Laparoscopic management of drain-site incisional hernias following laparotomies--a simple suture technique

BACKGROUND: Herniation through drain sites is a rare but recognized complication of surgical drainage and are actually considered to be a type of incisional hernia. Incisional hernias form following surgery through the incision site or previous drain sites, or through laparoscopic trocar insertion sites. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this paper, we present 13 such patients with incisional hernia of the main laparotomy wound and at the drain site, and 1 patient with an isolated drain-site hernia. A laparoscopic meshplasty with a simple suturing of the drain-site defect was performed. DISCUSSION: Incisional hernias are reported to occur in approximately 4%-10% of patients following open surgical procedures. There are several studies that have proven the efficacy of laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias, when compared to open procedures. The main predisposing factor regarding incisional hernias is probably the presence of a sepsis during the previous laparotomy, which was why the drainage tube was kept in the first place. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is useful for repairing the main incisional hernia, as well as drain-site hernias, simultaneously. We cut costs by avoiding tacking devices and use intracorporeal suturing instead.     

Incidence of Port-Site Incisional Hernia After Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity among minimally invasive surgeons and is now being applied to a broad number of surgical procedures. Although this technique uses only 1 port, the diameter of the incision is larger than in standard laparoscopic surgery. The long-term incidence of port-site hernias after single-incision laparoscopic surgery has yet to be determined.

Methods:

All patients who underwent a single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedure from May 2008 through May 2009 were included in the study. Single-incision laparoscopic surgical operations were performed either by a multiport technique or with a 3-trocar single-incision laparoscopic surgery port. The patients were seen at 30 to 36 months'' follow-up, at which time they were examined for any evidence of port-site incisional hernia. Patients found to have hernias on clinical examination underwent repairs with mesh.

Results:

A total of 211 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The types of operations included were cholecystectomy, appendectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, and gastrojejunostomy. We found a port-site hernia rate of 2.9% at 30 to 36 months'' follow-up.

Conclusion:

Port-site incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedures remains a major setback for patients. The true incidence remains largely unknown because most patients are asymptomatic and therefore do not seek surgical aid.     

Incisional hernia rate after laparoscopic colorectal resection is reduced with standardisation of specimen extraction

IntroductionIncisional hernia is a common complication of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Extraction site may influence the rate of incisional hernias. Major risk factors for the development of incisional hernias include age, diabetes, obesity and smoking status. In this study, we investigated the effect of specimen extraction site on incisional hernia rate.MethodsTwo cohorts of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resections in a single centre in 2005 (n=85) and 2009 (n=139) were studied retrospectively. In 2005 all specimens were extracted through transverse muscle cutting incisions. In 2009 all specimens were extracted through midline incisions. Demographic variables, rate of incisional hernias and risk factors for hernia development were compared between the year groups. All patients had been followed up clinically for two years.ResultsA total of 224 patients (mean age: 67.5 years, standard deviation: 16.35 years) were included in this study. Of these, 85 patients were in the 2005 transverse group and 139 were in the 2009 midline group. The total incisional hernia rate for the series was 8.0% at the two-year follow-up visit. For the 2005 group, the incisional hernia rate was 15.3% (n=13) and for the 2009 group, it was 3.6% (n=5) (p<0.01). The body mass index was higher in patients who developed incisional hernias than in those who did not (p=0.02).ConclusionsThe 2005 group had a significantly higher incisional hernia rate than the 2009 group. This is due to the differences in the incision technique and extraction site between the two groups.     

Incisional hernia risk after hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) bridges traditional open surgery and pure laparoscopy. The HALS technique provides the necessary site for organ retrieval, reduces operative time, and realizes the postoperative benefits of laparoscopic techniques. Although the reported rates of incisional hernia should be theoretically low, we sought to determine our incidence of hernia after HALS procedures. A retrospective review of all HALS procedures was performed from July 2006 to June 2011. All patients who developed postoperative incisional hernias at the hand port site were confirmed by imaging or examination findings. Patient factors were reviewed to determine any predictors of hernia formation. Over the 5 years, 405 patients undergoing HALS procedures were evaluated: colectomy (264), nephrectomy (107), splenectomy/pancreatectomy (18), and ostomy reversal (10). The overall incidence of incisional hernia was 10.6 per cent. There were three perioperative wound dehiscences. The mean body mass index was significantly higher in the hernia group versus the no hernia cohort (32.1 vs 29.2 kg/m(2); P = 0.001). The hernia group also had a higher incidence of renal disease (18.6 vs 7.2%; P = 0.018). Mean time to hernia formation was 11.4 months (range, 1 to 57 months). Follow-up was greater than 12 months in 188 (46%) of patients, in which the rate of incisional hernia was 17 per cent. The rate of incisional hernia formation after hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures is higher than the reported literature. Because the mean time to hernia development is approximately 1 year, it is important to follow these patients to this end point to determine the true incidence of incisional hernia after hand-assisted laparoscopy.     

Repair of giant incisional abdominal wall hernias using open intraperitoneal mesh

Background Very large and complex incisional hernias, especially those involving loss of abdominal wall, present a particular challenge to the surgeon. Aims The open intraperitoneal technique was used prospectively for the repair of incisional hernias in a selected group of patients with large defects, often those with major loss of abdominal wall, overweight patients, and previous failures of incisional repair. Materials and methods Between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2005, out of 275 patients operated on for incisional hernia repair, 61 of them, most of whom were obese with multiorificial recurrent or giant hernias and contraindicated for laparoscopy, were treated using an open intraperitoneal mesh technique. There were 50 females and 11 males, with a mean age of 61. The median ASA score of the group was 2.3, with a mean BMI of 34 kg/m² and a mean hernia surface of 182 cm². Sixty-four percent of the patients had undergone one or more previous incisional hernia repairs. Results Mean operating time was 130 min, with an average hospital stay of 13 days. None of the patients died. Postoperative complications occurred in 21% of the patients; most of which were minor, but two cases (3.3%) developed deep abscesses requiring surgery and removal of the mesh. A recurrence rate of 5% was found after a mean follow-up of 35 months (8–88). Conclusion Open intraperitoneal mesh repair appears to be a good option for the treatment of complex incisional hernia (at least 10 cm in diameter or multiorificial) in obese patients contraindicated for laparoscopy.     

Enterostomy closure site hernias: a clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia with a reported incidence of up to 50% is a major problem after ostomy formation. Hernias at the closure site may be a problem after the closure of the enterostomy. In this study, in addition to physical examination, we used ultrasonography (USG) in order to find the true incidence of ostomy closure site and laparotomy incisional hernias. METHODS: We examined patients with closed enterostomy sites by both physical examination and USG for the detection of hernias. Risk factors for hernia formation, such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ostomy type, and surgical site infections, were determined. RESULTS: The evaluation of 31 patients with ostomies resulted in a 32% incidence of closed ostomy site hernias when patient medical history, physical examination, and ultrasonographic examination were used together. With physical examination and USG, incisional hernias at the laparotomy incision were found in 58% of cases. USG was able to detect hernias which were not clinically evident at the ostomy closure site and the laparotomy wound. BMI, age, gender, ostomy type, and surgical site infection did not have a significant effect on hernia formation. CONCLUSION: Ostomy closure site and laparotomy incisional hernias are important clinical problems with a high incidence after ostomies are closed. Closure of the enterostomy site should be regarded as a hernia repair rather than a simple fascial closure. USG is a valuable clinical tool in combination with physical examination for the detection of minor defects.     

Incisional hernia repair in Sweden 2002

Incisional hernia is a common problem after abdominal surgery. The complication and recurrence rates following the different repair techniques are a matter of great concern. Our aim was to study the results of incisional hernia repair in Sweden. A questionnaire was sent to all surgical departments in Sweden requesting data concerning incisional hernia repair performed during the year 2002. Eight hundred and sixty-nine incisional hernia repairs were reported from 40 hospitals. Specialist surgeons performed the repair in 782 (83.8%) patients. The incisional hernia was a recurrence in 148 (17.0%) patients. Thirty-three per cent of the hernias were subsequent to transverse, subcostal or muscle-splitting incisions or laparoscopic procedures. Suture repair was performed in 349 (40.2%) hernias. Onlay mesh repair was more common than a sublay technique. The rate of wound infection was 9.6% after suture repair and 8.1% after mesh repair. The recurrence rate was 29.1% with suture repair, 19.3% with onlay mesh repair, and 7.3% with sublay mesh repair. This survey revealed that there is room for improvement regarding the incisional hernia surgery in Sweden. Suture repair, with its unacceptable results, is common and mesh techniques employed may not be optimal. This study has led to the instigation of a national incisional hernia register.     

ROBotic Utility for Surgical Treatment of hernias (ROBUST hernia project)

We describe the evolution in hernia repair approaches in our practice during the first 3 years of adopting robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery. For inguinal hernia repair, we began using the robotic platform for complex hernias, and the use of open repair decreased from 17% to 6%. For primary ventral hernias, open procedures decreased from 59% to 10% and for incisional ventral hernias, from 48% to 11%. Moreover, a large shift in mesh position for ventral hernias was seen, with an increase of the retromuscular position from 20% to 82% and a decrease of intraperitoneal mesh position from 48% to 10%.The robotic platform seems to hold a significant potential for complex inguinal hernias, in addition to ventral and incisional hernias which require component separation. A shorter hospital stay and less postoperative complications might make the adoption of the robotic platform for abdominal wall surgery a valuable proposition.     

Laparoscopic ePTFE mesh repair of incisional and ventral hernias

Incisional hernia is a relatively frequent complication of abdominal surgery. The use of mesh to repair incisional and ventral hernias results in lower recurrence rates compared with primary suture techniques. The laparoscopic approach may be associated with lower postoperative morbidity compared with open procedures. Long-term recurrence rates after laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernias are not well defined. A prospective study of the initial experience of a standardized technique of laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair carried out in a tertiary referral hospital was undertaken between January 2003 and February 2007. Laparoscopic hernia repair was attempted in 71 patients and was successful in 68 (conversion rate 4%). The mean age of the patients identified was 63.1 years (39 men and 31 women). Multiple hernial defects were identified in 38 patients (56%), and the mean overall size of the fascial defects was 166 cm(2). The mean mesh size used was 403 cm(2). The mean operative time was 121 minutes. There were six (9%) major complications in this series, but there were no deaths. Hernia recurrence was noted in four patients (6%) at a mean follow up of 20 months. Our preliminary experience indicates that laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair is technically feasible and has acceptable postoperative morbidity and low early recurrence rates.     

Long-Term Study of Port-Site Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Procedures

Background:

Laparoscopic surgery is widely practiced and offers realistic benefits over conventional surgery. There is considerable variation in results between surgeons, concerning port-site complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the laparoscopic port closure technique and to explore the factors associated with port-site incisional hernia.

Methods:

Between January 2000 and January 2007, 5541 laparoscopic operations were performed by a single consultant surgeon for different indications. The ports were closed by the classical method using a J-shaped needle after release of pneumoperitoneum. The incidence of port-site incisional hernias was calculated. All patients were followed up by outpatient clinic visits and by their general practitioners.

Results:

During a 6-year period, 5541 laparoscopic operations were performed. Eight patients (0.14%) developed port-site hernia during a mean follow-up period of 43 months (range, 25 to 96) and required elective surgery to repair their hernias. No major complications or mortality was reported.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic port closure using the classical method was associated with an acceptable incidence of port-site hernia. Modification of the current methods of closure may lead to a new technique to prevent or reduce the incidence of port-site incisional hernias.     

手辅助腹腔镜结直肠癌术后切口疝的发生危险因素分析

目的:探讨手辅助腹腔镜(hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery,HALS)结直肠癌术后切口疝发生的相关危险因素,为预防术后切口疝的发生提供证据。方法:回顾分析2009年8月至2012年8月为142例患者行HALS结直肠癌切除术的临床资料,至随访结束时,根据手辅助口位置是否发生切口疝将患者分为切口疝组及无切口疝组,分析两组患者年龄、性别、体质指数(body mass index,BMI)、吸烟、伴随疾病、辅助切口位置、切口长度、是否感染等与切口疝发生相关的危险因素。结果:入选的142例患者中,13例至随访结束时发生切口疝,发生率为9.2%,合并糖尿病的患者术后切口疝发生率明显高于无糖尿病患者(P<0.01),切口疝组患者平均BMI、吸烟率亦高于无切口疝组,与左下腹低位横切口相比,正中切口术后疝的发生率较高。结论:肥胖、吸烟、糖尿病、切口位置与切口疝的发生密切相关,充分的围手术期准备,可有效减少切口疝的发生。     

EARLY INCISIONAL HERNIA AFTER USE OF THE 12 MM PORT FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

This paper reports the complication of early incisional hernia occurring in three patients at the site of entry of a 12 mm disposable port during laparoscopic surgery. To avoid this complication, it is recommended that a 12 mm port be introduced through muscle rather than fascia and, following its removal, the defect in the abdominal wall be closed by sutures.     

Port-Site Hernia Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background:

Port-site hernia is a rare but potentially serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study aimed to review the current literature, assess the incidence and causes of port-site hernias, and identify methods to reduce the risk.

Methods:

A systematic search of the literature published in English from 1995 to 2010 was conducted using PubMed to identify all reports of port-site, trocar-site, or incisional hernia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Studies in over 100 patients were identified before the application of defined exclusion criteria. The incidence of port-site hernia was calculated and compared with historical data. Predisposing factors were reviewed.

Results:

Seven studies met the search criteria, with 99 port-site hernias in 5984 patients. The overall incidence of port-site hernia was 1.7% (range, 0.3% to 5.4). The most important factors were older age, higher body mass index, preexisting hernia, trocar design, trocar diameter, increased duration of surgery, and extension of the port site for gallbladder extraction.

Conclusion:

The incidence of port-site hernia is low but likely to be underestimated and has not declined over time. Awareness of the predisposing factors and modification of techniques may help to reduce the risk.     

Laparoscopic versus open incisional hernia repair

BACKGROUND: To analyze hospital resource utilization for laparoscopic vs open incisional hernia repair including the postoperative period. METHODS: Prospectively collected administrative data for incisional hernia repairs were examined. A total of 884 incisional hernia repairs were examined for trends in type of approach over time. Starting October 2001, detailed records were available, and examined for operating room (OR) time, cost data, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day postoperative hospital encounters. RESULTS: Of the total, 469 incisional hernias were approached laparoscopically (53%) and 415 open (47%). Laparoscopic repair had shorter LOS (1 +/- 0.2 days vs 2 +/- 0.6 days), longer OR time (149 +/- 4 min vs 89 +/- 4 min), higher supply costs (2,237 dollars +/- 71 dollars vs 664 dollars +/- 113 dollars), slightly lower total hospital cost (6,396 dollars +/- 477 dollars vs 7,197 dollars +/- 1,819 dollars), and slightly more postoperative hospital encounters (15% vs 13%). Use of laparoscopy increased over time (37% in 2000 vs 68% in 2004). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is becoming increasingly popular, and not at increased cost to the health care system.     

VersaStepTM trocar hernia rate in unclosed fascial defects in bariatric patients

Objective Use of the VersaStep^TM trocar system (US Surgical, Norwalk, CT) has the perceived advantage of minimal trocar-related hernias in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). We performed a retrospective review of our last 747 consecutive operative procedures using these trocars. Methods and procedures The patient population was 747 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB at Duke University Health System Weight Loss Surgery Center from January 2002 through April 2005. A total of 3735 radially expanded trocar sites were used. VersaStep^TM trocars were used in all cases. The port configuration included one supraumbilical Hasson port, two 12-mm ports, and three 5-mm ports. The Hasson port was closed with a figure-of-eight number 1 Polysorb suture. All other trocar sites had no fascial closure. Intestinal anastomoses were created with a linear stapler in all of the laparoscopic cases, with hand suturing of the residual enterotomy. The fascial incisions were therefore not extended to accommodate an EEA stapler. The charts were reviewed for occurrence of subsequent trocar site hernias. Results There were no hernias at any of the VersaStep^TM trocar sites—an incidence of 0%. There were nine incisional hernias at the Hasson port site which later required surgical repair—an incidence of 1.20%. Conclusions There were no hernias detected at any of the 1494 12-mm or 2241 5-mm VersaStep^TM trocar sites, despite lack of suture closure. At the Hasson port site, there was a hernia incidence of 1.20%. In the bariatric RYGB population, routine suture closure of the fascia or muscle is not necessary when using radially expanding VersaStep^TM trocars.     

单孔腹腔镜疝高位结扎术在小儿隐匿疝治疗中的意义

【摘要】 目的〓评价单孔腹腔镜在小儿隐匿疝诊断及治疗中的价值。方法〓收集我院2008~2012收治的小儿腹股沟斜疝高位结扎术病例1864例,隐匿疝病例534例(28.6%),隐匿疝病例中采用单孔腹腔镜手术436例(腔镜组),传统开放手术98例(传统组)。通过隐匿疝的发现率,治疗总费用、住院天数及手术并发症统计和分析,评估腹腔镜诊治小儿隐匿疝的优势。结果〓单孔腹腔镜手术组与传统开放手术组在小儿隐匿疝发现率、治疗总费用、住院天数和手术并发症等方面的比较有显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论〓单孔腹腔镜行小儿疝高位结扎术不但能同时发现术前漏诊的对侧隐匿疝,并可同时手术治疗,避免了患儿再次手术的痛苦,减少了经济负担,具有传统开放手术不可比拟的优点。     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using a two (5-mm) port technique.

OBJECTIVE: High recurrence rates have been documented after primary repair of incisional hernias. Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repairs have been performed with very low rates of recurrence. We have modified the standard technique of laparoscopic repair in patients with small incisional and ventral hernias. The purpose of this study was to document the technique utilizing only two 5-mm ports and demonstrate that it is safe, effective, and feasible. METHODS: Three patients with small incisional or ventral hernias were examined. The standard laparoscopic ventral hernia repair technique was modified as follows: two 5-mm ports were inserted on opposite sides of the defect. The defects ranged from 2.5 cm to 4 cm in size. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh (DualMesh, WL Gore, Flagstaff, AZ) was used to cover the hernia defect, overlapping the defect margins circumferentially by 3 cm. The mesh diameter ranged from 8.5 cm to 10 cm. The mesh was inserted through a 5-mm skin incision site and affixed into position with transfascial sutures and spiral tacks. RESULTS: The operative time ranged from 53 minutes to 57 minutes. All patients were discharged home the day of surgery and reported minimal postoperative pain. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 1 year; all patients were doing well without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair of ventral or incisional hernias can be performed using only two 5-mm ports. This technique can be done on an outpatient basis in a safe, timely fashion.     

Incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

IntroductionIncisional hernia (IH) is common after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Recent studies reported incidence rates higher than previously stated. The aim of this study was to quantify the IH incidence after open AAA surgery. The secondary outcome was to identify the risk factors associated with the development of an IH.MethodsRetrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who underwent an open repair of AAA, from January 2010 to June 2018, at our institution. Patients were free of abdominal wall hernias at the moment of inclusion in the study. Data were extracted from electronic records: baseline characteristics, surgical factors, and postoperative events. Computed tomography (CT) scans performed during follow-up were analyzed.ResultsA total of 157 patients were analysed. The IH incidence after open repair of AAA was 46.5% (73 patients). The median time for IH development was 24.43 months (IQR: 10.40–45.27), while the median follow-up time was 37.20 months (IQR: 20.53–64.12). The risk factors linked to IH were: active (HR: 4.535; 95% CI: 1.369–15.022) or previous smoking habit (HR: 4.652; 95% CI: 1.430–15.131), chronic kidney disease (HR: 2.007; 95% CI: 1.162–3.467) and previous abdominal surgery (HR: 1.653; 95% CI: 1.014–2.695).ConclusionThe incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair affected a high proportion of the intervened patients. Previous abdominal surgery, chronic kidney disease, and smoking habit were independent factors for the development of an incisional hernia.     

Day case laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is feasible,acceptable, and cost effective

Background Day case surgery is increasingly performed in the United Kingdom. Laparoscopic techniques have increased the number of conditions suitable for a day surgical approach. Findings have shown that laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) is superior to conventional open techniques. This study aimed to show that day case LIHR is safe, produces a good clinical outcome, and is cost effective. Methods Day case laparoscopic repair was performed for 31 consecutive patients (10 men; median age, 67 years; range, 39–80 years). Data were entered prospectively into a database. Patients were discharged within 8 h committed to a 10-day course of oral diclofenac 50 mg three times daily and 2 tablets of codydramol four times daily. Follow-up evaluation was by telephone consultation. Hospital costs for LIHR and open repair were compared. Results All procedures were completed laparoscopically on a day case basis. Additional unsuspected defects were found in eight cases (25.8%). The median mesh size was 140 cm² (range, 25–375 cm²), and the median body mass index (BMI) was 28.7 kg/m² (range, 20–37.1 kg/m²). Operations were performed or supervised by a single consultant surgeon (S.J.W.). Six postoperative seromas resolved spontaneously. Two port-site infections required oral antibiotics, and one diathermy pad burn healed with simple dressings. The median analgesia requirement was 7 days (range, 0–152 days). There were no recurrences during a median follow-up period of 15 months (range, 3–24 months). There was a saving of ￡616 per procedure. Conclusions Day case laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias is feasible and safe and has a good clinical outcome. The hospital costs are less than for open techniques.