Sixty-month follow-up after endoscopic inguinal hernia repair with three types of mesh: a prospective randomized trial

Background  This prospective, clinical, randomized, double-blind study was intended to investigate the impact of the structure and the amount of polypropylene (PP) mesh used in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplastic (TAPP) on physical function and life quality. Methods  180 male patients with primary inguinal hernia undergoing TAPP were randomized for using a heavyweight (108 g/m²), double-filament PP mesh (Prolene, 10 × 15 cm, group A, n = 60), a multifilament, heavyweight variant (116 g/m²) of PP mesh (Serapren, 10 × 15 cm, group B, n = 60), or a composite mesh (polyglactin and PP) (Vypro II, 10 × 15 cm, group C, n = 60). We compared in terms of complications (seromas, recurrence rate) and life quality (pain development, physical function). The development of life quality was documented according to the SF-36 Health Survey. The follow-up period was 60 months. Results  The recurrence rate (2.2% overall) during 60-month follow-up was not significantly different between the groups. Convalescence in group A was slower than in groups B and C: mean-term values of the visual scales for pain development were significantly (p < 0.05) higher, incapacity for work was 8.2 days longer, and urological adverse effects were stronger. The mean-term development of life quality was significantly lower in group A up to 12th week postoperatively. There were no significant differences between groups B and C. Beyond the 12th postinterventional week the differences diminished. Conclusions  The composite mesh does not provide an advantage concerning physical function or pain development in comparison to the multifilament, heavyweight, pure polypropylene mesh. Independently of which mesh was implanted 5% of patients are still suffering from discomfort after 5 years.     

Comparison of biomaterials: three meshes and TAPP for inguinal hernia

Background In laparoscopic hernia repair the use of biocompatible materials is necessary. A prospective, double-blind study was projected to compare three different meshes. Methods Ninety male patients with primary inguinal hernia undergoing transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) implant procedures were included. Three different types of mesh were tested: a monofile, heavy-weight, rigid mesh (group A), a smooth, heavy-weight variant of polypropylene (group B), and a polyglactin/polypropylene compound mesh (group C). Complications, pain development, inability to work, physical conditions, testicular volume, and blood circulation were documented. Results Convalescence in group A was slower than in groups B and C: Postoperative values of visual scales for pain development were higher, inability to work was 7.3 days longer, urologic effects were more severe, activities of everyday life were more reduced, and data of the German SF-36 Health Survey Test showed a significant reduction of physical condition (p < 0.05). Conclusion The compound mesh did not create more comfort for the patients than the smooth variant of the heavy-weight polypropylene mesh.     

Does type of mesh used have an impact on outcomes in laparoscopic inguinal hernia?

Background

Theoretically, a lighter and softer mesh may decrease nerve entrapment and chronic pain by creating less fibrosis and mesh contracture in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

We performed a telephone survey of patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery between 2001 and 2007. We recorded patient responses for chronic pain, foreign body sensation, recurrence, satisfaction, and return to work, and then studied the effect of type of mesh (polypropylene vs polyester) on these factors.

Results

Of 109 consecutive patients surveyed (mean age, 54.5 y), 67 eligible patients underwent 84 transabdominal extraperitoneal procedures and 2 transabdominal preperitoneal procedures. Patients with polypropylene mesh had a 3 times higher rate of chronic pain (P = .05), feeling of lump (P = .02), and foreign body perception (P = .05) than the polyester mesh group. Our overall 1-year recurrence rate was 5.9%. The recurrence rate was 9.3% for the polypropylene group and 2.9% for the polyester group (P = .26).

Conclusions

A lightweight polyester mesh has better long-term outcomes for chronic pain and foreign body sensation compared with a heavy polypropylene mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. We also saw a trend toward higher recurrence in the polypropylene group.     

Early results for new lightweight mesh in laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal inguinal hernia repair

Prosthetic mesh reinforcement is now routine in the management of inguinal hernia but can cause considerable pain and stiffness around the groin. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome after laparoscopic TEP inguinal repair using new lightweight or traditional heavyweight mesh performed in a single unit. Between November 2004 and March 2005, 113 patients underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal repair using either lightweight (28 g/m²) or heavyweight (85 g/m²) mesh. Follow-up data was obtained using case note review and telephone-based questionnaire in April 2005. Follow-up information was obtained for 93 (83%) out of 113 patients. There was no difference between the two groups in the incidence of pain/discomfort at mean 3-month follow-up (45 vs 41%, Mann–Whitney U, P=0.641). However, there was a significant inverse correlation between the length of time since operation and severity of pain/discomfort in the lightweight group (P=0.001, Pearson test), suggesting a faster speed of recovery with lightweight mesh. Laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair with lightweight mesh yields promising early results. Whilst there was no significant difference in pain or recurrence in the short term, post-operative pain scores improved earlier in patients with lightweight mesh compared to heavyweight mesh. This merits further study, with larger cohorts and longer follow-up, to determine the benefits of lightweight mesh. This study has been presented in abstract form at the British Hernia Society Conference 2005, Edinburgh.     

Comparing fibrin sealant with staples for mesh fixation in laparoscopic transabdominal hernia repair: a case control-study

Background

Laparoscopic hernia repair is not as popular as cholecystectomy. We have performed more than 3,000 laparoscopic herniorrhaphies using the trans-abdominal (TAPP) technique. To prevent recurrences we fix the polypropylene mesh with staples. The use of fibrin glue for graft fixation is a possible alternative.

Methods

We have performed 3,130 laparoscopic hernia repairs over 14 years. For mesh fixation we used titanium clips and observed a small number of complications. In July 2003 we started using fibrin glue (Tissucol®). The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal study was to evaluate if the use of fibrin sealant was as safe and effective as conventional stapling and if there were differences in post-operative pain, complications and recurrences.

Results

From July 2003 to June 2006 we performed 823 laparoscopic herniorrhaphies. Fibrin glue (Tissucol®) was used in 88 cases. Two homogeneous groups of 68 patients (83 cases) treated with fibrin glue and 68 patients (87 cases) where the mesh was fixed with staples, were compared. Patients with relevant associated diseases or large inguino-scrotal hernias were excluded. Operative times were longer in the group treated with fibrin glue with a mean of 35 minutes (range 22–65 mins) compared to the group treated with staples (25 minutes, range 14–50 mins). The time of hospital stay was the same (24 hours). Post-operative complications, that were more frequent in the stapled group, included trocar site pain, hematomas, intra-operative bleedings and incisional hernias. No significant difference was observed concerning seromas, chronic pain and recurrence rate.

Conclusions

Less post-operative pain, and a faster return to usual activities are the main advantages of laparoscopic repair compared to the traditional approach. The use of fibrin sealant reduces in our experience the risk of post- and intra-operative complications such as bleeding and incisional hernia; recurrence rates are similar, but the operative time is longer.

     

Inguinal hernia repair in the perinatal period and early infancy: clinical considerations

Contemporary neonatal intensive care has resulted in survival of many seriously ill preterm and older infants that frequently present with symptomatic inguinal hernia. Controversy exists concerning timing and safety of early repair in prematures or other neonates, especially those hospitalized with concurrent illness. This study examines this topic by evaluating predisposing factors, presentation, and postoperative complications in 100 recent consecutive hernia repairs in previously hospitalized infants less than 2 months of age. There were 85 boys and 15 girls. Thirty percent were premature (less than 36 wks gestation). Forty-two infants were hospitalized for RDS with assisted ventilation in 16 infants, hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in 7 infants, and congenital heart disease (CHD) in 19 infants. Clinical presentation was on the right side in 44 infants, bilateral in 42, and on the left side in 14. Incarceration occurred in 31 cases with nine babies having overt intestinal obstruction. The incidence of cryptorchidism was 12.9%. All (VP) shunt, CHD patients, and incarcerated cases were treated with preoperative antibiotics. Following discharge, 49 preterm or previously ill infants developed a symptomatic hernia at home and were readmitted. Nine full-term infants were treated as outpatients. Bilateral inguinal exploration was performed in 92 cases with second hernia or patent processus found in 81. Seven of eight with unilateral exploration had acute incarceration with obstruction at the time of the procedure. Three subsequently required a second hernia repair. Two infants with incarceration and cryptorchid testis or ovarian slider had gonadal infarction. There were eight postoperative complications.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The plug method in inguinal hernia: Prospective evaluation of postoperative pain and disability

Summary The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the postoperative pain and disability after treatment of inguinal hernia by the plug technique. Postoperative pain, main organic functions, mobility, return to normal activities and absence from work were prospectively assessed in 118 consecutive patients. Only 3 benign postoperative complications (2.5%) occurred. The mean postoperative pain as assessed by visual analogue scale was 20.3 ± 15.1 mm/100. The mean duration of analgesic consumption was 2.7 ± 1.6 days and the mean total number of capsules was 7.1 ± 4.7. The percentages of patients capable of eating lunch the day of operation, passing urine, walking and bending forward without difficulty 6 hours after operation were 97.5,97.4, 97.5 and 85.6 respectively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.2 ± 0.6 days. The mean times of first outdoor walking, return to normal activities and return to work were 1.5 ± 1, 3.6 ± 2.2 and 15.2 ± 8.9 days respectively. These results show that the plug technique provides a low complication rate, a low level of pain, and allows early resumption of full activity.     

Classification of biomaterials and their related complications in abdominal wall hernia surgery

Summary The value of the use of biomaterials for the repair of abdominal wall hernias is gaining increasing recognition. The use of synthetic mesh to achieve a tension-free repair has resulted in a significant reduction in postoperative pain, in length of the recovery period, and in the number of recurrences. However, certain physical properties of biomaterials can lead to undesirable consequences. These include increased risk of infection, seroma formation, biomaterial-related intestinal obstruction, and fistula formation and failure of repair due to shrinkage of the mesh. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mechanism of these problems with special emphasis on pore size, molecular permeation and shrinkage of biomaterials and their effects on infection, seroma formation, and recurrence of mesh repair of abdominal wall hernias.     

Prolene Hernia System compared with Lichtenstein patch: a randomised double blind study of short-term and medium-term outcomes in primary inguinal hernia repair

Abstract Background. Refinements in the configuration of mesh may ease handling and placement and reduce postoperative discomfort. Material and Methods. A total of 206 patients were randomly and blindly allocated to receive the Prolene Hernia System (PHS) or Lichtenstein patch. Collected data included: surgical incision size, procedure time, pain scores, analgesic medication, complications, return to activity and work, and quality of life as measured by Short-Form 36 on days 3 and 14. Results. Immediate post-operative pain was significantly lower with PHS than with the patch. The proportion of PHS patients taking longer than 3 days to return to normal activity was 15.5%, compared to 28.4% of patch patients. Operating time was significantly shorter with PHS (34.1 vs. 38.3 min). There was no treatment effect on any of the quality of life scales as measured by Short-Form 36. There were two recurrences in the patch group. Conclusions. The study indicates a reduction in operating time (4 min) and postoperative recovery with the PHS compared with patch. Electronic Publication     

疝环充填和平片式无张力腹股沟疝修补术后复发分析(附27例报告)

目的:分析无张力腹股沟疝修补术后复发的原因,提出预防措施。方法:回顾性分析1998年12月～2002年12月27例用疝环充填式或平片式无张力疝修补术治疗原发性腹股沟疝术后复发而再手术病例的资料。结果:17例疝环充填式手术中,疝囊未做高位游离5例,近端疝囊太小1例,疝块自原网塞旁脱出2例,疝块自二网塞间脱出1例,原斜疝再发直疝5例,再发股疝1例,原直疝再发斜疝2例。10例平片式手术中,疝囊未高位游离结扎4例,原斜疝再发直疝5例,原直疝再发斜疝1例。结论:仔细、规范及一些预防性的操作能避免无张力疝修补术后部分复发疝,以及再发疝和遗漏疝的发生,从而根本降低术后复发率。     

Mesh在腹股沟疝修补中的应用

目的 探讨腹股沟疝的修补方法。方法 对18例腹股沟疝采用聚丙烯网片(Mesh)进行无张力修补。结果 18例手术均顺利，术后痛苦小、并发症少、住院时间短，随访11～23月，无复发。结论 采用Mesh修补腹股沟疝符合解剖生理，具有无张力、痛苦小、恢复快等特点。     

Utility of a new soft non-woven polypropylene mesh for the transabdominal extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair: preliminary results

SummaryAims Tension-free mesh reinforcement is the mainstay of laparoscopic hernia repair. Problems with current prostheses include shrinkage, migration, patient discomfort and neuralgias. We prospectively analyzed the short-term utility of a soft, non-woven mesh (Biomesh W/NK®, Cousin Biotech) in the TAPP repair.Methods During surgery, ease of insertion, unrolling, positioning and fixation of the mesh were evaluated. Postoperatively, all patients were followed up at 8 and 30 days.Results Forty-five hernias were repaired in 32 patients. Hernias were classified as Nyhus I-2; II-5; Nyhus III-33; Nyhus IV-5. Mean mesh size for unilateral hernias was 14,4 × 12.8 × 9 cm. All meshes were inserted without difficulty, and unrolled into the correct space with minimal trouble. Once in position, moving the mesh was more difficult than with a conventional woven mesh. Fixing was relatively straightforward. The mesh was noted to mould to tissues, assisting with hemostasis. At follow-up, there were no complications noted, specifically no neuralgias or seromas.Discussion Woven or knitted polypropylene mesh is commonly used for laparoscopic hernia repair, due to its ease of manipulation. However, the stiffness of such mesh probably contributes to its well-recognized complications. The Biomesh is much softer, lighter and more pliable, and can potentially reduce complications related to mesh stiffness. We have demonstrated the ease of insertion and fixation of the mesh, and the absence of short-term complications related to its use. In light of our experience, we believe that, in selected cases, the Biomesh offers an attractive alternative to traditional mesh.     

经腹腹膜前腹腔镜疝修补术治疗腹股沟复发疝

目的：探讨经腹腹膜前腹腔镜疝修补术（ transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy ,TAPP）在治疗腹股沟复发疝中的效果。方法回顾性分析我院2010年6月～2013年12月TAPP治疗腹股沟复发疝28例的临床资料。单侧疝25例,双侧疝3例（2例为术中发现）。斜疝13例,直疝15例。结果28例均获成功,无中转手术。手术时间（60＆#177;15） min,术中出血量（30＆#177;5）ml,术后住院时间（4＆#177;1）d。3例术后腹股沟区轻微疼痛不适,口服非甾体止疼药后缓解;4例血清肿,2例自行吸收,2例经多次穿刺抽液后治愈。随访时间1～24个月,平均17个月,其中20例＞12个月,均未见复发。结论 TAPP治疗腹股沟复发疝避免了传统前入路的解剖复杂性,手术安全、有效。     

Total extra-peritoneal repair of groin hernia: prospective evaluation at a tertiary care center

Background The laparoscopic repair of groin hernia is increasingly being used. However, the relative merits and demerits of laparoscopic repair are debatable. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the total extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair of groin hernia. Methods This prospective study was undertaken at a single surgical unit between January 2004 and June 2006. Consecutive patients with elective groin hernias were offered laparoscopic TEP repair. Indigenous balloon or telescopic dissection was used to create extra-peritoneal space. Polypropylene mesh was used in all of the patients and mesh fixation was performed with tackers. Results A total of 185 patients with age range 18–92 years were included; 180 were males. TEP repair was attempted in 298 groin hernias in 185 patients with a success rate of 89.5%. Indigenous balloon or telescopic dissection was used to create extra-peritoneal space. Thirty-one (31, 10.5%) TEP repairs were converted to transabdominal pre-peritoneal or open repair. Two patients developed recurrence during follow-up. Conclusion TEP is an excellent technique for laparoscopic groin hernia repair, with acceptable rates of complication.     

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目的探讨无张力疝修补术在腹股沟复发疝中的临床应用价值。方法自2000年8月至2003年5月应用无张力疝修补术治疗腹股沟复发疝病人52例,其中应用疝环填充法38例,三合一补片法14例,观察手术时间、伤口疼痛、术后自主功能的恢复、并发症及复发率。结果手术全部成功完成,平均手术时间50min,术后4例出现尿潴留,5例出现阴囊积液。术后5～7d出院,随访3～36个月未见复发病例。结论无张力疝修补术是治疗腹股沟复发疝的理想术式,具有手术安全、创伤小、痛苦小、术后恢复快、近期疗效满意和复发率低等优点,手术方式应“个体化”。     

疝环充填式无张力疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝193例报告

目的：探讨疝环充填式无张力疝修补术的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析193例腹股沟疝无张力修补的临床资料。结果：本组病人采用局麻或硬膜外麻醉，平均手术时间38min，术后疼痛轻，恢复快，5～10d出院。复发1例。结论：疝环充填式无张力疝修补术创伤小，复发率低，应成为基层医院在行腹股沟疝修补术时的首选术式。     

Inguinal hernia: a patch covering only the myopectineal orifice is effective

A large mesh in the preperitoneal space, spread on iliac vessels and bladder, can cause future difficulties in a case of urogenital or vascular disease. Since all recurrences are located in the area of the myopectineal orifice, a mesh covering only this area, as in the Rives procedure, is effective and avoids these drawbacks. However, the Rives procedure is demanding, which is why we tried to simplify the technique. A mesh 8–10 cm long and 6–7 cm wide was spread in the preperitoneal space using the inguinal approach, without any fixation or with only a few stitches; the fascia was then simply approximated over the mesh without tension. A total of 161 hernias (99% Nyhus type III and IV) were repaired using this technique. Only six benign complications (3.7%) occurred. With a median follow-up of 63 months (range, 18–94 months), only one recurrence occurred (0.7%), due to misplacement of the mesh, eight patients complained of mild pain, and no late complications were observed. In conclusion, placement of a small mesh covering only the myopectineal orifice using the inguinal approach is effective and is associated with a low risk of drawbacks and complications. Electronic Publication     

Analysis of risk factors for surgical site infection and postoperative recurrence following inguinal and femoral hernia surgery in adults

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the causes of complications following surgery for inguinal and femoral hernia, using surgical site infection (SSI) and recurrence rate as indicators of outcomes to consider appropriate treatments.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed the medical histories of 1,098 patients with adult inguinal and femoral hernias who underwent herniorrhaphy between July 2010 and March 2019. Using SSI and recurrence rate as indicators of outcomes, we statistically assessed the influence of preoperative and operative conditions on surgical outcomes.ResultsThe occurrence of postoperative SSI was significantly more frequent in patients who experienced a long surgical duration, excessive blood loss, and incarceration; underwent emergency surgery and bowel resection; and in whom no mesh sheet insertion was performed. There was no correlation between mesh use and SSI in cases that did not require emergency incarceration repair. For cases involving hernia incarceration, the use of a mesh sheet was avoided to prevent potential infection, which could explain the high incidence of SSI in cases where mesh was not used. The hernia may have recurred due to technical issues during the procedure, as well as failure to ligate the hernia sac.ConclusionsSelecting the appropriate surgical method for hernia repair may reduce the incidence of SSI. If manual reduction of inguinal hernias is not possible, an appropriate surgical procedure should be determined based on laparoscopic findings in facilities where laparoscopic hernia surgeries are frequently performed. Moreover, in cases without infection and bowel resection, mesh use may be beneficial. Recurrence can be prevented by ligating the hernia sac during surgery and solving relevant technical problems.     

A multicentric comparison of transabdominal versus totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair using PARIETEX meshes.

The authors report a series of 1972 inguinal hernias treated between 1993 and 1997 by the insertion of a PARIETEX mesh via either a transabdominal-preperitoneal (TAPP) (1,290 procedures) or a totally extraperitoneal TEP approach (682 procedures). Pain scores were equivalent in both groups, while the hospital stay and time to return to normal activity was lower in the TEP group than in the TAPP group (p<0.001). In both groups, the average incidence of the total reported events (complications) was around 10% with no statistical difference. This ratio seemed to compare favorably to previously published reports. Chronic pain was extremely rare (0.6% and 0.7% in the TAPP and TEP groups, respectively). Whatever the approach was, sepsis was also very rare (1/1,526 laparoscopic procedures). These findings illustrate the local tolerance of the mesh. Recurrence rates were below 1% with no statistical difference between groups. This retrospective study demonstrates the clinically apparent local tolerance of this type of mesh. Prospective and long-term clinical results will be necessary to demonstrate that the optimized short-term tolerance of PARIETEX mesh will influence the long term functional results.