with a high risk of adverse events. PGB was detected through incidentally 4 months earlier, during the diagnosis of abdominal pain caused by the sigmoid volvulus. Computed tomography revealed enlarged (125mm x 57mm) PGB and abnormal tissue components into the fundus of gallbladder- suspected malignancy. No detected lymphadenopathy and growing cancer into liver, or invading, nearby organs. The patient underwent open extended (radical) cholecystectomy. Gallbladder was excised with fused part of greater omentum and adjacent, wedge-shaped part of liver parenchyma. Lymphadenectomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament and resection of cystic duct stump was also performed. There was no postoperative complication, patient was discharged six days after the surgery. No gallbladder cancer was found in the histopathological examination. There were fund cholecystolithiasis, chronic cholecystitis with hyalinization and calcification of the wall, chronic limphadenitis and glandular epithelium in the stump of the cystic duct. RESULTS: Patient with PGB and suspicion of gallbladder cancer was treated with open extended cholecystectomy. Histopathological examination has not revealed gallbladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Open extended cholecystectomy has proven to be an effective and safe treatment for a patient with a porcelain gallbladder at high risk of cancer.

[Esophageal squamous papilloma - a case report]. / Brodawczak plaskonablonkowy przelyku ­ opis przypadku.

Esophageal squamous cell papilloma (ESP) is recognised rarely. Usually it is the finding of diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). It is considered as asymptomatic benign lesion, in most cases solitary. Larger papilloma and papillomatous lesions are extremely rare and can cause dysphagia, odynophagia, or bleeding. Squamous cell papilloma of esophagus is the lesion of unknown potential for malignant transformation, which currently has no guidelines for endoscopic surveillance. The aim of the study was to present the patient diagnosed with squamous cell papillomas of oesophagus, method of treatment and endoscopic surveillance. A CASE STUDY: The 65-year-old woman was referred for investigation of epigastric pain and heartburn. The EGG was performed. The normal esophageal mucosa was found with presence of several papillomatous structures from 3 to 8 mm in size within 25-30 cm of incisors line. One 3 mm ESP was completely removed. From the biggest lesion biopsy was obtained. Histopatological examination revealed squamous cell papilloma of oesophagus. However no HPV was detcted. Three months later patient underwent endoscopic resection of ESPs. Two, 8 mm lesions were removed completely by diathermic snare and five 3 mm lesions were removed by biopsy forceps. Histopatological examination of the resected specimen was the same as the previous examination and reveled squamous cell papilloma without HPV presence. After 6 months, no recurrence of papillomas was found in the control EGD, however, it was decided to conduct endoscopic surveillance and perform follow-up EGD in a year's time. Radical removal of squamous cell papillomas of the esophagus was performed using endoscopic resection. After 6 months recurrence of papillomas was not confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal squamous papillomas are efficiently removed by endoscopic resection. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy may be used as a method of endoscopic surveillance.

Totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in patients with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Prospective controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery is associated with several advantages. Surgical procedures in hemophilia or von Willebrand patients without replacement therapy (RT) to correct clotting factor deficiency may result in serious, life-threatening hemorrhagic episodes. Clotting factor concentrates improve hemostatic control but bleeding risk in major invasive procedures remains high. AIM: Evaluation of totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP-IHR) in patients with congenital hemorrhagic disorders (H) and comparison with results for non-hemophiliacs (NH) with regard to bleeding, postoperative pain, hernia recurrence, surgery time, demand for painkillers, hospital stay and recovery time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective controlled trial included 67 consecutive male patients scheduled for TEP-IHR between January 2010 and December 2018. Surgery was performed in groups H (n = 22) and NH (n = 45). Full study inclusion criteria were met by 65 patients (22 and 43 in H and NH groups respectively). Follow-up was carried out on the 1st, 2nd, and 7th day and in the 1st and 3rd month postoperatively. RESULTS: TEP-IHR was successful for all patients. No life-threatening bleeding occurred and no patient required red blood cell transfusions or reoperation. No hernia recurrence was reported. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to surgery duration, postoperative hematoma frequency and demand for painkillers. In the H group, pain intensity was significantly higher during the first postoperative month and hospitalization and recovery were significantly longer. CONCLUSIONS: TEP-IHR in hemophiliacs with RT is feasible and as effective for preventing hernia recurrence as in NH-patients. In hemophiliacs risk of bleeding complications and demand for painkillers are comparable to non-hemophiliacs although pain is more intense.

Local recurrence of the atypical fibrous histiocytoma - a case report.

Atypical fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is an uncommon variant of benign skin neoplasm, fibrous histiocytoma. Despite having pseudosarcomatous histological features, atypical fibrous histiocytoma is characterized by a benign clinical course. AIM: The aim of the study was to present the case of local recurrence of atypical fibrous histiocytoma in scar after the primary excision. A CASE REPORT: A 28-year-old woman was admitted due to a slowgrowing 10 mm skin tumor of the left elbow, which has been observed for 18 months. Physical examination revealed that the tumor was covered by normal skin, firm, painless and movable. Tumor was excised and the wound was healed properly. Histopathological examination revealed AFH with normal tissue margins below 1 mm. It was decided to increase the excision. After 4 months patient was admitted for an extended resection. Physical examination showed no abnormalities within the scar. Despite this the primary procedure was radicalized and the scar with margins was excised. Histopathological examination reveals a subcuticular, single-site, 2 mm recurrent atypical fibrous histiocytoma with a surrounding of 2-10 mm normal tissue margin. The patient remains in follow-up the scar reveals no irregularities. The excisional biopsy followed by an extended resection makes a complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of a too small surgical margin (<1 mm) could contribute to the local recurrence of atypical fibrous histiocytoma.

Totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with or without fixation leads to similar results. Outcome of randomized prospective trial.

INTRODUCTION: The use of implants in inguinal hernia repair has reduced its recurrence rate. However, postoperative groin pain still remains an unresolved problem. There are suggestions that in totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP-IHR) two of the likely factors responsible for pain are use of fixation and the type of fixation used. AIM: To evaluate the impact of mesh fixation on the incidence of postoperative pain, restriction of physical activities, hernia recurrence risk, return to normal activities and demand for analgesics in patients after unilateral TEP-IHR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Unilateral TEP-IHR was performed in 139 male patients randomized to three groups: self-gripping mesh (SG), lightweight mesh (L) and lightweight mesh with fixation (LF). Full study-inclusion criteria were met by 110 patients; 43, 18 and 49 in groups SG, L and LF respectively. Follow-up occurred on the 1st, 2nd, and 7th day and 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively. The numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain and the EuraHS-QoL (European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life Score) questionnaire to compare quality of life (QoL) prior to surgery and one year later. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between study groups with regard to the incidence rate and intensity of acute post-operative pain, chronic pain, analgesic demand, return to normal activity, hernia recurrence rate and post-operative QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of fixation in TEP-IHR does not increase the risk of hernia recurrence, and its presence does not significantly worsen the treatment results; especially it does not increase the incidence of chronic pain.

Surgery in patients with congenital factor VII deficiency - a single center study.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital factor VII deficiency is a rare hemorrhagic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Surgical treatment with insufficient diathesis correction is burdened with high risk of bleeding complications. The aim of the study was evaluation of the surgical outcome in patients with congenital factor VII deficiency and assessment of the efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) used for perioperative hemostatic coverage in our two schemas of substitutive therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the years 2002-2017 a total of 22 patients with congenital factor VII deficiency were subjected to surgery. Substitution therapy relied on rFVIIa used in two schemas. One involved 15 patients with factor VII activity of<10% of normal value who were injected rFVIIa at a dose of 30 µg/kg b.w. every12 hours on surgery day, 15 µg/kg b.w. every 12 hours on the first postoperative day and 15 µg/kg b.w. every 24 hours on the following days. The second schema involved 7 patients with factor VII activity of 10-25% of normal value who were given rFVIIa at a dose of 15 µg/kg b.w. every 12 hours on surgery day and the first postoperative day; then the same dose was administered every 24 hours on consecutive days. The treatment continued for 4-10 days. RESULTS: In the 22 patients a total of 26 surgeries were performed; 17 surgeries in 15 patients with factor VII<10% of normal and 9 in 7 patients with factor VII deficiency of 10-25% of normal. The surgeries included: 9 cholecystectomies (8 laparoscopic,1 open), 7 thyroidectomy procedures, 2 exploratory laparotomies, 1 left hemicolectomy, 1 total proctocolectomy, 3 inguinal hernia repairs and 3 excisions of varicose veins. One patient with factor VII activity of 9% required an additional dose of rFVIIa in the intraoperative period due to diathesis bleeding. Intraoperative hemostasis was normal for all other patients; no postoperative hemorrhagic complications were reported. In patients with FVII activity<10% average daily dose of rFVIIa was 31.3(range 20-56) µg/kg b.w., total daily dose 186(136-303) µg/kg b.w., total dose of rFVIIa-15.2(12-112) mg. In patients with FVII activity 10-25% the doses were 21.2(15-31), 117(46-271) µg/kg b.w. and 9.1(6-17) mg respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in patients with congenital factor VII deficiency can be safely and efficiently performed with rFVIIa as substitutive treatment securing perioperative hemostasis.

Sclerotherapy of esophageal varices in hemophilia patients with liver cirrhosis - a prospective, controlled clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding from esophageal varices is a serious clinical condition in hemophilia patients due to congenital deficiency or lack of clotting factors VIII (in hemophilia A) and IX (in hemophilia B), decreased clotting factor II, VII, IX, X synthesis in the course of chronic liver disease and hipersplenic thrombocytopenia. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic sclerotherapy in acute esophageal variceal bleeding and in secondary prophylaxis of hemorrhage. The aim was also to investigate the optimal activity of deficiency factors VIII or IX and duration of replacement therapy required to ensure proper hemostasis after sclerotherapy procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 22 hemophilia patients (A-19, B-4) with coexistent liver cirrhosis and active esophageal variceal bleeding treated with endoscopic sclerotherapy were subjected to prospective analysis. The patients who survived were qualified to repeated sclerotherapy procedures every 3 weeks within secondary prophylaxis of bleeding (investigated group). A 3-day substitution therapy enhanced the infusion of the deficient or lacking factor in doses allowing to reach 80-100% of normal value activity of factor VIII on the 1st day and 60-80% in the next two days. The desired activity of factor IX was 60- 80% and 40-60% respectively. The control group consisted of 20 non-hemophiliac patients with liver cirrhosis comparable in terms of age, sex, stage of advancement of liver cirrhosis, who underwent the same medical proceedings as the investigated group. RESULTS: Active esophageal bleeding was stopped in 21 of 22 (95%) hemophilia patients. Complications were observed in 3 patients; 2 patients died. The rate of hemostasis, complications and deaths in the control group were comparable and no statistical differences were found. In hemophilia patients subjected to secondary prophylaxis of hemorrhage, in 18 of 20 (80%), complete eradication of esophageal varices was achieved after 4 to 7 sclerotherapy procedures in 1 patient (average 5.4). Recurrent bleeding was observed in 15% of patients, complication in 20%; 1 patient died. Time lapse from bleeding to eradication was 12-21 weeks (average 15.2). In the control group the rate of variceal eradication, complication and deaths was comparable and no statistical differences were found. The usage of factor VIII concentrates was as follows: in hemophilia A, in a severe form - 80.9 U/kg b.w./day, in hemophilia A in a severe form with an inhibitor <5 BU - 95.2 U/kg b.w./day, in mild form - 64.2 U/kg b.w./day and in severe hemophilia B - 91.6 U/kg b.w./day. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotherapy is an effective method in the management of esophageal variceal bleeding in hemophilia patients. It is also effective for total eradication of varices when applied as a secondary prophylaxis of hemorrhage. In our opinion, a 3-day replacement therapy at the applied doses is sufficient to ensure hemostasis and avoid bleeding complications.

Sclerotherapy Of Esophageal Varices In Severe Hemophilia A Patient And High Titer Inhibitor--Case Report.

In cirrhotic hemophilia patients bleeding from esophageal varices is a serious clinical condition due to congenital deficiency of clotting factors VIII or IX, decreased prothrombin synthesis and hypersplenic thrombocytopenia. In hemophiliac with high-titer inhibitor bypassing therapy is required with activated prothrombin complex concentrates (aPCC) or recombinant activated coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa). Doses and duration treatment with these agents following endoscopic treatment of esophageal varices have not been yet established. Authors report the first case of a severe hemophilia A patient with high titer inhibitor (40 BU) treated with repeated injection sclerotherapy. The patient was admitted with symptoms of massive esophageal variceal hemorrhage ceased with emergency sclerotherapy. Bypassing therapy was administered with aPCC at initial dose of 72.5 U/kg and then with average daily dose of 162 U/kg through 5 days. To achieved a total eradication of esophageal varices the patient was then subjected to four elective sclerotherapy procedures. Two were covered by aPCC with daily dose of 120 U/kg and 145 U/kg for 4 and 3 days respectively and the following two procedures were covered by rFVIIa with the initial dose of 116 µg/kg and the next doses of 87 µg/kg administered every 3 hours in procedure day and every 4 hours on the next two days. During all procedures excellent hemostasis was achieved and no hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications were observed. Bypassing regimen therapy with aPCC and rFVIIa we applied have been shown to be safe and effective in this patient subjected to sclerotherapy procedures.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acalculous cholecystitis in a neutropenic patient after chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (ACC) is most frequently reported in critically ill patients following sepsis, extensive injury or surgery. It is rather uncommon as a chemotherapy-induced complication, which is usually life-threatening in neutropenic patients subjected to myelosuppressive therapy. A 23-year-old patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was subjected to myelosuppressive chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, pegaspargase). After the first chemotherapy cycle the patient was neutropenic and feverish; she presented with vomiting and pain in the right epigastrium. Ultrasound demonstrated an acalculous gallbladder with wall thickening up to 14 mm. The ACC was diagnosed. Medical therapy included a broad spectrum antibiotic regimen and granulocyte-colony stimulating factors. On the second day after ACC diagnosis the patient's general condition worsened. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. The resected gallbladder showed no signs of bacterial or leukemic infiltrates. The postoperative course was uneventful. In the management of neutropenic patients with ACC surgical treatment is as important as pharmacological therapy.

[Necrotizing gastritis in a patient in severe neutropenia]. / Martwica zoladka u chorej w ciezkiej neutropenia.

One extremely rare complication of chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies that is burdened with a high mortality rate (50%-80%) is necrotizing gastritis and gastric gangrene as result of poor clinical outcome of neutropenic gastritis (NG). We present a unique case of a neutropenic patient with necrotizing full thickness gastritis due to bacterial and fungal infection. Up to date only few such cases have been reported in world literature. A 28-year-old patient was subjected to dose-escalated BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone), (chemotherapy regimen) for Hodgkin lymphoma. In neutropenic patient abdominal pain, bleeding from the alimentary tract was observed. Hemorrhagic gastritis was recognized at endoscopy and CT demonstrated marked gastric wall thickness. Following NG diagnosis intensive treatment was initiated. On day 2 the patient's condition deteriorated (septic shock, multiple organ failure). Repeat endoscopy revealed gastric necrosis and laparotomy was performed. As consequence of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation the surgical procedure was limited to total gastrectomy, feeding jejustomy and esophageal drainage through nasoesophageal catherization. Roux-loop esophagojejunostomy was performed on day 22 and supplemented 4 days later by endoscopic placement of covered self-expandable stent due to anastomosis leak. The procedure proved successful and oral feeding was well-tolerated. The patient was discharged in 32 days following recognition of gastric necrosis. Chemotherapy complications in neutropenic patients are life-threatening conditions. Immediate pharmacological treatment usually leads to improvement. Surgical management usually the resection of necrotic zones is restricted to cases of poor prognosis or deterioration of patient's condition and complications.

Radiofrequency ablation in the management of Barrett's esophagus - preliminary own experience.

INTRODUCTION: Barrett's esophagus develops as a result of chronic injury of esophagus epithelium from gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is defined when metaplastic columnar epithelium replaces the stratified squamous epithelium which normally lies in the distal esophagus. The condition represents a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. The aim of the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) method is to destroy metaplastic epithelium with radiofrequency electric current and to stimulate reappearance of the flat multilayer epithelium in the distal esophagus. AIM: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of the RFA technique, newly introduced in Poland, in the management of Barrett's esophagus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients were treated with the RFA method. Patients with Barrett's esophagus confirmed in the histopathological report were qualified for treatment. Two RFA techniques were applied using a BARRX(®) device: circular based on the balloon HALO(360) system or focal based on the HALO(90) system mounted to the endoscopic ending. The procedures were performed at 2-month intervals. The macroscopic and microscopic effects of RFA therapy, the patients' treatment tolerance as well as potential complications were evaluated. RESULTS: In the group of 12 patients subjected to RFA therapy, 10 completed the therapeutic cycle. A total of 37 procedures were performed: 5 HALO(360) and 32 HALO(90). In all patients eradication of the abnormal metaplastic esophageal epithelium was achieved, as confirmed in both endoscopic and histopathological evaluation. In 2 patients with ongoing therapy progressive eradication of metaplastic epithelium was observed. No significant RFA-related complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our preliminary results we consider this method to be promising, free of significant complications and well tolerated by patients. In most patients it results in successful eradication of metaplastic epithelium in the distal esophagus.

Effect of mesh type, surgeon and selected patients' characteristics on the treatment of inguinal hernia with the Lichtenstein technique. Randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Though not entirely free of complications, the Lichtenstein technique is still considered the "gold standard" for inguinal hernia repair due to the low recurrence rate. AIM: In our study we determined the effect of mesh type, surgeon and selected patients' characteristics on treatment results. The latter were determined by the frequency of early complications, recovery time and return to normal activities, chronic pain and hernia recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tension-free hernia repair with the Lichtenstein technique was performed in 149 male patients aged 20-89 years randomized to two trial groups. One group comprised 76 patients with heavyweight non-absorbable polypropylene mesh (HW group) and the other included 73 patients with lightweight partially absorbable mesh (LW group). The control schedule follow-up took place on the 7(th) day as well as in the 3(rd) and 6(th) month after the operation. Statistical analysis was performed with multi-factor regression models. RESULTS: In the LW group patients returned to normal activity faster (p = 0.031), experienced less intensive chronic pain (p = 0.01) and expressed higher treatment satisfaction (p = 0.024) than the patients from the HW group. The type of mesh had an insignificant influence on the risk of early complications and hernia recurrence. Statistically significant differences were observed however with regard to surgeon, type and hernia duration, patient's general condition and body mass. CONCLUSIONS: Both types of mesh are equally effective for prevention of hernia recurrence. Lightweight partially absorbable meshes are more beneficial to patients than the heavyweight non-absorbable type. The surgeon and patients' characteristics have a significant impact on the treatment outcome.

[Analysis of the prevalence of HBV markers relevant to the risk of reactivation of infection in patients with hematologic diseases]. / Analiza wystepowania markerów wirusa HBV istotnych dla ryzyka reaktywacji zakazenia u osób z chorobami hematologicznymi.

The study assessed the incidence of HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) important for determination of the risk of reactivation of infection, with particular interest of occult infection (presence of HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg) in patients treated at the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine. Anti-HBc frequency was correlated with the age and sex of patients. HBsAg was detected in 16/468 examined patients, 98/468 (21%) were anti-HBc positive. HBV DNA was detected in 41/98 anti-HBc positives; in 13 simultaneously with HBsAg. 28 patients had occult HBV infection (HBV DNA+/HBsAg). Antibody to HBsAg was detected in 163/430 (38%) patients, 81 out of them on protective level (> 100 IU/l). It was shown that occult HBV infection occurs in approximately 6% of patients. In most of them the protective levels of anti-HBs are detected.

[Incarcerated hernia of the inferior ileocecal recess--a rare nephrectomy complication]. / Uwieznieta przepuklina zachylka kretniczo-katniczego dolnego--rzadkie powiklanie nefrektomii.

INTRODUCTION: Internal hernia results from viscus protrusion into a retroperitoneal fossa or foramen in the abdominal cavity. The condition is rare but when it occurs the patient usually manifests symptoms of alimentary tract obstruction. In this paper we present a very rare case of post-operative incarcerated internal hernia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On post-operative day four we diagnosed small bowel obstruction in a patient subjected to left side nephroctomy from retroperitoneal access. Emergency surgical procedure followed. The incarcerated intestinal hernia was released from the inferior ileocecal recess and absorbable sutures were applied. The post operative complications (pneumonia in right lung and bacterial wound infection) subsided as result of antibiotic therapy and wound dressing RESULTS: Following successful medical treatment, the patient was discharged (postoperative day 20). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of incarcerated hernia of the interior ileocecal recess is not easy and often occurs incidentally during exploratory laparoscopy for intestinal occlusion.

Randomized clinical trial comparing inguinal hernia repair with Lichtenstein technique using non-absorbable or partially absorbable mesh. Preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: The Lichtenstein technique is currently considered the "gold standard" of open, anterior inguinal hernia repair. It is not free, however, of adverse effects, which may be caused by the implemented synthetic material. AIM: Determination the influence of the mesh employed on treatment results including immediate complications, return to everyday activities, chronic pain occurrence and hernia recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tension-free hernia repair using the Lichtenstein technique was performed in all the 59 patients randomized to trial groups. Group P with heavyweight polypropylene mesh contained 34 patients; group V with lightweight, partially absorbable mesh (polypropylene/polyglactin 910) consisted of 25 people. Controlled, scheduled follow-up appointments took place after the 7(th) day and the 3(rd) and 6(th) month. Patients were clinically assessed and pain intensity was determined on an analogue-visual scale. RESULTS: No statistically significant influence of the type of mesh on the risk of early complications, severe pain intensity, the length of hospital stay, time of recovery, or patients' satisfaction with treatment was observed. After 6 months also no statistically significant differences were observed between groups with regard to recurrence rate (P 3.4% vs. V 4.0%), chronic pain (P 5.9% vs. V 4.0%) and ailments such as "foreign body presence" (V vs. P, OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.077-1.219, p = 0.093) incidence, although their probability was 70% lower for V mesh. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results confirm the effectiveness of the Lichtenstein technique for hernia repair with both types of meshes. It appears that use of a partially absorbable mesh is connected with lower risk of postoperative complications, but the final results require multicentre trials in a larger series of patients.

[Self-fixating Progrip implant used in the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique for inguinal hernia repair]. / Zastosowanie samomocujacego sie implantu Progrip w technice calkowicie pozaotrzewnowej w operacji naprawczej przepukliny pachwinowej.

UNLABELLED: Modern tension-free techniques have become standard for inguinal hernia repair. The most highly regarded minimally invasive technique is laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TEP) which results in shorter recovery, earlier return to normal activities and better quality of life as compared to open repair techniques. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of inguinal hernia management in a von Willebrand (type 2a) patient. For the first time in Poland a partially absorbant mesh with a self-fixating system was implanted in a completely extraperitoneal approach using laparoscopy (TEP technique). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The procedure used was typical for the method; two 5 mm ports and a 10 mm port for the camera were applied below the umbilical line. A 15 x 9 cm synthetic mesh was inserted through the 10 mm port and positioned preperitonealy to close the hernia ring. Substitution therapy was administered for 7 days to control factor VIII activity in plasma at a level of approximately 100% for the first 3 days and 70% until healing of the postoperative wound. RESULTS: Surgery was uneventful with no postoperative complications. The patient was discharged from hospital within 7 days of suture removal. No hernia recurrence nor persisting pain were reported at follow-up examination 6 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Synthetic mesh with a self-fixating system used in the TEP technique for inguinal hernia repair has been proved safe and fully effective.