Open or laparoscopic preperitoneal mesh repair for recurrent inguinal hernia?

Background: Giant prosthetic reinforcement of the visceral sac (GPRVS), an open preperitoneal mesh repair, is a very effective groin hernia repair. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP), based on the same principle, is expected to combine low recurrence rates with minimal postoperation morbidity. Methods: Seventy-nine patients with 93 recurrent and 15 concomitant primary inguinal hernias were randomized between GPRVS (37 patients) and TAPP (42 patients). Operating time, complications, pain, analgesia use, disability period, and recurrences were recorded. Results: Mean operating time was 56 min with GPRVS versus 79 min with TAPP (p < 0.001). Most complications were minor, except for a pulmonary embolus and an ileus, both after GPRVS. Patients experienced less pain after a laparoscopic repair. Average disability period was 23 days with GPRVS versus 13 days with TAPP (p= 0.03) for work, and 29 versus 21 days, respectively (p= 0.07) for physical activities. Recurrence rates at a mean follow-up of 34 months were 1 in 52 (1.9%) for GPRVS versus 7 in 56 (12.5%) for TAPP (p= 0.04). Hospital costs in U.S. dollars were comparable, with GPRVS at $1,150 and TAPP at $1,179. Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia has a lower morbidity than GPRVS. However, laparoscopic repair is a difficult operation, and the potential technical failure rate is higher. With regard to recurrence rates, the open preperitoneal prosthetic mesh repair remains the best repair. Received: 14 April 1998/Accepted: 28 May 1998     

Is postoperative chronic pain syndrome higher with mesh repair of inguinal hernia?

Chronic postoperative pain has been associated with mesh repair in meta-analysis of clinical trials. We compared the incidence of early complications, recurrence, and chronic pain syndrome in anatomic and mesh repairs in 200 patients. We defined chronic pain syndrome as pain in the inguinal area more than 3 months after inguinal hernia repair, patient referral to pain management, or necessity of a secondary procedure for pain control. The mean follow-up time was 4 years and 2 months for anatomic repair and 3 years and 7 months for mesh repair. The clinical outcomes did not reveal a significant disparity between the 100 consecutive patients who had mesh repair versus the 100 patients who had anatomic repair with regard to the incidence of superficial wound infection (0 vs. 2%, P = 0.497), testicular swelling (12 vs. 7%, P = 0.335), hematoma (1 vs. 0%, P = 0.99), recurrence (3 vs. 2%, P = 0.99), or chronic postoperative pain (4 vs. 1%, P = 0.369). The anatomic procedure without mesh should continue to be offered to patients who have an initial inguinal hernia repair.     

Robotic inguinal hernia repair: Is it a new era in the management of inguinal hernia?

ObjectiveWe compared outcomes of elective inguinal hernia repair performed at one institution by three approaches: robotic-assistance, laparoscopic, and open.MethodsCharacteristics of the patients, the hernia and the procedures performed during 2014–2016 were accessed from patient electronic medical files of 137 elective inguinal hernia repairs. 24 surgeries were robotic-assisted, 16 laparoscopic and 97 open repairs.ResultsDistributions of age, sex and BMI did not differ between the groups. Bilateral repair was more common in the robotic (70.8%) than the laparoscopic (50.0%) and open groups (12.4%) (p < 0.001). Direct hernias were more common in the open (45.4%) than the robotic (20.8%) and laparoscopic (12.5%) groups (p < 0.001). Only 3 hernias were inguinoscrotal, all in the robotic group. The median operation times were 44.0, 79.0 and 92.5 min for the open, laparoscopic and robotic methods, respectively (p < 0.001). Among the unilateral repairs, the median operative times were the same for the robotic and laparoscopic procedures, 73 min, and less for the open procedures, 40 min. The proportion of patients hospitalized for 2–3 days was higher for open repair (13.4% vs. 6.2% and 0% for laparoscopic and robotic), but this difference was not statistically significant. The median maximal postoperative pain according to a 0-10-point visual analogue score was 5.0, 2.0 and 0 for open, laparoscopic and robotic procedures, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis report demonstrated the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair.     

Primary inguinal hernia repair utilizing the mesh ‘plug’ technique

‘Tension-free’ mesh repairs, as popularised by Lichtenstein, are being used increasingly in the management of primary inguinal hernia. Introduced more recently, the mesh ‘plug’ technique may enhance further the benefits of such repairs. Twenty six males attending for unilateral, primary, inguinal hernia repair were randomised to have either a Lichtenstein ‘patch’ repair or to undergo a mesh ‘plug’ repair. Ease of technique and operating time were recorded. Patients were given a visual analogue pain-scoring sheet and were asked to record the number of analgesic tablets taken each post-operative day. Patients were reviewed in clinic at 1 and 6 weeks post-operatively, when they were asked their time to return to ‘normal’ activity and time to return to work. Any post-operative complications were noted. The tension-free mesh ‘plug’ repair requires minimal tissue dissection, no herniotomy and is technically straightforward. Patients experienced less post-operative discomfort and returned to ‘normality’ more quickly. The results suggest that the mesh ‘plug’ technique has advantages over the Lichtenstein ‘patch’ repair. A larger trial of this technique should now be undertaken to confirm the results of our pilot study and to assess long term recurrence rates.     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using a novel intraperitoneal lightweight mesh coated with hyaluronic acid: 1-year follow-up from a case–control study using the Hernia-Club registry

Purpose

A case–control study was performed to compare laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) using the Ventralight ST? lightweight surgical mesh with LVHR using other types of mesh.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing intraperitoneal implantation of Ventralight ST? during LVHR (Ventralight ST? group; VG) over a 2-year period (2011–2013) were identified from the prospective French Hernia-Club registry. Patients undergoing elective LVHR using other types of intraperitoneal mesh in the first semester of 2013 formed the control group (CG). Patient, hernia and surgical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes after 8 days, 1 month, and 1 year were compared between the two groups.

Results

The VG comprised 90 LVHRs in 85 patients, and the CG 86 LVHRs in 81 patients. Patient, hernia and surgical characteristics were similar between the two groups, apart from the method of mesh fixation and the number of procedures involving fascial closure. A low rate of minor complications was observed in both groups at 1 month [4.4 % (VG) and 2.3 % (CG)], and the level of postoperative pain was similar in the two groups at Day 8 and 1 month. After 1 year, no complications, recurrences or cases of chronic pain had occurred in either group, and Quality-of-Life outcomes were similar. Patients rated their procedure as excellent or good in 96 % (VG) and 92 % (CG) of cases.

Conclusions

Ventralight ST? mesh is effective and well tolerated in LVHR, producing very low complication and recurrence rates in the short and medium term. The results are comparable to those achieved with other types of mesh.

     

Totally extraperitoneal repair for bilateral inguinal hernia: Does mesh configuration matter?

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic preperitoneal approach has numerous advantages for the reconstruction of bilateral inguinal hernias. Repair may be achieved using either one large or two small meshes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether one of the techniques was superior in terms of recurrence and complication rate. METHODS: Data obtained from 113 patients who underwent surgery between January 1998 and December 2001 was reviewed. For the sake of this study, 86% of all patients were examined for hernia recurrence at an additional outpatient visit. RESULTS: The findings showed recurrence rates, of 3.5% for single mesh and 3.7% for double mesh. This difference was not significant. Complication rates did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic preperitoneal bilateral hernia repair is a safe and reliable technique in the hands of experienced surgeons. The rate of hernia recurrence and complications is low and independent of the mesh configuration (single or double). Mesh configuration based on personal preference is permissible.     

Preperitoneal gridiron hernia repair for inguinal hernia: Single-center experience with 2 years of follow-up

The optimal operation technique for groin hernia repair has not been established. This study evaluates the long-term recurrence rate and perioperative complications after posterior inguinal mesh hernia repair using a gridiron incision described by Frans Ugahary. A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 366 patients who underwent Ugahary hernia repair. Operative results and perioperative morbidity were evaluated retrospectively. Follow-up was done by clinical examination. The main outcome measure was recurrence rate at a mean follow-up of 2 years. Of the 386 groin hernia repairs, 263 hernia repairs were examinated in the outpatient clinic. The overall recurrence rate was 6.5% with a mean follow-up of 2 years, and 10.1% of the patients had minor complications. This retrospective study demonstrates that the repair according to Ugahary is a safe technique for operating on groin hernia. However, the procedure is difficult to reproduce in nonexpert hands. This technique must be compared to other inguinal hernia operation techniques in the near future.     

Incidence of pain after inguinal hernia repair in the elderly. A retrospective historical cohort evaluation of 18-years’ experience with a mesh &amp; plug inguinal hernia repair method on about 3000 patients

Background

Chronic pain after prosthetic inguinal hernioplasty is one of the most important current issues in the current literature debate. Mechanisms related to pain development are only partially known. Influence of age as well as other factors is still unclear. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether development of chronic pain after open prosthetic plug and mesh inguinal hernioplasty is influenced by age.

Methods

Analysis was retrospectively conducted, dividing our cohort of patients (2,902) who had undergone prosthetic open plug&mesh inguinal hernioplasty from Jannuary 1994 to May 2012, following only the age criterion (cut-off 65 yrs.), into two groups (Gr.A<65 yrs, Gr.B>65 yrs.). All patients were routinely submitted to a postoperative questionnaire. Complications such as analgesic assumption were registered in both groups. Pain intensity was classified following the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS). Incidence of chronic pain, discomfort, and numbness, was assessed in both groups. Statistical significance was assessed by X₂-test.

Results

Only 0.2% of patients suffered from a recurrence in our cohort. Postoperative chronic pain was observed in Gr. A in 0.12% of patients vs Gr.B 0.09% (p>0.05). Incidence of other postoperative symptoms such as discomfort or numbness were slightly prevalent on young patients (respectively p = 0.0286 and p = 0.01), while for hyperesthesia and sensation of foreign body no statistically significant difference of incidence between groups was observed.

Conclusions

Real chronic pain after inguinal hernioplasty is a rare clinical entity. Other causes of chronic pain should be accurately researched and excluded. In young patients psychological factors seem to show a slight influence. There was no influence of age on chronic postoperative pain incidence after inguinal hernioplasty.

     

Open suture versus mesh repair of primary incisional hernias: a cost–utility analysis

Background  

Despite 100,000 ventral hernia repairs (VHR) being performed annually, no gold standard for the technique exists. Mesh has been shown to decrease recurrence rates, yet, concerns of increased complications and costs prevent its systematic use. We examined the cost-effectiveness of open suture (OS) versus open mesh (OM) in primary VHR.     

Is laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh a reasonable alternative to conventional repair?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic mesh repair has been advocated as treatment of choice for ventral hernias. The term "ventral hernia" refers to a variety of abdominal wall defects and laparoscopic papers have not reported defect specific analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine any advantages to laparoscopic mesh repair of umbilical hernias. METHODS: A retrospective review (January 1998 to April 2001) was made of patients undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Patients were categorized into three groups: laparoscopic repair with mesh, open repair with mesh, and open repair without mesh. Comparative analysis was performed. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixteen umbilical hernia repairs were performed in 112 patients: 30 laparoscopic mesh repairs, 20 open mesh repairs, and 66 open nonmesh repairs. The laparoscopic technique was used for larger defects and took more time with a trend toward fewer postoperative complications and recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh presents a reasonable alternative to conventional methods of repair.     

Robotic radical prostatectomy with concomitant repair of inguinal hernia: is it safe?

Robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is well established as a safe and effective treatment for prostate cancer. According to published studies, patients undergoing RARP are at increased risk of being diagnosed with an inguinal hernia after RARP and are four times more likely to have an inguinal hernia repair (IHR) following RARP. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of IHR during RARP. Overall, it has been observed that IHR adds on average, 12–15 min in total surgical time and there were no significant differences between RARP with or without IHR with respect to postoperative complications. This study analyzes a large series of patients undergoing RARP (1100) and compares them to a group that underwent RARP with IHR (39). Between December 2008 and January 2015, 1139 patients underwent RARP at Florida Hospital in Celebration, FL. Of the total patients, 39 underwent concomitant IHR. All procedures were performed by the same surgeons (urologist and general surgeon), using the same techniques of RARP and TAPP inguinal hernia repair. After 30 days, the differences were evaluated between groups regarding surgical time, EBL and postoperative complications. The average age of patients undergoing the procedure was 61.65 years. The mean procedure time was approximately 120 min (min), with an additional period of 68 min for IHR (mean = 188; p = 0.0001). There was a significant difference in BMI between the groups, 28.3 kg/m² for patients undergoing RARP and 26.8 kg/m² for those who underwent RARP and IHR (p = 0.028). The EBL averaged 110.87 mL, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0371). There was no significant association between clinical stage of the patient and the type of procedure performed (p = 12:35). There was no significant difference in the presence of comorbidities and the operation preformed. There were 61 events recorded postoperatively, 57 (5.2%) among patients who underwent only RARP and 4 (10.26%) among those who had both. Taken together, the small amounts of complications in both groups prevent statistical significance. This study compared two groups of patients undergoing RARP: those with IHR and those without. Our study demonstrated an increase in surgical time; however, there was no increase in postoperative complications. From the data presented, we suggest that the performance of both procedures concomitantly is feasible and safe.     

Suture repair of umbilical hernia during caesarean section: a case–control study

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the additional burdens in terms of pain, prolongation of surgery and morbidity which is added to elective caesarean section if umbilical hernia suture repair is performed simultaneously. Secondly, patient’s satisfaction and hernia recurrence rate were assessed.

Methods

Consecutive women with symptomatic umbilical hernia undergoing internal or external suture repair during elective caesarean were included in this retrospective cohort–control study. Data on post-operative pain, duration of surgery and morbidity of a combined procedure were collected. These patients were matched 1:10 to women undergoing caesarean section only. Additionally, two subgroups were assessed separately: external and internal suture hernia repair. These subgroups were compared for patient’s satisfaction, cosmesis, body image and recurrence rate.

Results

Fourteen patients with a mean age of 37 years were analysed. Internal suture repair (n = 7) prolonged caesarean section by 20 min (p = 0.001) and external suture repair (n = 7) by 34 min (p < 0.0001). Suture repair did not increase morphine use (0.38 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 02 mg/kg body weight), had no procedure-related morbidity and prolonged hospitalization by 0.5 days (p = 0.01). At a median follow-up of 37 (5–125) months, two recurrences in each surgical technique, internal and external suture repair, occurred (28 %). Body image and cosmesis score showed a higher level of functioning in internal suture repair (p = 0.02; p = 0.04).

Discussion

Despite a high recurrence rate, internal suture repair of a symptomatic umbilical hernia during elective caesarean section should be offered to women if requested. No additional morbidity or scar is added to caesarean section. Internal repair is faster, and cosmetic results are better, additional skin or fascia dissection is avoided, and it seems to be as effective as an external approach. Yet, women must be informed on the high recurrence rate.     

The enhanced view–totally extraperitoneal technique for repair of inguinal hernia

Background  

The totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach for repair of inguinal hernia is the preferred technique since it does not penetrate the peritoneal cavity, thus avoiding potential intraperitoneal complications. The TEP technique allows for regional or even local plus sedative anesthesia, and it gives us an incomparable view of the inguinal region and hernias exactly where they originate. Part of the difficulty with the TEP technique is the limited space it provides for dissection.