MRI Evaluation of an Elastic TPU Mesh under Pneumoperitoneum in IPOM Position in a Porcine Model

Background: The frequency of laparoscopic approaches increased in hernia surgery over the past years. After mesh placement in IPOM position, the real extent of the meshes configurational changes after termination of pneumoperitoneum is still largely unknown. To prevent a later mesh folding it might be useful to place the mesh while it is kept under tension. Conventionally used meshes may lose their Effective Porosity under these conditions due to poor elastic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate a newly developed elastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) containing mesh that retains its Effective Porosity under mechanical strain in IPOM position in a porcine model. It was visualized under pneumoperitoneum using MRI in comparison to polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) meshes with similar structure. Methods: In each of ten minipigs, a mesh (TPU containing or native PVDF, 10 × 20 cm) was randomly placed in IPOM position at the center of the abdominal wall. After 8 weeks, six pigs underwent MRI evaluation with and without pneumoperitoneum to assess the visibility and elasticity of the mesh. Finally, pigs were euthanized and abdominal walls were explanted for histological and immunohistochemical assessment. The degree of adhesion formation was documented. Results: Laparoscopic implantation of elastic TPU meshes in IPOM position was feasible and safe in a minipig model. Mesh position could be precisely visualized and assessed with and without pneumoperitoneum using MRI after 8 weeks. Elastic TPU meshes showed a significantly higher surface increase under pneumoperitoneum in comparison to PVDF. Immunohistochemically, the amount of CD45-positive cells was significantly lower and the Collagen I/III ratio was significantly higher in TPU meshes after 8 weeks. There were no differences regarding adhesion formation between study groups. Conclusions: The TPU mesh preserves its elastic properties in IPOM position in a porcine model after 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry indicates superior biocompatibility regarding CD45-positive cells and Collagen I/III ratio in comparison to PVDF meshes with a similar structure.     

��ѹ��Ƭ��Ĥǣ�������ڸ�ǻ�����������ڽ�Ĥ�ر��е�Ӧ���о�

目的探讨在负压辅助下,网片调节的筋膜牵引技术在促进腹腔开放术后晚期筋膜关闭中的应用。方法回顾性研究2006年1月至2011年11月南京军区南京总医院普通外科研究所收治40例因腹腔开放行筋膜牵引治疗病人的临床资料。其中18岁以下,腹腔开放前存在腹壁疝、腹腔开放治疗时间<5d的病人排除在研究之外。结果病人平均年龄(45±10)岁。其中弥漫性腹膜炎病人16例(40%),严重创伤12例(30%),重症胰腺炎8例(20%),腹腔大出血4例(10%)。腹腔开放治疗时间平均为(31.0±6.8)d,负压封闭治疗时间平均为(29.0±6.3)d,负压辅助网片牵引治疗平均时间为(26.0±6.8)d。平均腹壁筋膜关闭率为60%。2例(5%)发生肠空气瘘,肠瘘是导致腹壁筋膜关闭失败的独立危险因素。结论负压网片筋膜牵引技术提高了腹腔开放术后的晚期筋膜关闭率,相关并发症较少。     

Abdominal wall integrity after open abdomen: long-term results of vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM)

Purpose

The open abdomen has become a standard technique in the management of critically ill patients undergoing surgery for severe intra-abdominal conditions. Negative pressure and mesh-mediated fascial traction are commonly used and achieve low fistula rates and high fascial closure rates. In this study, long-term results of a standardised treatment approach are presented.

Methods

Fifty-five patients who underwent OA management for different indications at our institution from 2006 to 2013 were enrolled. All patients were treated under a standardised algorithm that uses a combination of vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction. Structured follow-up assessments were offered to patients and included a medical history, a clinical examination and abdominal ultrasonography. The data obtained were statistically analysed.

Results

The fascial closure rate was 74 % in an intention-to-treat analysis and 89 % in a per-protocol analysis. The fistula rate was 1.8 %. Thirty-four patients attended follow-up. The median follow-up was 46 months (range 12–88 months). Incisional hernias developed in 35 %. Patients with hernias needed more operative procedures (10.3 vs 3.4, p = 0.03) than patients without hernia formation. A Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) of 31.1 was calculated. Patients with symptomatic hernias (NAS of 2–10) had a significantly lower mean POSAS score (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) seem to result in low complication rates and high fascial closure rates. Abdominal wall reconstruction, which is a challenging and complex procedure and causes considerable patient discomfort, can thus be avoided in the majority of cases. Available results are based on studies involving only a small number of cases. Multi-centre studies and registry-based data are therefore needed to validate these findings.

     

Wound dehiscence: outcome comparison for sutured and mesh reconstructed patients

Purpose

Treatment guidelines for abdominal wound dehiscence (WD) are lacking. The primary aim of the study was to compare suture to mesh repair in WD patients concerning incisional hernia incidence. Secondary aims were to compare recurrent WD, morbidity, mortality and long-term abdominal wall complaints.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 46 consecutive patients operated for WD between January 2010 and August 2012 was conducted. Physical examination and a questionnaire enquiry were performed in January 2013.

Results

Six patients were treated by vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) before definitive closure. Three patients died early resulting in 23 patients closed by suture and 20 by mesh repair. Five sutured, but no mesh repair patients had recurrent WD (p = 0.051) with a mortality of 60 %. Finally, 18 sutured and 21 mesh repair patients were eligible for follow-up. The incidence of incisional hernia was higher for the sutured patients (53 vs. 5 %, p = 0.002), while mesh repair patients had a higher short-term morbidity rate (76 vs. 28 %, p = 0.004). Abdominal wall complaints were rare in both groups.

Conclusions

Suture of WD was afflicted with a high incidence of recurrent WD and incisional hernia formation. Mesh repair overcomes these problems at the cost of more wound complications. VAWCM seems to be an alternative for treating contaminated patients until definitive closure is possible. Long-term abdominal wall complaints are uncommon after WD treatment.     

One-Year Follow-up After Open Abdomen Therapy With Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure and Mesh-Mediated Fascial Traction

Background

Open abdomen (OA) therapy frequently results in a giant planned ventral hernia. Vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) enables delayed primary fascial closure in most patients, even after prolonged OA treatment. Our aim was to study the incidence of hernia and abdominal wall discomfort 1 year after abdominal closure.

Methods

A prospective multicenter cohort study of 111 patients undergoing OA/VAWCM was performed during 2006–2009. Surviving patients underwent clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and chart review at 1 year. Incisional and parastomal hernias and abdominal wall symptoms were noted.

Results

The median age for the 70 surviving patients was 68 years, 77 % of whom were male. Indications for OA were visceral pathology (n = 40), vascular pathology (n = 22), or trauma (n = 8). Median length of OA therapy was 14 days. Among 64 survivors who had delayed primary fascial closure, 23 (36 %) had a clinically detectable hernia and another 19 (30 %) had hernias that were detected on CT (n = 18) or at laparotomy (n = 1). Symptomatic hernias were found in 14 (22 %), 7 of them underwent repair. The median hernia widths in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were 7.3 and 4.8 cm, respectively (p = 0.031) with median areas of 81.0 and 42.9 cm², respectively (p = 0.025). Of 31 patients with a stoma, 18 (58 %) had a parastomal hernia. Parastomal hernia (odds ratio 8.9; 95 % confidence interval 1.2–68.8) was the only independent factor associated with an incisional hernia.

Conclusions

Incisional hernia incidence 1 year after OA therapy with VAWCM was high. Most hernias were small and asymptomatic, unlike the giant planned ventral hernias of the past.     

Cine magnetic resonance imaging vs high-resolution ultrasonography for detection of adhesions after laparoscopic and open incisional hernia repair: a matched pair pilot analysis

Background Intraabdominal adhesions represent nonspecific complications before or after laparoscopic or open incisional hernia repair. The objective of this matched control pilot study was to display long-term adhesions noninvasively by applying functional cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, as compared with applying high-resolution ultrasonography (US). Methods The study group, composed of 17 consecutive patients (12 men and 5 women; mean age, 52 years), underwent laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh. Their mean body mass index was 30 kg/m², and the size of the hernia was 95 cm². Another group, matched for age, gender, and type of hernia, was subjected to open abdominal wall repair using the preperitoneal sublay technique with a large-pore, low-weight polypropylene mesh. For cine MR imaging (1.5 T), section-by-section dynamic depiction of induced visceral slide throughout the entire abdomen was achieved by applying transverse or sagittal true fast imaging with steady-state precession sequences. The location and type of adhesions were compared with high-resolution ultrasonography using nine segments of the abdominal map. Results The patients subjected to laparoscopic and open incisional hernia repair were examined 16 and 28 months after surgery. The findings showed functional cine MR imaging as superior to high-resolution ultrasonography for assessing the amount of intraabdominal adhesions (n = 53 vs n = 3; p < 0.01). Most frequently, adhesions were seen between small bowel loops and the abdominal wall (n = 22), followed by bowel-to-bowel adhesions (n = 19; p < 0.05). However, adhesions between small bowel loops and the abdominal wall occurred more frequently after open mesh repair (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between patient complaints and findings with cine MR imaging (p < 0.05). Maximum pain correlated significantly with the region of the most distinctive adhesions (p < 0.05). Conclusions Functional cine MR imaging represents a reliable noninvasive technique for detecting long-term adhesions after open and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. The study results suggest that this approach has distinct advantages over high-resolution ultrasonography.     

Laparoscopically assisted components separation technique for ventral incisional hernia repair

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall to repair ventral hernias continues to pose a challenge to surgeons due to relatively high rates of recurrence and morbidity. In 1990, Ramirez pioneered a technique of components separation of the abdominal wall for ventral hernia repair. Although an effective hernia repair, the mobilization of skin and subcutaneous tissue endangers the blood supply and predisposes midline skin to necrosis. The goal of this study is to determine whether releasing incisions in the transversus abdominis fascia and posterior rectus sheath provide adequate mobilization of the abdominal wall necessary for ventral hernia repair, thus paving the way for a laparoscopic component separation technique. Ten fresh cadavers were used and one side of the abdomen underwent the conventional Ramirez components separation: midline incision, dissection of skin and subcutaneous tissue off the anterior abdominal wall, and incisions in the external oblique aponeurosis and posterior rectus sheath, while the other side received incisions in the transversus abdominis fascia and the posterior rectus sheath with no undermining of the skin. The amount of fascial translation was measured after each incision. Incising only the external oblique aponeurosis produced greater mobilization of the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus (P = 0.02) and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS, P = 0.029) than releasing only transversus abdominis fascia. More importantly, there was no statistically significant difference in the amount of release produced by the complete internal-release components separation versus the conventional technique. In order to test the feasibility of performing the procedure laparoscopically, one additional cadaver underwent a laparoscopic transversus abdominis fascia release. The procedure was successful and resulted in comparable amounts of fascial release as the other 10 cadavers. From this study, it appears technically feasible to perform a laparoscopic components separation to repair a ventral hernia and the procedure produces the same amount of release as the conventional open component separation technique.     

Incisional hernia repair after orthotopic liver transplantation: a technique employing an inlay/onlay polypropylene mesh

Background: The literature provides no data on the incidence and operative management of incisional hernias developing after orthotopic liver transplantation. The use of high-dose immunosuppressive agents results in an appreciable delay in wound healing. There is thus a need for a procedure for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall for patients on immunosuppression. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the incidence of incisional hernias and an analysis of the results after implantation of a polypropylene mesh in inlay–onlay technique after liver transplantation is given.Methods: The basis for the present retrospective investigations was a total of 207 liver transplantations carried out in 192 patients (15 re-transplantations). After performing tensiometry, a polypropylene mesh (Marlex) was implanted to close the hernias using the inlay/onlay technique or a direct closure of the fascia was done. All treated hernias were followed up for a median of 18 months.Results: Among 184 patients, 17 developed incisional hernias after primary direct closure of the abdominal wall, giving an incidence of 9%. In an additional 8 patients an incisional hernia was seen where an absorbable mesh was used to close the abdominal wall after liver transplantation. In addition, there were 25 incisional hernias after 207 liver transplantations (12%). One of 15 (7%) of the surgically repaired hernias with implantation of a polypropylene mesh (Marlex) developed a recurrence. All the 3 patients after direct apposition of the fascia without using a polypropylene mesh suffered a recurrence (3 of 3; 100%). Significant risk factors for developing an incisional hernia were the amount of ascites and the stay in the ICU after transplantation. Neither severe deep nor superficial wound infection nor bowel fistulas were observed after implantation of a inlay/onlay mesh.Conclusion: In patients after liver transplantation, the implantation of a polypropylene mesh proved to be an efficient and safe method of treating incisional hernias. Implantation of a mesh was not associated with an increased infection rate, despite the use of immunosuppression. In view of the high recurrence rate associated with primary closure, mesh implantation should be given preference.     

Intraperitoneal Mesh Implantation for Fascial Dehiscence and Open Abdomen

Background

Postoperative fascial dehiscence and open abdomen are severe postoperative complications and are associated with surgical site infections, fistula, and hernia formation at long-term follow-up. This study was designed to investigate whether intraperitoneal implantation of a composite prosthetic mesh is feasible and safe.

Methods

A total of 114 patients with postoperative fascial dehiscence and open abdomen who had undergone surgery between 2001 and 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Contaminated (wound class 3) or dirty wounds (wound class 4) were present in all patients. A polypropylene-based composite mesh was implanted intraperitoneally in 51 patients, and in 63 patients the abdominal wall was closed without mesh implantation. The primary endpoint was incidence of incisional hernia, and the incidence of enterocutaneous fistula was a secondary endpoint.

Results

The incidence of enterocutaneous fistulas after wound closure post-fascial dehiscence (13% vs. 6% without and with mesh, respectively) or post-open abdomen (22% vs. 28% without and with mesh, respectively) was not significantly different. The incidence of incisional hernia was significantly lower with mesh implantation compared with no-mesh implantation in both contaminated (4% vs. 28%; p?=?0.025) and dirty abdominal cavities (5% vs. 34%; p?=?0.01).

Conclusions

Intra-abdominal contamination is not a contraindication for intra-abdominal mesh implantation. The incidence of enterocutaneous fistula is not elevated despite the presence of contamination. The rate of incisional hernias is significantly reduced after intraperitoneal mesh implantation for postoperative fascial dehiscence or open abdomen.     

Prevention of adhesion formation to polypropylene mesh by collagen coating: A randomized controlled study in a rat model of ventral hernia repair

Introduction In laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with intraperitoneal mesh, concern exists about the development of adhesions between bowel and mesh, predisposing to intestinal obstruction and enterocutaneous fistulas. The aim of this study was to assess whether the addition of a collagen coating on the visceral side of a polypropylene mesh can prevent adhesion formation to the mesh.Method In 58 rats, a defect in the muscular abdominal wall was created, and a mesh was fixed intraperitoneally to cover the defect. Rats were divided in two groups; polypropylene mesh (control group) and polypropylene mesh with collagen coating (Parieten mesh). Seven and 30 days postoperatively, adhesions and amount and strength of mesh incorporation were assessed. Wound healing was studied by microscopy.Results With Parieten mesh, the mesh surface covered by adhesions was reduced after 30 days (42% vs 69%, p = 0.01), but infection rate was increased after both 7 (p = 0.001) and 30 days (p = 0.03), compared to the polypropylene group with no mesh infections. If animals with mesh infection were excluded in the analysis, the mesh surface covered by adhesions was reduced after 7 days (21% vs 76%, p = 0.02), as well as after 30 days (21 vs 69%, p < 0.001). Percentage of mesh incorporation was comparable in both groups. Mean tensile strength of mesh incorporation after 30 days was higher with Parieten mesh.Conclusion Although the coated Parieten mesh was more susceptible to mesh infection in the current model, a significant reduction of adhesion formation was still seen with the Parieten mesh after 30 days, with comparable mesh incorporation in the abdominal wall.     

Comparison of laparoscopic and open repair of incisional and primary ventral hernia: results of a prospective randomized study

Background Incisional hernia is an important complication of abdominal surgery. Its repair has progressed from a primary suture repair to various mesh repairs and laparoscopic repair. Laparoscopic mesh repair is a promising alternative, and in the absence of consensus, needs prospective randomized controlled trials. Methods Between April 2003 and April 2005, 66 patients with incisional, primary ventral and recurrent hernias were randomized to receive either open retrorectus mesh repair or laparoscopic mesh repair. These patients were followed up at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals thereafter for a mean of 12.17 months (open repair group) and 13.73 months (laparoscopic repair group). Results Lower abdominal hernias after gynecologic operations constituted the majority of the hernias (∼50%) in both groups. There was no significant injury to viscera or vessel in either group and no conversions. The defect size was 42.12 cm² in the open (group 1) and 65.66 cm² in the laparoscopic group (group 2), and the prosthesis sizes were, respectively, 152.67 cm² and 203.83 cm². The hospital stay was 3.43 days in open group and 1.47 days in laparoscopic group (p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in the pain scores between the two groups. More wound-related infectious complications occurred in the open group (33%) than in the laparoscopic group (6%) (p = 0.013). There was one recurrence in the open repair group (3%) and two recurrences in laparoscopic group (6%) (p = 0.55). Conclusions Laparoscopic repair of incisional and ventral hernias is superior to open mesh repair in terms of significantly less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, and excellent cosmetic outcome.     

Successful management of abdominal wound dehiscence using a vacuum assisted closure system combined with mesh-mediated medial traction

Management of the open abdomen has advanced significantly in recent years with the increasing use of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) techniques leading to increased rates of fascial closure. We present the case of a patient who suffered two complete abdominal wall dehiscences after an elective laparotomy, meaning primary closure was no longer possible. She was treated successfully with a VAC system combined with continuous medial traction using a Prolene^® mesh. This technique has not been described before in the management of patients following wound dehiscence.     

Implantation of Prophylactic Nonabsorbable Intraperitoneal Mesh in Patients With Peritonitis Is Safe and Feasible

Background

Patients with peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy are at increased risk for postoperative open abdomen and incisional hernia. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh implantation compared with conventional abdominal wall closure in patients with peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy.

Method

A matched case-control study was performed. To analyze a high-risk population for incisional hernia formation, only patients with at least two of the following risk factors were included: male sex, body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m², malignant tumor, or previous abdominal incision. In 63 patients with peritonitis, a prophylactic nonabsorbable mesh was implanted intraperitoneally between 2005 and 2010. These patients were compared with 70 patients with the same risk factors and peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy over a 1-year period (2008) who underwent conventional abdominal closure without mesh implantation.

Results

Demographic parameters, including sex, age, BMI, grade of intraabdominal infection, and operating time were comparable in the two groups. Incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) was not different between groups (61.9 vs. 60.3 %; p = 0.603). Enterocutaneous fistula occurred in three patients in the mesh group (4.8 %) and in two patients in the control group (2.9 %; p = 0.667). The incidence of incisional hernia was significantly lower in the mesh group (2/63 patients) than in the control group (20/70 patients) (3.2 vs. 28.6 %; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh can be safely implanted in patients with peritonitis. It significantly reduces the incidence of incisional hernia. The incidences of SSI and enterocutaneous fistula formation were similar to those seen with conventional abdominal closure.     

Effect of botulinum toxin type A in lateral abdominal wall muscles thickness and length of patients with midline incisional hernia secondary to open abdomen management

Purpose

Abdominal wall hernia secondary to open abdomen management represents a surgical challenge. The hernia worsens due to lateral muscle retraction. Our objective was to evaluate if Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) application in lateral abdominal wall muscles modifies its thickness and length.

Methods

A clinical trial of male trauma patients with hernia secondary to open abdomen management was performed from January 2009 to July 2011. Thickness and length of lateral abdominal muscles were measured by a basal Computed Tomography and 1 month after BTA application. A dosage of 250 units of BTA was applied at five points at each side between the external and internal oblique muscles under ultrasonographic guidance. Statistical analysis for differences between basal and after BTA application measures was performed by a paired Student’s t test (significance: p < 0.05).

Results

Seventeen male patients with a mean age of 35 years were included. There were muscle measure modifications in all the patients. Left muscle thickness: mean reduction of 1 ± 0.55 cm (p < 0.001). Right muscle thickness: mean reduction of 1.00 ± 0.49 cm (p < 0.001). Left muscle length: mean increase of 2.44 ± 1.22 cm (p < 0.001). Right muscle length: mean increase of 2.59 ± 1.38 cm (p < 0.001). No complications secondary to BTA or recurrences at mean follow-up of 49 months were observed.

Conclusions

BTA application in lateral abdominal muscles decreases its thickness and increases its length in abdominal wall hernia patients secondary to open abdomen management.     

Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia mesh repair: a prospective study

Background An incisional hernia develops in 3% to 13% of laparotomy incisions, with primary suture repair of ventral hernias yielding unsatisfactory results. The introduction of a prosthetic mesh to ensure abdominal wall strength without tension has decreased the recurrence rate, but open repair requires significant soft tissue dissection in tissues that are already of poor quality as well as flap creation, increasing complication rates and affecting the recurrence rate. A minimally invasive approach was applied to the repair pf ventral hernias, with the expectation of earlier recovery, fewer postoperative complications, and decreased recurrence rates. This prospective study was performed to objectively analyze and compare the outcomes after open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods The outcomes for 50 unselected patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair were compared with those for 50 consecutive unselected patients who underwent open repair. The open surgical operations were performed by the Rives and Stoppa technique using prosthetic mesh, whereas the laparoscopic repairs were performed using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair technique in all cases. Results The study group consisted of 100 patients (82 women and 18 men) with a mean age of 55.25 years (range, 30–83 years). The patients in the two groups were comparable at baseline in terms of sex, presenting complaints, and comorbid conditions. The patients in laparoscopic group had larger defects (93.96 vs 55.88 cm²; p = 0.0023). The mean follow-up time was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.5640–23.0227 months). The mean surgery durations were 90.6 min for the laparoscopic repair and 93.3 min for the open repair (p = 0.769, nonsignificant difference). The mean postoperative stay was shorter for the laparoscopic group than for the open hernia group (2.7 vs 4.7 days; p = 0.044). The pain scores were similar in the two groups at 24 and 48 h, but significantly less at 72 h in the laparoscopic group (mean visual analog scale score, 2.9412 vs 4.1702; p = 0.001). There were fewer complications (24%) and recurrences (2%) among the patients who underwent laparoscopic repair than among those who had open repair (30% and 10%, respectively). Conclusions The findings demonstrate that laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in our experience was safe and resulted in shorter operative time, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and less recurrence. Hence, it should be considered as the procedure of choice for ventral hernia repair.     

The use of the Kugel mesh in ventral hernia repairs

BACKGROUND: The management of ventral hernias is a common problem. Goals of hernia repair include reduction of the contents, reperitonealization of the abdomen, repair of the fascial defect, and restoration of the normal abdominal wall contour. Repairs frequently require the use of mesh to reduce the incidence of recurrence. A variety of repair techniques have been described, often associated with significant pain, prolonged recovery, and complications. METHODS: We describe a technique using a partial component separation, reperitonealization of the abdominal cavity with the hernia sack, and insertion of the Kugel mesh for bridging the gap. RESULTS: We have used this technique on 65 ventral hernias. Fifty-two patients went home from the recovery room and 11 stayed less than 23 hours. One patient had a wound infection and 2 had seromas. There have been no recurrences to date. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of ventral hernias with the Kugel mesh using a partial component separation is safe, effective and durable.     

Omental patch reinforced with polypropylene mesh and split-thickness skin grafting: A new procedure to close the “open abdomen”

IntroductionThe “open abdomen” expression widely used to define a full-thickness defect of the abdominal wall intentionally made in some situations like abdominal compartment syndrome, has been replaced by a newest one called “laparostomy”. The definitive closure of an open abdomen with a giant full abdominal thickness defect remains a problem.Case reportWe present a 67-year old male with a descompressive laparostomy treated with a greater omentum flap sutured hermetically with interrupted stitches at the edges of the muscle wall, reinforced with large mesh of polypropylene (PP) placed on-lay and sutured to the fascia by two concentric running sutures of polypropylene. A vacuum-assisted closure device was placed on the second postoperative day and it was kept during three weeks. By then the PP mesh was completely integrated so skin grafts were applied to the surface of the granulation tissue. An incisional hernia was easily repaired at three years of follow-up. Eight months after the last surgery the patient is satisfied with the result achieved.DiscussionThe great omentum has immunological and angiogenic properties that allow a rapid integration of the polypropylene mesh, even in septic environments, facilitating the engraftment of split-thickness skin graft.The reactive fibrosis caused by the PP mesh replaces the fat tissue but the inner surface is preserved, thereby avoiding subsequent adhesion and facilitates surgical access to the abdominal cavity if necessary in the future.ConclusionThe structure achieved is a strong structure, capable of visceral isolation that can be useful to close some OA.     

Suture versus staple for fixation of mesh in incisional hernia repair

The incidence of incisional hernia has been reported to be between 11 and 20% in patients post laparotomy and carries the risk of pain, incarceration and strangulation. Prosthetic mesh for incisional hernia repair has been shown to be superior to suture repair. The recurrence rate of primary mesh repair of incisional hernias has been reported to be as high as 38%. This experimental study in euthanised rats aims to compare the fixation strength of mesh using sutures and surgical staples. Forty euthanised adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were used for midline laparotomy incisions and repair of the abdominal wall carried out using polypropylene mesh anchored using either skin staples or Prolene sutures. An intra‐abdominal expander device was inserted into the abdomen and inflated to measure ‘burst pressure’. Pressure changes and surgical time were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.83) in the pressure required to disrupt the mesh fixation between the two groups, 101 ± 12 mmHg in the suture group versus 102 ± 14 mmHg in the staple group. Staple fixation was 9.7 times faster compared with suture fixation, 291 ± 42 s for suture versus 30 ± 8 s for staples (P < 0.001) (power = 94%). The immediate strength of fixation is equal using both sutures and staples, however staple fixation is faster. Mesh migration due to inadequate fixation using either method is unlikely to cause early failure, however suture and staple ‘cut out’ during early movement may explain this.     

Evaluation of the Open Abdomen Classification System: A Validity and Reliability Analysis

Background

Classification of the open abdomen (OA) status is essential for clinical studies on the subject and may help to improve OA therapy. This is a validity and reliability analysis of the OA classification proposed by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in 2013.

Methods

Prospective data on 111 consecutive OA patients treated with vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) was used. For validity analysis, OA grades were compared with fascial closure and mortality. For reliability analysis, operative reports were graded by three external raters on two different occasions and the results compared. Instructions for use of the classification were constructed and studied by the external raters beforehand.

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate was 30 % (33/111). The delayed primary fascial closure rate was 89 % (85/95). Most complex grade (p = 0.033), deteriorating grade (p = 0.045), enteric leak (p = 0.001), and enteroatmospheric fistula (p = 0001) were associated with worse clinical outcomes, while initial grade, grade 1A only, contamination, fixation, and frozen abdomen were not. A floor effect was observed, with 20 % of patients receiving the lowest grade throughout OA period. Inter-rater reliability, expressed as intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), was 0.77, 0.76, and 0.88 (95 % confidence interval 0.66–0.84, 0.65–0.84, and 0.81–0.92, respectively) and test–retest reliability 1.0, 0.99, and 0.95, respectively.

Conclusions

More complex OA grades were associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, favorable clinical results with the VAWCM technique caused many patients to receive the lowest grade, thus causing a floor effect and lower validity. Inter-rater and test–retest reliability was ‘good’ to ‘very good’.     

Major Complex Abdominal Wall Repair in Contaminated Fields with Use of a Non-cross-linked Biologic Mesh: A Dual-Institutional Experience

Background

Data on the use of biologic mesh in abdominal wall repair in complex cases remain sparse. Aim of this study was to evaluate a non-cross-linked porcine acellular dermal matrix for repair of complex contaminated abdominal wall defects.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing abdominal wall repair with use of Strattice? Reconstructive Tissue Matrix (LifeCell Corporation, Oxford, UK) between January 2011 and February 2015 at two National Intestinal Failure Units.

Results

Eighty patients were identified. Indications for abdominal wall repair included enterocutaneous fistula takedown (n = 50), infected synthetic mesh removal (n = 9), restoration of continuity or creation of a stoma with concomitant ventral hernia repair (n = 12), and others (n = 9). The median defect area was 143.0 cm² (interquartile range or IQR 70.0–256.0 cm²). All had a grade III or IV hernia. Component separation technique (CST) was performed in 54 patients (68%). Complete fascial closure was not possible despite CST and biologic mesh-assisted traction (bridged repair) in 20 patients (25%). In-hospital mortality was 1%. Thirty-six patients (45%) developed a wound infection. None required mesh removal. Of 76 patients with a median clinical follow-up of 7 months (IQR 4–15) available for analysis, 10 patients (13%) developed a hernia recurrence, of whom 3 had undergone bridged repairs. Seven patients developed a postoperative (recurrent) fistula (9%).

Conclusion

Repair of challenging and contaminated abdominal wall defects can be done effectively with non-cross-linked biologic mesh and component separation technique without the need for mesh removal despite wound infections.