Incarceration of a part of the gastric wall into the abdominal cavity in a patient with hiatal hernia and complete dislocation of the stomach (upside-down stomach).

An upside-down stomach is a rare type of hiatal hernia. An 83-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed an upside-down stomach and the incarceration of a part of the gastric body into the abdominal cavity. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a circular ulcer caused by gastric ischemia. Although she was discharged after 1 week of conservative therapy, she was readmitted to the hospital 1 day after discharge because of a recurrence of hiatal hernia incarceration. She underwent laparoscopic surgery 4 days after readmission and recovered successfully.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: relationship between defect size and outcome. Experience in a reference centre.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains a therapeutic challenge. The surgical classification recommended by the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia study group (CDHSG), based on the size of the defect, is used for staging in reference centres. Larger defects are associated with poorer outcomes. Our aim was to describe and compare the morbidity at hospital discharge of newborns who underwent surgical correction of CDH at the Juan P. Garrahan, according to the surgical staging of the defect proposed by the CDHSG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with CDH admitted to the Juan P. Garrahan Hospital between 2012 and 2020, and we analysed the distribution, morbidity and mortality associated with the size of the defect. We carried out a descriptive analysis, calculating measures of central tendency and dispersion, and bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients with CDH were admitted and 158 underwent surgery. We found that defect sizes C and D sizes were associated with an increased risk of chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.2-13.4; P<.0000), need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR 3.9; 95% CI, 1.3-12.8; P<.005) and chylothorax (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.8-6.4; P<.10]. The multivariate analysis revealed that a large defect size (C-D) was independently and significantly associated with CPD (OR 4.19; 95% CI, 1.76-9.95). CONCLUSION: Staging the defect according to de CDHSG classification during surgery allows the application of uniform management criteria and the prediction of patient outcomes and complications during the hospital stay.

Prenatal diagnostic and intervention considerations in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life-threatening birth defect with significant morbidity and mortality. The prenatal management of a pregnancy with a fetus affected with CDH is complex and requires a multi-disciplinary team approach. An improved understanding of prenatal diagnosis and management is essential to developing strategies to optimize outcomes for these patients. In this review, we explore the current knowledge on diagnosis, severity stratification, prognostic prediction, and indications for fetal intervention in the fetus with CDH.

Cardiac function in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Cardiac function is known to play critical role in the pathophysiological progression and ultimate clinical outcome of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). While often anatomically normal, the fetal and neonatal heart in CDH can suffer from both right and left ventricular dysfunction. Here we explore the abnormal fetal heart, early postnatal right and left ventricular dysfunction, the interplay between cardiac dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, evaluation and echocardiographic assessment of the heart, and therapeutic strategies for managing and supporting the pathophysiologic heart and CDH. Further, we take a common clinical scenario and provide clinically relevant guidance for the diagnosis and management of this complex process.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia-associated pulmonary hypertension.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is characterized by a developmental insult which compromises cardiopulmonary embryology and results in a diaphragmatic defect, allowing abdominal organs to herniate into the hemithorax. Among the significant pathophysiologic components of this condition is pulmonary hypertension (PH), alongside pulmonary hypoplasia and cardiac dysfunction. Fetal pulmonary vascular development coincides with lung development, with the pulmonary vasculature evolving alongside lung maturation. However, in CDH, this embryologic development is impaired which, in conjunction with external compression, stifle pulmonary vascular maturation, leading to reduced lung density, increased muscularization of the pulmonary vasculature, abnormal vascular responsiveness, and altered molecular signaling, all contributing to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Understanding CDH-associated PH (CDH-PH) is crucial for development of novel approaches and effective management due to its significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Antenatal and postnatal diagnostic methods aid in CDH risk stratification and, specifically, pulmonary hypertension, including fetal imaging and gas exchange assessments. Management strategies include lung protective ventilation, fluid optimization, pharmacotherapies including pulmonary vasodilators and hemodynamic support, and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for refractory cases. Longitudinal re-evaluation is an important consideration due to the complexity and dynamic nature of CDH cardiopulmonary physiology. Emerging therapies such as fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion and pharmacological interventions targeting key CDH pathophysiological mechanisms show promise but require further investigation. The complexity of CDH-PH underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient care and improved outcomes.

Reducing recurrence rates in hiatal hernia repair: Results of a quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: Patient and procedure factors are considered in the decision-making process for surgical repair of hiatal hernias. Recurrence is multi-factorial and has been shown to be related to size, type, BMI and age. AIMS: This study examined recurrence rates in a single institution, identified areas for improved surgical technique, and re-assessed recurrence following implantation of a quality improvement initiative. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair surgery between 2018 and 2022 was conducted. Demographics, pre-operative characteristics, intra-operative procedures and recurrence rates were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients from 2018 to 2020 and 34 patients from 2021 to 2022 were identified. The recurrence rate was 21% in 2018-2020, with 14% requiring a revisional procedure. Recurrence and re-operation were subsequently reduced to 6% in 2021 and 2022, which was statistically significant (p = 0.043). There was an increase in gastropexy from 21% to 41% following the review (p = 0.032), which was mainly reserved for large and giant hernias. Procedural and literature review, alongside gastropexy, can be attributed to recurrence rate reduction. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to educate patients on the likelihood and risk factors of recurrence. A comprehensive review of procedures and a quality improvement program in our facility for hiatal hernia repair is shown to reduce recurrence.

Misdiagnosed Meckel's diverticulum with internal hernia mimicking appendicitis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, with a higher incidence rate in children under 7 years old. The condition is characteristically asymptomatic but may become a clinical concern when complications such as intestinal obstruction, bleeding, perforation, or diverticulitis precipitate acute abdominal presentations. CASE SUMMARY: This report describes the case of a middle-aged man initially suspected of having acute appendicitis, which rapidly progressed to acute peritonitis with concomitant intestinal obstruction observed during preoperative assessment. Surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum-induced internal hernia, accompanied by intestinal obstruction and necrosis. In addition, the hernial ring base exhibited entrapment resembling a surgical knot. CONCLUSION: Meckel's diverticulum is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in adults, and it should be considered in a differential diagnosis.

Radiographic Features of a Strangulated Transomental Hernia.

This is a case report of an 82-year-old male who presented with intractable and diffuse abdominal pain and had a computed tomography (CT) abdomen showing a closed loop obstruction in the right hemiabdomen with anteromedial displacement of the cecum and ascending colon. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a gangrenous segment of the ileum strangulated by a transomental hernia in the right lower quadrant. The nonviable bowel was resected, and the healthy bowel segments were anastomosed. It is important to correlate the clinical signs of bowel obstruction with radiographic findings of internal hernia to expedite surgical intervention and prevent complications of bowel ischemia.

Limitations of Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR)-Additional Bridging of the Posterior Layer And/Or Anterior Fascia Is the Preferred Solution in Our Clinical Routine If Primary Closure is Not Possible.

Background: By separating the abdominal wall, transversus abdominis release (TAR) permits reconstruction of the abdominal wall and the placement of large mesh for many types of hernias. However, in borderline cases, the mobility of the layers is inadequate, and additional bridging techniques may be required for tension-free closure. We now present our own data in this regard. Patients and Methods: In 2023, we performed transversus abdominis release on 50 patients as part of hernia repair. The procedures were carried out using open (n = 25), robotic (n = 24), and laparoscopic (n = 1) techniques. The hernia sac was always integrated into the anterior suture and, in the case of medial hernias, was used for linea alba reconstruction. Results: For medial hernias, open TAR was performed in 22 cases. Additional posterior bridging was performed in 7 of these cases. The ratio of mesh size in the TAR plane to the defect area (median in cm) was 1200cm2/177 cm2 = 6.8 in patients without bridging, and 1750cm2/452 cm2 = 3.8 in those with bridging. The duration of surgery (median in min) was 139 and 222 min and the hospital stay was 6 and 10 days, respectively. Robotic TAR was performed predominantly for lateral and parastomal hernias. These procedures took a median of 143 and 242 min, and the hospital stay was 2 and 3 days, respectively. For robotic repair, posterior bridging was performed in 3 cases. Discussion: Using the TAR technique, even complex hernias can be safely repaired. Additional posterior bridging provides a reliable separation of the posterior plane from the intestines. Therefore, the hernia sac is always available for anterior reconstruction of the linea alba. The technique can be implemented as an open or minimally invasive procedure.

Herniation of the Right Colon, From the Cecum to the Hepatic Flexure, Through the Foramen of Winslow: A Case Report.

Herniation of bowel contents between the peritoneal cavity proper and the omental bursa, through the foramen of Winslow, can present diagnostic challenges that can potentially delay necessary surgical intervention. This case describes a 49-year-old female with a past medical history of hiatal hernia and biliary dyskinesia who presented to the emergency department with severe epigastric and right lower quadrant abdominal pain one day after a reported gastrointestinal illness of unknown etiology. Initial emergency department workup demonstrated an elevated white blood cell count without lactic acidosis. Computed tomography imaging was interpreted as gastric distension with volvulus around the mesentery and second portion of the duodenum. Intraoperatively, the entirety of the right colon was noted to have passed through the foramen of Winslow into the lesser sac. This led to twisting of the mesocolon causing compression of the duodenum and a gastric outlet obstruction. After surgical reduction of the herniation, the patient noted great improvement in pain and other symptoms.

Construction and validation of a predictive model for the risk of contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children with unilateral inguinal hernia or hydrocele.

To develop a nomogram model for predicting contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children with unilateral inguinal hernia or hydrocele. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 259 children with unilateral inguinal hernia or hydrocele who underwent laparoscopic surgery at the Southern Hospital of Southern Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023. The patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 207) and a validation set (n = 52) in an 8:2 ratio to analyze the characteristics of CPPV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen for independent risk factors for CPPV, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The predictive ability, calibration, and clinical net benefit of the model were evaluated by plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves (HL), and clinical decision curves (DCA). Among children under 1 year old, the laparoscopic exploration revealed a CPPV incidence rate of 55.17%. The incidence rates for children aged 2-10 years ranged from 29.03 to 39.13%, and the incidence rate for children aged 11-14 years was 21.21%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 0.9, 95%CI 0.82-0.99, P = 0.035) and female gender (OR = 2.42, 95%CI 1.21-4.83, P = 0.013) were independent risk factors for CPPV, and the incidence of CPPV decreased with age. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the training set of the constructed model was 0.632, and the AUC for the validation set was 0.708. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated good model fit (training set P = 0.085, validation set P = 0.221), and the DCA curve suggested good clinical benefit.The nomogram model developed in this study demonstrates good clinical value. Children with unilateral inguinal hernia or hydrocele who are younger in age and female gender should undergo careful intraoperative exploration for the presence of CPPV. What is Known: • The probability of developing inguinal hernia in children with CPPV is 11%-25%, and redo surgery can increase surgical risks and financial burden. • The risk factors of unilateral inguinal hernia combined with CPPV are controversial. What is New: • Age and female gender are independent risk factors for CPPV. • A nomogram prediction model was constructed to provide a theoretical basis as well as an assessment tool for preoperative evaluation of whether children with unilateral indirect inguinal hernia are susceptible to CPPV.

Recurrence of anterior congenital diaphragmatic hernia after laparoscopic repair in children.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with laparoscopic repair of anterior congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) using extracorporeal subcutaneous knot tying and to define recurrence risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective unicentric study included children who underwent laparoscopic repair of anterior CDH without patch, using extracorporeal knot tying of sutures passed through the full thickness of the abdominal wall (2013-2020). A systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis was performed using the MEDLINE database since 2000. RESULTS: Eight children were included (12 months [1-183]; 10.6 kg [3.6-65]). Among the two patients with Down syndrome, one with previous cardiac surgery had a recurrence at 17 months postoperatively. In our systematic review (26 articles), among the 156 patients included, 10 had a recurrence (none with patch). Recurrence was statistically more frequent in patients with Down syndrome (19.4%) than without (2.5%) (p < 0.0001), and when absorbable sutures were used (50%) instead of non-absorbable sutures (5.3%) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair of anterior CDH without patch was a safe and efficient surgical approach in our patients. The use of a non-absorbable prosthetic patch should be specifically discussed in anterior CDH associated with Down syndrome and/or in case of previous cardiac surgery to perform a diaphragmatic tension-free closure.

Complications unveiled: A detailed case report on mesh migration post-incisional hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Repairing incisional abdominal wall hernia with nonabsorbable meshes is one of the most common procedures in general surgery. Mesh migration into the intestine is rare but a serious complication. It can occur months or even years after surgery and often presents with vague abdominal pain, making diagnosis tricky. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of a 52-year-old female presenting a small bowel obstruction secondary to mesh migration from the abdominal wall into the intestine, 10 years after repeated surgical repair of a ventral incisional hernia. At surgery, a mesh was migrated into a small bowl. The patient had a small bowel resection. The postoperative course was simple and the patient was discharged after 5 days. CASE DISCUSSION: Incisional hernia repair with mesh is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Many complications have been linked to the use of mesh; among the most frequently reported are seromas, hematomas, and infections. Mesh migration remains an uncommon event after incisional hernia repair, and even rarer when considering complete migration within the intestinal lumen. The exact cause of this complication remains unknown. Multiple hypotheses have been proposed for mesh migration. Abdominal pain, intermittent or persistent intestinal obstruction, mass formation, and viscus perforation represent the most common clinical manifestation. Total removal of the mesh via laparoscopy or laparotomy is recommended, along with either partial or entire resection of the organ. CONCLUSION: Mesh migration is a an uncommon possible complication in case of incisional hernia mesh repair and it requires often surgical intervention.

Transmesenteric internal hernia: an unexpected adverse event induced by colonoscopy.

Transmesenteric internal hernia is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction that occurs when small bowel loops protrude through a mesenteric defect into the abdominal cavity. Herein, we present an unexpected case of colonoscopy-induced transmesenteric internal hernia. An 81-year-old male patient presenting with intermittent hematochezia and constipation had undergone a laparoscopic left nephrectomy for ureteral cancer. A colonoscopy was performed to identify the etiology of his symptoms. He complained of severe abdominal pain 2 h after the examination despite uneventful endoscopic procedures, including cold snare polypectomy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a strangulated small bowel obstruction with a closed-loop formation outside the descending colon. The small bowel loop was incarcerated into the left retroperitoneal space. Emergency laparotomy detected small bowel loops that prolapsed into the nephrectomy pedicle via a descending mesenteric defect, developed during the laparoscopic left nephrectomy. The incarcerated small bowel was detached from the hernia and returned to its normal position, and the mesenteric defect was closed. He demonstrated an uneventful postoperative course, with no internal hernia recurrence after discharge. This case indicates the risk of transmesenteric internal hernia through inadvertently created mesenteric defects should be borne in mind, especially when performing colonoscopies in patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomies.

Incarcerated Bochdalek Hernia in Adults.

In this case report, the diagnostic challenge and emergency management of a Bochdalek hernia in adults in Mexico are outlined. This case report can help the medical community to consider the clinical presentation in adults and the importance of early diagnosis and management. We present a 57-year-old female patient with a history of arterial hypertension who, following a bout of abdominal pain, was diagnosed with a Bochdalek hernia. Following emergency surgery, there was an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which was continuously monitored due to the possibility of compartment syndrome, potentially necessitating a second emergency surgery.

Amyand's Hernia: An Uncommon Encounter of an Appendiceal Presence in an Inguinal Hernia.

Amyand's hernia is a rare variant of inguinal hernia characterized by the presence of the vermiform appendix within the hernia sac. It represents a unique diagnostic and management challenge for surgeons due to its low incidence and varied clinical presentations. Here, we present a case of a 45-year-old man with a one-year history of right inguinoscrotal swelling, diagnosed as a right indirect inguinal hernia. Preoperative imaging revealed the presence of omentum within the hernia sac. Intraoperatively, both the omentum and the vermiform appendix were found within the sac without evidence of inflammation. The patient underwent successful Lichtenstein meshplasty without appendicectomy. This case highlights the importance of considering Amyand's hernia in the differential diagnosis of inguinal hernias and the significance of intraoperative findings in guiding surgical management. Further studies and case reports are needed to enhance our understanding of this rare clinical entity and optimize patient outcomes.

Major Complication Caused by Inguinal Hernia Recurrence After Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing Procedure in a Patient With Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: A Case Report.

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed procedures in pediatric surgery. Treatment methods include classical open repair and laparoscopic approach. In this report we analyze a case of a 14-month-old boy with Loeys-Dietz syndrome treated for an inguinal hernia with laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS). Two weeks post-operatively the patient was diagnosed with a recurrence of the hernia complicated by an intestine strangulation. As a re-operation of the hernia, the Lichtenstein method was applied successfully. We analyzed the literature to determine the safety and possible contradictions of the PIRS procedure, with particular emphasis on patients with comorbidities such as connective tissue disorders. We conclude that in the PIRS procedure, despite its safety, feasibility and low complication rate in healthy patients, too few studies were made to draw similar conclusions for patients with comorbidities such as connective tissue disorders.

Case report: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax in a small dog.

An 8-year-old castrated male teddy bear dog presented to our clinic with a persistent cough. The sick dog suffered from vehicular trauma 6 months prior to the visit and had imaging and exploratory laparotomy. Imaging and exploratory laparotomy at the time showed no significant damage. We performed contrast radiography (barium gavage) on the sick dog. Based on the results of a complete contrast radiography (barium gavage), tubular shadows in the thoracic cavity were identified as the small intestine and cecum, and delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax was confirmed with radiographs. Accordingly, the sick dog underwent general anesthesia, manual ventilation and diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy by standard ventral midline abdominal approach. Postoperatively, the dog was given analgesia and antibacterial treatment, and the liver biochemical indexes were monitored to prevent endotoxin. Postoperative radiographs revealed clear contours of thoracic and abdominal organs. The dog moved, ate, and urinated normally within 10 days of the surgery. This case provides a reference for a complete barium meal imaging procedure that clearly shows the position of the organs in the thoracoabdominal cavity after the occurrence of a delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. This paper provides a practical reference for the diagnosis of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax.

Surgical Technique and Chronic Postoperative Inguinal Pain in Patients Undergoing Open Inguinal Hernioplasty in Portugal: A Prospective Multicentric Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence about the advantage of Lichtenstein's repair, the guidelines' recommended technique, is scarce regarding postoperative chronic inguinal pain (CPIP). The primary aim of this study was to compare CPIP in patients undergoing Lichtenstein versus other techniques. METHODS: Prospective multicentric cohort study including consecutive adults undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair in Portuguese hospitals (October - December 2019). Laparoscopic and mesh-free hernia repairs were excluded. The primary outcome was postoperative pain at three months, defined as a score of ≥ 3/10 in the European Hernia Society Quality of Life score pain domain. The secondary outcome was 30-day postoperative complications. RESULTS: Eight hundred and sixty-nine patients from 33 hospitals were included. Most were men (90.4%) and had unilateral hernias (88.6%). Overall, 53.6% (466/869) underwent Lichtenstein's repair, and 46.4% (403/869) were treated with other techniques, of which 83.9% (338/403) were plug and patch. The overall rate of CPIP was 16.6% and 12.2% of patients had surgical complications. The unadjusted risk was similar for CPIP (OR 0.76, p = 0.166, CI 0.51 - 1.12) and postoperative complications (OR 1.06, p = 0.801, CI 0.69 - 1.60) between Lichtenstein and other techniques. After adjustment, the risk was also similar for CPIP (OR 0.83, p = 0.455, CI 0.51 - 1.34) and postoperative complications (OR 1.14, p = 0.584, CI 0.71 - 1.84). CONCLUSION: The Lichtenstein technique was not associated with lower CPIP and showed comparable surgical complications. Further investigation as- sessing long term outcomes is necessary to fully assess the benefits of the Lichtenstein technique regarding CPIP.

Small Bowel Obstruction Associated With Ureterocutaneous Fistula After a Radical Cystectomy: A Case Report.

This is a case report of a man in his 60s who was diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction due to an internal hernia caused by a ureterocutaneous fistula. Internal hernia caused by the ureter following urinary diversion is rare, posing challenges in preoperative diagnosis and carrying the risk of intraoperative injury due to the resemblance of a ureterocutaneous fistula to an adhesive band. The presentation and surgical management are discussed in this case report.