Paraesophageal Hernia Repair with Biomesh Does Not Increase Postoperative Dysphagia

Introduction  

Laparoscopic techniques have led to hiatal procedures being performed with less morbidity but higher failure rates. Biologic mesh (biomesh) has been proposed as an alternative to plastic mesh to achieve durable repairs while minimizing stricturing and erosion. This paper documents the lack of significant dysphagia after the placement of biomesh during hiatal hernia repair.     

Outcomes After Emergency Versus Elective Ventral Hernia Repair: A Prospective Nationwide Study

Background

Early surgical results after emergency repairs for the most frequent ventral hernias (epigastric, umbilical, and incisional) are not well described. Thus, the aim of present study was to investigate early results and risk factors for poor 30-day outcome after emergency versus elective repair for ventral hernias.

Methods

All patients undergoing epigastric, umbilical, or incisional hernia repair registered in the Danish Hernia Database during the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2010 were included in the prospective study. Follow-up was obtained through administrative data from the Danish National Patient Register.

Results

In total, 10,041 elective and 935 emergency repairs were included. The risk for 30-day mortality, reoperation, and readmission was significantly higher (by a factor 2–15) after emergency repairs than after elective repairs (p ≤ 0.003). In addition, there were significantly more patients with concomitant bowel resection after emergency repairs than after elective repairs (p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for emergency umbilical/epigastric hernia repair were female gender, older age, hernia defects >2–7 cm, and repair for a primary hernia (vs recurrent hernia) (all p < 0.05). Independent risk factors for emergency incisional hernia repair were female gender, increasing age, and hernia defects ≤7 cm (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Emergency umbilical/epigastric or incisional hernia repair was beset with up to 15-fold higher mortality, reoperation, and readmission rates than elective repair. Older age, female gender, and umbilical hernia defects between 2 and 7 cm or incisional hernia defects up to 7 cm were important risk factors for emergency repair.     

The Laparoscopic Approach to Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Introduction  

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair continues to be one of the most challenging procedures facing the minimally invasive surgeon.     

Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Defining Long-Term Clinical and Anatomic Outcomes

Objective  

We recently reported in a multi-institutional, randomized study of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR) that the anatomic recurrence rate at a median of approximately 5 years was >50%. This study focuses exclusively on the symptomatic response to LPEHR and its relationship with the development of a recurrent hernia.     

Association of Body Mass Index with Outcomes in Patients with CKD

Obesity is associated with higher mortality in the general population, but this association is reversed in patients on dialysis. The nature of the relationship of obesity with adverse clinical outcomes in nondialysis-dependent CKD and the putative interaction of the severity of disease with this association are unclear. We analyzed data from a nationally representative cohort of 453,946 United States veterans with eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m². The associations of body mass index categories (<20, 20 to <25, 25 to <30, 30 to <35, 35 to <40, 40 to <45, 45 to <50, and ≥50 kg/m²) with all-cause mortality and disease progression (using multiple definitions, including incidence of ESRD, doubling of serum creatinine, and the slopes of eGFR) were examined in Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regression models. Multivariable adjustments were made for age, race, comorbidities and medications, and baseline eGFR. Body mass index showed a relatively consistent U-shaped association with clinical outcomes, with the best outcomes observed in overweight and mildly obese patients. Body mass index levels <25 kg/m² were associated with worse outcomes in all patients, independent of severity of CKD. Body mass index levels ≥35 kg/m² were associated with worse outcomes in patients with earlier stages of CKD, but this association was attenuated in those patients with eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m². Thus, until clinical trials establish the ideal body mass index, a cautious approach to weight management is warranted in this patient population.Obesity defined by elevated body mass index (BMI) has been regarded as a cardiovascular risk factor in the general population.^1–4 Obesity is also associated with increased risk of incident CKD^5–9 and ESRD.^10–13 Negative effects of obesity include those effects mediated by conditions caused or worsened by it, such as diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension, and direct adverse metabolic effects, such as inflammation, increased synthesis of apolipoprotein B and very LDLs, increased production of insulin, and insulin resistance.¹⁴ Obesity also induces glomerular hyperfiltration,¹⁵ and weight loss in morbidly obese patients attenuates proteinuria.¹⁶However, even in relatively healthy populations, very low BMI levels have been consistently associated with higher all-cause mortality,¹⁷ and the optimal BMI for survival has varied from study to study.^18,19 Contrasting the unequivocally higher risk associated with elevated BMI in the general population, studies that examined patient groups with various chronic diseases have either found no association²⁰ or described paradoxically lower mortality associated with high BMI levels.^21,22 The reversal of the obesity–mortality association has been very robust in patients with ESRD,^23,24 but there are limited studies showing conflicting results^20,25,26 in patients with nondialysis–dependent CKD (NDD-CKD). The heterogeneity of the NDD-CKD population, which encompasses patients with kidney function ranging from near-normal to near-nil, could make it difficult to determine the role that obesity plays as a risk factor in this group and the ideal therapeutic weight management goals.We examined the association of BMI with all-cause mortality and progressive CKD in a large national cohort of United States veterans with eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m².     

Association of Body Mass Index with Patient-Centered Outcomes in Children with ESRD

Obesity is associated with less access to transplantation among adults with ESRD. To examine the association between body mass index at ESRD onset and survival and transplantation in children, we performed a retrospective analysis of children ages 2–19 years old beginning RRT from 1995 to 2011 using the US Renal Data System. Among 13,172 children, prevalence of obesity increased from 14% to 18%, whereas prevalence of underweight decreased from 12% to 9% during this period. Over a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 10,004 children had at least one kidney transplant, and 1675 deaths occurred. Risk of death was higher in obese (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.03 to 1.32) and underweight (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.47) children than children with normal body mass indices. Obese and underweight children were less likely to receive a kidney transplant (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.97; HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.89, respectively). Obese children had lower odds of receiving a living donor transplant (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98) if the transplant occurred within 18 months of ESRD onset. Adjustment for transplant in a time–dependent Cox model attenuated the higher risk of death in obese but not underweight children (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.24). Lower rates of kidney transplantation may, therefore, mediate the higher risk of death in obese children with ESRD. The increasing prevalence of obesity among children starting RRT may impede kidney transplantation, especially from living donors.     

Prevalence and Resolution of Anemia with Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Background

Paraesophageal hernias may produce a variety of clinical sequelae including anemia and esophagogastric ulcerations or erosions. We examined the prevalence of anemia in patients with paraesophageal hernias and frequency of anemia resolution with hernia repair.

Methods

Patients undergoing paraesophageal hernia repairs from July 1996 to September 2010 were included. Data gathered included age, gender, type of hernia, presence of symptomatic anemia, presence of esophagogastric ulcer/erosion, type of repair, and anemia resolution.

Results

One hundred eighty-three patients underwent paraesophageal hernia repair; of these, 68 (37?%) were anemic. Of these anemic patients, 39 (57?%) were symptomatic from their anemia or specifically referred for anemia, and 20 (29?%) had esophagogastric ulceration/erosion. Fifty-eight had documented follow-up. Overall, of these, 35 (60?%) had resolution of their anemia. Seventy percent of symptomatic patients had resolution of their anemia, compared to 48?% of asymptomatic patients (p?=?0.1). Of patients with esophagogastric ulceration/erosion, 85?% were symptomatic and 88?% had resolution of anemia, compared to 50?% of patients without ulceration/erosion (p?=?0.015).

Conclusions

Anemia was a common finding in patients with paraesophageal hernia and most patients were symptomatic because of their anemia. Those patients with esophageal or gastric ulceration/erosion were very likely to have symptomatic anemia, and, interestingly, these patients were more likely to have their anemia resolve with paraesophageal hernia repair.     

Looking Beyond Age and Co-morbidities as Predictors of Outcomes in Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Introduction  Paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair is a technically challenging operation. These patients are typically older and have more co-morbidities than patients undergoing anti-reflux operations for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and these factors are usually cited as the reason for worse outcomes for PEH patients. Clinically, it would be useful to identify potentially modifiable variables leading to improved outcomes. Methods  We performed a retrospective analysis of a representative sample from 37 states, using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database over a 5-year period (2001–2005). Patients undergoing any anti-reflux operation with or without hiatal hernia repair were included, and comparison was made based on primary diagnoses of PEH or GERD. Exclusion criteria were diagnosis codes not associated with reflux disease or diaphragmatic hernia, emergency admissions, and age <18. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Two sets of multivariate analyses were performed; one set adjusting for pre-treatment variables (age, gender, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hospital teaching status, hospital volume of anti-reflux surgery, calendar year) and a second set adjusting further for post-operative complications (splenectomy, esophageal laceration, pneumothorax, hemorrhage, cardiac, pulmonary, and thromboembolic events, (VTE)). Results  Of the 23,458 patients, 6,706 patients had PEH. PEH patients are older (60.4 vs. 49.1, p < 0.001) and have significantly more co-morbidities than GERD patients. On multivariate analysis, adjusting for pre-treatment variables, PEH patients are more likely to die and have significantly worse outcomes than GERD patients. However, further adjustment for pulmonary complications, VTE, and hemorrhage eliminates the mortality difference between PEH and GERD patients, while adjustment for cardiac complications or pneumothorax did not eliminate the difference. Conclusions  While PEH patients have worse post-operative outcomes than GERD patients, we note that differences in mortality are explained by pulmonary complications, VTE, and hemorrhage. The impact of hemorrhagic complications on this group underscores the importance of careful dissection. Additionally, age and co-morbidities alone should not preclude a patient from PEH repair; rather, attention should be focused on peri-operative optimization of pulmonary status and prophylaxis of thromboembolic events.     

Body Mass Index impact on Extended Total Extraperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair: a comparative study

Hernia - Obesity is a risk factor for developing abdominal wall hernias and is associated with major postoperative complications, such as surgical site infection, delayed wound healing and...     

Inpatient Mortality Analysis of Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in Octogenarians

Introduction

Paraesophageal hernia repair is often performed in an elderly population. Few studies have evaluated perioperative mortality in this group. We identified predictors of inpatient mortality using a nationally representative sample.

Methods

Patients ≥80 years old undergoing transabdominal paraesophageal hernia repair were identified in the 2005 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Congenital diaphragmatic defects and traumatic injuries were excluded.

Results

One thousand five discharges (73% female) with mean age 84.7 met inclusion criteria. Mean length of stay was 10.1 days (95% confidence interval 8.9–11.3) with a mortality of 8.2%. Non-elective repair was performed in 43%. For these patients, mortality and mean length of stay (16%; 14.3 days) were increased compared to elective repair (2.5%; 7.0 days, p?<?0.05). Non-elective repair was the sole predictor of inpatient mortality in adjusted analyses (odds ratio 7.1, 95% confidence interval 1.9–26.3, p?<?0.05).

Conclusion

Non-elective repair was associated with a six to sevenfold increase in mortality and longer length of stay. Earlier elective repair of paraesophageal hernia may reduce mortality.     

Association Between Body Mass Index and Thirty-Day Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Although previous studies have evaluated the effect of obesity on the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), most considered obesity as a binary variable. It is important to compare different weight categories and consider body mass index (BMI) as a continuous variable to understand the effects of obesity across the entire range of BMI. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the effect of BMI on 30-day readmissions and complications after TKA, considering BMI as both a categorical and a continuous variable.

Incidence of Delayed Gastric Emptying Associated with Revisional Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Background

Over the past 15 years, laparoscopic repair of primary paraesophageal hernias (PEH) has become the preferred operative approach. Today, more surgeons are approaching recurrent PEHs laparoscopically, though few studies exist on the long-term results of these revisional operations, particularly regarding the incidence of postoperative delayed gastric emptying (DGE).

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all laparoscopic repairs for recurrent PEH done by three surgeons at a single institution from 2003 to 2011. Data collected included age, sex, weight, BMI, pre- and postoperative symptoms, and operative data, but our primary focus was on those patients with pre- and postoperative delayed gastric emptying ultimately requiring operative intervention.

Results

Of 284 patients who underwent laparoscopic PEH repair, 91 (32 %) were performed for recurrent PEH. A sleeve gastrectomy was performed in ten of these patients (11 %) for concomitant morbid obesity which were excluded from our study group, leaving 81 study patients. The mean age was 56 years, and mean BMI was 30. All cases were completed laparoscopically; in 45 (56 %) either a partial or complete fundoplication was performed, and in 68 (84 %) a percutaneous gastrostomy tube (PEG) was placed at the time of revision. Sixty-eight patients underwent repair of a first recurrence, of which 8 (12 %) ultimately required a gastric emptying procedure to alleviate symptoms of DGE. There were nine patients who had a second recurrence repaired, and six (66 %) progressed to a gastric emptying procedure. Finally, of the four patients who had a third recurrence repaired, three (75 %) eventually needed a gastric emptying procedure.

Conclusion

While the incidence of DGE associated with initial PEH repair is low, DGE is a significantly more common finding in patients requiring reoperation for recurrent PEH. This risk increases significantly with repair of each subsequent recurrence. Our data suggest that DGE should be anticipated and patients counseled of the ramifications of this problem preoperatively. Surgeons performing revisional PEH surgery should preemptively develop protocols for the postoperative management of DGE from the time of operation.     

Comparison of Outcomes After Single-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Relation to Patient Body Mass Index

Background and Objectives:

Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy may contribute to a paradigm shift in the field of laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery by providing patients with benefits beyond those observed after other surgical procedures. This study was designed to evaluate clinically meaningful differences in operative outcomes between obese and nonobese patients after single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Data were collected retrospectively from 172 patients who had undergone single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by the same surgeon at a single medical center between January and December 2011. For the outcome analysis, patients were divided into nonobese and obese patient groups according to their body mass index (<25 kg/m² vs ≥25 kg/m²).

Results:

Demographic and clinical data did not differ significantly between obese patients (n = 65) and nonobese patients (n = 107). In addition, statistically significant differences pertaining to most measured surgical outcomes including postoperative hospital stay, bile spillage, additional port use, and open conversion were not detected between the groups. However, the two groups differed significantly regarding operative time such that nonobese patients had shorter operative times than obese patients (P < .05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that operative time for single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was the only difference between obese and nonobese patients. Given this result, body mass index may not be as relevant a factor in patient selection for single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy as previously thought.     

Impact of Body Mass Index on Postoperative Outcome of Advanced Gastric Cancer After Curative Surgery

Introduction

The impact of body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of advanced gastric cancer surgery is controversial. Between December 1987 and December 2006, a total of 947 advanced gastric cancer patients receiving curative resection with retrieved lymph node number >15 were studied and divided into three groups according to BMI (<25, 25–30, and >30 kg/m²).

Results and Discussion

With regard to comorbidities present prior to surgery, higher BMI patients were more likely to have heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension than lower BMI patients. Compared with BMI <25 kg/m², higher BMI patients had longer operative time and more surgery-related morbidity. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazard analysis showed that age, pathological T and N categories, and lymphovascular invasion were independent prognostic factors. The initial recurrence patterns, 5-year overall survival, and cancer-specific survival were similar among the three groups.

Conclusion

Only in stage III gastric cancer with BMI less than 25 kg/m² patients receiving total gastrectomy had a more advanced pathological N category and a worse prognosis compared to those receiving subtotal gastrectomy. Higher BMI was associated with longer operative time and more surgery-related morbidity than lower BMI. BMI alone is not an independent prognostic factor.     

Long-Term Outcome After Hernia Repair with the Prolene Hernia System

Purpose We evaluated the long-term outcome and symptoms after inguinal hernia repair using the Prolene Hernia System (PHS). Methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent PHS surgery at our hospital to assess the postoperative complications and recurrence rates. Late symptoms were evaluated by a standardized interview using a questionnaire. Results A total of 395 hernias in 367 patients were studied. Postoperative complications developed after 20 repairs (5.1%), including a severe mesh infection in one patient. Seven (1.8%) patients suffered recurrence. Of 395 cases, 363 (91.9%) responded to the interview. After a median follow-up interval of 19.3 months (range 1.0–55.8), moderate pain and moderate discomfort were reported by only 1.9% and 0.8% of patients, respectively. Conclusions Prolene Hernia System surgery is a safe and feasible procedure with low rates of complication, recurrence, and late symptoms.