Imaging of early postoperative complications after polypropylene mesh repair of inguinal hernia

PURPOSE: We report our experience with the use of US and CT in postoperative complications of inguinal hernioplasty using a prosthetic polypropylene mesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was divided into two parts. In the first we evaluated the in-vitro sonographic and CT appearance of a fragment of prosthetic mesh. In the second, we retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings in 31 patients (aged 42 to 75 years) examined after inguinal hernia repair between December 2000 and December 2002. Seventeen hernias had been repaired with a laparoscopic approach, and the others with the anterior tension-free technique proposed by Lichtenstein (12 cases) and Trabucco (2 cases). Sonography was performed to assess suspected complications between the second and the fourth postoperative day. Both high-resolution 7.5-10 MHz linear transducers and a 3.5 MHz convex probe were employed to ensure complete evaluation of superficial and deep structures. Eight obese patients also underwent CT for confirmation of the US results. RESULTS: At sonography the prosthetic mesh appeared as a linear hyperechoic image measuring about 2 mm in thickness, with posterior acoustic shadow and a finely irregular surface. Only one of the 17 patients examined after laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty had a seroma; in the other 14 repaired with the anterior tension-free technique we identified 2 abscesses, 3 seromas, 2 "foldings" of the prosthetic mesh, and 2 mesh displacements with associated recurrence of hernia. CT confirmed the US results as to the presence of fluid collections, and visualised the prosthetic mesh in only 2/8 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is a useful means of assessing postoperative changes in laparoscopic and in anterior tension-free hernia repair. It can differentiate these complications from recurrences of hernia. Colour-Doppler US can also correctly detect normal blood flow of the testes. Sonography is the only technique that can easily demonstrate the prosthetic mesh in the abdominal wall.     

The sports hernia: a cause of chronic groin pain.

The management of chronic pain in sportsmen and women requires consideration of a wide differential diagnosis. A syndrome caused by a distension of the posterior inguinal wall is described, effectively an early direct inguinal hernia. The diagnosis can be made from certain aspects of the history and examination, which are described. The results of surgical repair to the posterior inguinal wall are excellent. The procedure was carried out on 14 sportsmen and one woman. There is an 87% return to full sporting activity, with a follow-up of 18 months to 5 years. The remaining 13% were improved by the repair. Many of the athletes had received other treatments without success. The sports hernia should be high on the list of differential diagnoses in chronic groin pain.     

Surgery for posterior inguinal wall deficiency in athletes

This study retrospectively evaluated the outcome for patients undergoing herniorraphy for chronic groin pain due to posterior inguinal wall deficiency, and correlated the outcome with preoperative investigation findings. There were 47 patients (with a total of 52 herniorraphies) who were contacted by phone between six and 50 months post surgery. Subjects had a diagnosis of posterior inguinal wall deficiency made on history and clinical examination. Thirty seven patients had an ultrasound scan prior to the surgery (three bilateral) with a total of 40 symptomatic groins scanned. There were 26 abnormal scans (22 posterior inguinal wall deficiency and four hernias) and 14 normal scans. Twenty nine patients had a technetium-99m bone scan with 22 having increased uptake at the symptomatic pubic tubercle, while 13 had increased uptake at other sites in the groin. Seventy seven percent of patients had a full return to sport after surgery and the average time to return to sport was four months. There was no significant difference in outcome between subjects who had an abnormal ultrasound scan on the symptomatic side and those who had a normal scan. There was a significant difference in outcome between patients who had a bone scan with increased uptake at the symptomatic pubic tubercle and those who did not (p < 0.04). Our study supports previous research that good results can be obtained with surgery when posterior inguinal wall deficiency is the sole diagnosis. Ultrasound scan does not appear to aid in predicting surgical outcome, while the role of isotope bone scanning requires further study.     

Laparoscopic repair of groin pain in athletes

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing interest regarding the cause and treatment of groin pain in athletes. The most common finding is a deficiency of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, often repaired with bilateral inguinal myorrhaphy. HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic repair will offer a shorter convalescent period and better results as compared with open myorrhaphy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. METHODS: Between October 1993 and October 2002, 131 athletes with groin pain unrelieved after 2 to 8 months of conservative management underwent bilateral laparoscopic repair with the transabdominal preperitoneal technique for hernias. In 123 (94%) patients, physical examination revealed a dilated external ring, unilateral or bilateral, of the inguinal canal, and in 8 patients (6%) it was normal. RESULTS: During laparoscopy, a deficiency of the posterior inguinal wall was seen in all athletes. All patients left the hospital 24 hours after the procedure, discontinued oral analgesics within 72 hours of surgery, and were back to full sporting activities within 2 to 3 weeks. Four patients (3%) complained of thigh pain. After a mean follow-up of 5 years (range, 4 months to 10 years), there was 1 recurrence (0.76%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair is an efficient method for the treatment of groin pain originating from a deficiency of the posterior inguinal wall, having fast recovery and excellent long-term results.     

Unusual case of right atrial reinfarction

It is well known that atrial infarctions are rare comparing to the ventricular. They cannot easily be verified on ECG and the standard autopsy technique does not include a detailed review of the atrial wall, so the atrial infarction often remains undiagnosed. A 63-year-old male was treated and died in an intensive care unit due to decompensated liver insufficiency and cardiac disease following long-lasting alcohol abuse. At autopsy, the extreme cardiomegaly was found, severe atherosclerosis of the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. The posterior wall of the right atrium was thickened (cca 9 mm) in diameter of cca 3 × 3 cm, and this area was yellowish in the luminal part, while the central part was filled with dark red blood. A detailed dissection of the coronary arteries showed the complete occlusion of the atrial branch of the right coronary artery wreath as far as the place of sinoatrial artery branching, which corresponded anatomically to the described area of infarction on the posterior wall of the right atrium. Histopathological examination of the previously described area of the posterior wall of the right atrium, showed four zones of heart muscle changes: 1. zone of partially preserved structure of the heart muscle, 2. zone of cellular (immature) connective tissue, 3. areas of bleeding in cellular connective tissue, and 4. zone of acellular (old) connective tissue. These histopathological changes indicated that the posterior wall of the right atrium was affected by myocardial necrosis in at least two and possibly more times. It is reasonable to think that bleeding in the third zone of the posterior wall of the right atrium contributed greatly to the death due to the anatomical proximity to the sinoatrial node. It was confirmed by the existence of bradycardia with a prolonged PR interval, PR segment elevation in D1 and aVL lead and PR depression in the D3 lead on the ECG. These ECG changes appeared immediately before asystolia and the death of the patient, but not ventricular fibrillation or electromechanical dissociation due to ventricular infarction. The presented case shows that detailed autopsy examination of atrial wall and blood vessels can sometimes be crucial in disclosing the cause and mode of death if the ischemia and necrosis attack only the atrial wall, especially in the region of the heart conduction system.     

Metachronous Bilateral Posterior Tibial Artery Aneurysms in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV is a life-threatening genetic connective tissue disorder. We report a 24-year-old woman with EDS-IV who presented with metachronous bilateral aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms of the posterior tibial arteries 15 months apart. Both were treated successfully with transarterial coil embolization from a distal posterior tibial approach.     

充填式无张力疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝413例疗效分析

目的 评价充填式无张力疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝的临床疗效。方法 使用巴德网塞作疝环充填式无张力修补术,治疗413例腹股沟疝(包括巨大疝和复发疝)。总结这些临床资料,并评定疗效。结果 该项技术比传统手术操作简单,疼痛轻,恢复快,经随访4个月～6年,复发2例。结论 疝环充填式无张力疝修补术适用于各种类型的腹股沟疝,尤其适用于年老体弱者或巨大的腹股沟疝和复发疝,应作为老年腹股沟疝治疗的首选术式。此外,应注意不同类型的腹股沟疝在具体的手术操作上和网塞放置的位置上的不同之处。     

生物材料人工胸壁结构设计及其评价

目的 通过生物材料的筛选和优化组合及特殊工艺制备新型人工胸壁结构,并探讨其应用于大块胸壁缺损重建的可行性.方法 根据胸壁重建需要,筛选出适宜的可降解高分子生物材料,通过特殊工艺制成三种不同结构的人工胸壁(聚对二氧杂环己酮纤维网、甲壳素纤维增强聚已内酯板、甲壳素纤维增强聚已内酯肋条).建立犬大块胸壁缺损动物模型,应用所研制的人工材料进行动物实验,通过动态观察及组织学检查评价其效果.结果 聚对二氧杂环已酮网重建胸壁与组织结合良好,可有效减轻反常呼吸,网状材料24周内完全降解吸收,被自体再生组织取代,胸壁长期稳定性和胸廓外形满意.甲壳素纤维增强聚已内酯板重建胸壁可获得良好的胸壁固定,肋条可有效防止反常呼吸,同时具有更佳的组织相容性.甲壳素纤维增强聚已内酯材料植入24周无明显变化.结论 聚对二氧杂环已酮网及甲壳素纤维增强聚已内酯材料具有良好的组织相容性,可有效防止反常呼吸,在胸壁重建中各具特点,具有一定的临床应用价值.     

Groin pain associated with ultrasound finding of inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency in Australian Rules footballers

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency (sports hernia) in professional Australian Rules footballers using an ultrasound technique and correlate the results with the clinical symptom of groin pain. METHODS: Thirty five professional Australian footballers with and without groin pain were investigated blind with a dynamic high resolution ultrasound technique for presence of posterior wall deficiency. RESULTS: Fourteen players had a history of significant recent groin pain and ten of these were found to have bilateral inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency (p < 0.01). The relative risk for a history of groin pain with bilateral deficiency was 8.0 (95% confidence interval 1.73 to 37.1). Groin pain was also found to be associated with increasing age (p < 0.01) which was an independent risk factor. Surgical, clinical, and ultrasound follow up for players who underwent hernia repair confirmed the validity of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic ultrasound examination is able to detect inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency in young males with no clinical signs of hernia. This condition is very prevalent in professional Australian Rules footballers, including some who are asymptomatic. There was a correlation between bilateral deficiency and groin pain, although the temporal relationship between the clinical and ultrasound findings is not established by the current study. Ultrasound shows promise as a diagnostic tool in athletes with chronic groin pain who are considered possible candidates for hernia repair.


     

Prosthetic mesh used for inguinal and ventral hernia repair: normal appearance and complications in ultrasound and CT

The use of prosthetic mesh has now become accepted practice in the treatment of patients with both inguinal and ventral hernias. This pictorial review illustrates the various radiological appearances of these meshes and also demonstrates the post-operative complications associated with their implantation.     

Preoperative and postoperative assessment of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by dynamic MRI

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the value of dynamic MRI for seroma detection, hernia recurrence, and mesh placement in patients after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Thirteen inguinal hernias in 10 consecutive patients were evaluated before and after surgery by using an MRI protocol consisting of coronal T1-weighted (fast field echo) and T2-weighted (turbo spin-echo) images and two sequences obtained during straining (turbo field echo gradient technique). All patients underwent a transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. MRI scans were reviewed for the presence of postoperative fluid collections, recurrent hernia, and mesh localization. RESULTS: In all patients, an inguinal hernia was identified on the preoperative MRI and was absent on the postoperative MRI. In all patients treated laparoscopically, the mesh and its position were clearly identified. Three small fluid collections were found on the postoperative MRI scans. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic MRI can demonstrate small, postoperative fluid collections and a sufficient hernioplasty by showing the proper position of the mesh and the absence of a hernia.     

Persistent foreign body reaction around inguinal mesh prostheses: a potential pitfall of FDG PET

OBJECTIVE: FDG PET has been recognized as an efficient imaging technique for the treatment of oncology patients. However, false-positive results can occur. The purpose of this study is to describe three oncology patients with persistent FDG up-take around inguinal mesh prostheses that occurred up to 10 years after the surgical repair of inguinal hernias and led to false-positive results. CONCLUSION: Remote mesh prostheses can induce FDG uptake because of persistent foreign body reaction. Consequently, each time an unexpected pelvic focus is noticed on FDG PET, the medical history of patients should be carefully reviewed to avoid false-positive results.     

Prevalence of Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Few studies have examined the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. We studied the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms and other intracranial neurovascular pathologies such as arteriovenous malformations and intracranial dissections, in these 4 patient populations.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had a clinical diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, or Loeys-Dietz syndrome who underwent MRA, CTA, and/or DSA imaging of the intracranial circulation between January 1, 2005, and January 31, 2015. The presence, location, and maximum dimensions of intracranial aneurysms were catalogued. Other neurovascular findings studied included intracranial dissections and arteriovenous fistulas and shunts. Baseline data collected included demographic characteristics (sex, age, smoking history), imaging modality, and cardiovascular comorbidities.RESULTS:The prevalence of intracranial saccular and fusiform aneurysms was as follows: 14% (8/59) among patients with Marfan syndrome, 12% (12/99) among patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 11% (5/47) among patients with neurofibromatosis type 1, and 28% (7/25) among patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Intracranial dissections were found in 2 patients (3%) with Marfan syndrome and 1 patient (1%) with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. No intracranial dissections were found in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 or Loeys-Dietz syndrome.CONCLUSIONS:Patients with connective tissue disorders, including Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome, have a high prevalence of intracranial aneurysms.

The association between neurovascular lesions such as intracranial aneurysms and connective tissue diseases has long been a topic of debate. Early studies suggesting an association between Marfan syndrome and intracranial aneurysms were limited to small case series and case reports.¹ However, larger studies have since suggested that there is no association between aneurysms and Marfan syndrome.^1–3 Nonetheless, the association is still widely cited in the literature.^1–3 In addition to Marfan syndrome, associations between connective tissue diseases, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), and neurovascular lesions such as intracranial aneurysms have also been suggested. However, relatively few series have been published on the prevalence of aneurysms in these populations.In this study, we sought to retrospectively characterize neurovascular findings in patients with connective tissue diseases, including Marfan, EDS, NF1, and LDS. Our primary outcome of interest was the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of intracranial dissections and arteriovenous malformations. We hypothesized that patients with connective tissue diseases would have a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms than the general population (ie, >3%).     

Uptake of cis-4-[18 F]fluoro-L-proline in scar formation: a marker of collagen synthesis?

Excessive scar formation is accompanied by abnormal collagen synthesis. The feasibility of monitoring collagen synthesis in vivo with no-carrier-added cis-4[18F]fluoro-L-proline (cis-FPro) was evaluated in an animal model with scar formation induced by implanted meshes. The abdominal wall of rats was replaced by alloplastic meshes. At days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 90 after implantation, the uptake of cis-FPro at 4 h post-injection was determined for resected samples of the mesh and normal tissues. The highest uptake was found in the kidneys (1.73+/-0.47%ID/g) followed by the liver (0.59+/-0.19%ID/g). The meshes showed the maximum uptake at day 3 (0.20+/-0.07%ID/g) with a decrease to 0.10+/-0.03%ID/g at day 90 (P<0.001). After 3 days no connective tissue was shown by histopathological morphometric analysis. The maximum partial volume (PV%) of connective tissue was 43+/-14 PV% 90 days after implantation. The maximum levels of granulocytes and inflammatory infiltrate were found at day 3 with minimal levels at day 90, paralleling the course of cis-FPro uptake. In conclusion, the uptake of cis-FPro at 4 h post-injection is not related to the content of connective tissue. Cis-FPro radiolabelled with 18F appears not to be a suitable radiopharmaceutical for in vivo monitoring of collagen synthesis in scar formation.     

Pelvic pseudolesions after inguinal hernioplasty using prosthetic mesh: CT findings

PURPOSE OF STUDY: To investigate frequency and morphology of focal pelvic lesions (FPLs) in patients after open inguinal hernioplasty with a prosthetic mesh. MATERIALS, METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Patients who had open prosthetic inguinal hernioplasties between 1999 and 2004 and subsequent pelvic computed tomography were identified. Computed tomography of each patient was evaluated by 2 observers. The presence of an FPL at the internal inguinal ring (IIR) and its shape, size, and attenuation were recorded. The findings were compared with the type of surgical mesh used for the repair. RESULTS: There were 93 patients, 86 men, with a mean age of 62.4 years (range, 14-89 years) who underwent 96 hernioplasties, with plug or flat mesh used in 71 and 25 cases, respectively. There were 96 computed tomographies obtained between 1 and 46 months (mean, 15.4 months) after surgery. Focal pelvic lesions were identified in 69 (72%) of 96 cases. Focal pelvic lesions were found in 63 (89%) of 71 cases repaired with a plug, but in only 6 (24%) of 25 cases repaired with a flat mesh (P < 0.0001). One hundred percent of FPLs corresponded to the surgical site and were located deep to the IIR. Focal pelvic lesions were ovoid or round in 65 (94%) and 4 (6%) cases, respectively; all were well defined. Focal pelvic lesions had a mean diameter of 2.4 cm (range, 1.3-3.9 cm) and mean attenuation value of 17 Hounsfield units (range, -4 to 64 Hounsfield units). CONCLUSIONS: A low attenuation, ovoid, or round FPL located at the IIR is a common postoperative finding in patients after open inguinal hernioplasty performed with a plug mesh.     

Improved detection of healed myocardial infarction by Fourier amplitude and phase imaging in two projections: validation with MRI

Biplane Fourier amplitude and phase images from radionuclide ventriculograms were analyzed for the presence of regional wall motion abnormalities in 25 patients who had a total of 33 healed myocardial infarctions (nonviable scar tissue) documented by contrast ventriculography and ECG. This indirect evidence was validated by MRI, which permits direct visualization of healed myocardial infarction. The use of amplitude and phase images in both projections resulted in the detection of more healed myocardial infarctions (91%) than did the use of conventional radionuclide ventriculography with left anterior oblique images alone (67%), because inferior wall infarcts are more readily visualized in the left posterior oblique projection.     

Incarcerated multiple recurrent inguinal hernia with incidental finding of textiloma in the abdominal wall from previous hernia repair

Multiple recurrent inguinal hernia is a diagnostic and surgical challenge. In terms of additional incarceration of the recurrent hernia, few options for the surgeon are available. We present a case of multiple recurrent left sided inguinal hernia in female patient presented with clinical signs of mechanical bowel obstruction. Preoperative computed tomography of the abdomen presented the hernia defect and also revealed the presence of textiloma in the abdominal wall from previous hernia repair. Intraoperatively there were no signs of bowel ischemia. Hernia defect was closed with resorbable mesh (bridging “in – lay” repair). Postoperative surgical site infection of the wound occurred. Patient was discharged from hospital on day 17.     

Non-marfan idiopathic medionecrosis (cystic medial necrosis) presenting with multiple visceral artery aneurysms and diffuse connective tissue fragility: Two brothers

Two brothers with multiple visceral artery aneurysms or dilatations and diffuse connective tissue fragility who did not have clinical features of Marfan syndrome are reported. One presented with retroperitoneal hemorrhage during angiography, and idiopathic medionecrosis was proved by resection of the aneurysms. These cases belong to the heterogeneous group of Marfan syndrome. The angiographical features (multiple dilation of visceral arteries) suggests fragility of connective tissue and is predictive of hazards during and after a catheterization and operation.     

A rare case of arterial tortuosity syndrome in an adult

Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder. It affects large and medium-sized arteries inducing tortuosity and elongation. Typical skeletal manifestations are dysmorphic features, hyperextensible skin, hypermobile joints, and congenital contractures.We present a case of a 33-year-old female, with history of multiple abdominal wall hernias, who was diagnosed with ATS by preoperative investigations based on typical vascular manifestations. We will present the radiological findings of this rare condition.     

The abdominal compartment syndrome: CT findings.

OBJECTIVE: The abdominal compartment syndrome is a potentially fatal condition resulting from pathologic elevation of intraabdominal pressure. We evaluated preoperative abdominal CT scans of four patients with proven abdominal compartment syndrome to identify signs of increased intraabdominal pressure. CONCLUSION: CT findings common to all four patients included tense infiltration of the retroperitoneum out of proportion to peritoneal disease, extrinsic compression of the inferior vena cava by retroperitoneal hemorrhage or exudate, and massive abdominal distention with an increased ratio of anteroposterior-to-transverse abdominal diameter (positive round belly sign; ratio > .80; p < .001). Direct renal compression or displacement, bowel wall thickening with enhancement, and bilateral inguinal herniation were each present in two of the four patients. Radiologists should be aware of this life-threatening syndrome. In the appropriate clinical setting, CT findings of increased intraabdominal pressure should be swiftly communicated to other physicians involved in treating the patient because the abdominal compartment syndrome requires emergent surgical decompression.