Single center experience with the modified retromuscular Sugarbaker technique for parastomal hernia repair

Purpose

Parastomal hernias are challenging to manage, and an optimal repair has yet to be defined. An open, modified, retromuscular Sugarbaker technique has recently been described in the literature as a technically feasible approach to parastomal hernia repair. This study evaluates our initial institutional experience with parastomal hernia repair with the aforementioned technique with respect to safety and durability.

Methods

All patients who underwent an open, modified retromuscular Sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair from 2014 through 2016 at our institution were identified. Patient characteristics, hernia variables, operative details, and 30-day and medium-term outcomes were abstracted from the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative database. Outcomes of interest included 30-day wound morbidity, mesh-related complications, and hernia recurrence.

Results

Thirty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. 20 (53%) patients presented to our institution for management of a recurrent parastomal hernia. 35 (92%) patients had a concurrent midline incisional hernia with a mean total hernia width of 15.1 cm and mean defect size of 353 cm². Thirty-day wound morbidity rate was 13%. At a mean of follow-up of 13 months (range 4–30), the hernia recurrence rate was 11%. Three patients (8%) experienced mesh erosion into the stoma bowel, leading to stoma necrosis, bowel obstruction, and/or perforation which required reoperation at day 8, 12, and 120 days, respectively.

Conclusions

The outcomes of the retromuscular Sugarbaker technique for the management of parastomal hernias have been disappointing at our institution, with a concerning rate of serious mesh-related complications. This operation, as originally described, needs further study before widespread adoption with a particular focus on the technique of mesh placement, the most appropriate mesh selection, and the long-term rate of mesh erosion.

     

How I do it: novel parastomal herniorrhaphy utilizing transversus abdominis release

Introduction

Parastomal hernias are a complex surgical problem affecting a large number of patients. Recurrences continue to occur despite various methods of repair. We present a novel method of open parastomal hernia repair with retromuscular mesh reinforcement in a modified Sugarbaker configuration.

Methods

A full mildline laparotomy is performed and all adhesions are taken down. We then perform an open parastomal hernia repair by utilizing retromuscular dissection, posterior component separation via transversus abdominis release, and lateralization of the bowel utilizing a modified Sugarbaker mesh configuration within the retromuscular space. We demonstrate this technique in a cadaveric model for illustrative purposes.

Discussion

This repair provides the benefits of an open posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release and maintains the biomechanics of a functional abdominal wall, all while simultaneously benefitting from the advantages of mesh reinforcement in a modified Sugarbaker configuration. Our clinical experience with this novel technique to this point has been positive.

     

A modified sublay–keyhole technique for in situ parastomal hernia repair

Objective

The surgical treatment of a parastomal hernia is always challenging due to the high incidence of recurrence following primary repair, or stoma relocation and severe morbidities in prosthetic repair with polypropylene materials. We therefore developed a modified sublay–keyhole technique employing a polypropylene material to minimize the associated high risk of the procedure. We herein describe our initial clinical experience with this modified procedure.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to obtain the clinical data for 11 patients with parastomal hernias who underwent the modified in situ Sublay–keyhole repair from November 2008 to August 2010.

Results

The mean hernia size was 58.7?cm² (range 30–96?cm²), with an average polypropylene mesh size of 376.3?cm² (range 270–464?cm²). The mean length of the operation was 147.9?min (range 120–195.0?min), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 11?days (range 9–14?days). All patients had an uneventful incisional recovery, with no infections. Two seromas and one hematoma were found and treated with conservative management, such as with aspiration, physical therapy and compression. All patients had been followed up, with a mean length of follow-up of 23.5?months (range 11–39?months). One parastomal hernia recurrence was seen 11?months postoperatively. Breakdown of the sutures and an over-sized aperture cut in the mesh were detected as the causes of the recurrence during the secondary repair procedure. Only re-sutures in both the mesh aperture and myofascial dehiscence were executed for this patient, and no re-recurrence was observed during an additional follow-up of 15?months. No recurrence of the parastomal hernia or presentation of an incisional hernia was detected during the follow-up.

Conclusions

The modified Sublay–keyhole repair appears to be an effective procedure for parastomal hernias, with a low incidence of recurrence and risk of morbidities. Collection of more cases and further follow-up examinations will be needed to confirm our findings.     

Retromuscular Preperitoneal Repair of Flank Hernias

Introduction

Flank hernias represent a challenging problem to reconstructive surgeons. Their anatomic proximity to the bony prominence and major neurovascular structures limits fixation options and restricts mesh overlap. We present our technique and outcomes of a preperitoneal repair with wide mesh overlap.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing open flank hernia repair with a retromuscular preperitoneal approach.

Results

Between September 2007 and April 2011, 16 patients, mean age 55?years (range 34?C80) and BMI 33?kg/m² (range 26?C46), underwent open flank hernia repair. Eight were recurrent hernias; six previously had mesh placed; nine were incarcerated. Mean hernia defect size was 232?cm² (range 25?C800). Mean operative time was 178?min (range 105?C245). One intraoperative complication, ureteral injury in a transplant recipient, occurred and was primarily repaired without sequela. Two patients developed wound complications, one requiring superficial debridement and another requiring partial excision (<5?%) of the mesh with secondary healing. With a mean follow-up of 16.8?months (range 2?C49), no recurrent hernias were noted.

Conclusion

Open retromuscular preperitoneal repair of flank hernias with iliac bone fixation is technically feasible, allowing wide mesh overlap for a durable repair. This approach may offer advantages of treating abdominal wall laxity and repair of larger defects when compared to laparoscopic approaches.     

Preventing parastomal hernia with modified stapled mesh stoma reinforcement technique (SMART) in patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer: a case–control study

Purpose

Parastomal hernia is a frequent complication of an abdominal wall stoma. Surgical repairs have high complication and recurrence rates. Several different techniques have been suggested to prevent parastomal hernia during stoma creation. The aim of the present case–control study was to evaluate the efficacy of modified Stapled Mesh stomA Reinforcement Technique (SMART) for prevention of parastomal hernia compared with conventional colostomy formation in patients who underwent open or laparoscopic rectal resection and end colostomy for cancer.

Methods and materials

Between January 2014 and May 2016, all consecutive patients who underwent open or laparoscopic resection and end colostomy for primary or recurrent rectal cancer were identified from a prospectively collected database. Since January 2014, one surgeon in our team has routinely offered modified SMART procedure to all patients who are candidates for permanent terminal colostomy. In the SMART group patients, while creating an end colostomy, we placed a standard polypropylene mesh in the retromuscular position, fixed and cut the mesh by firing a 31- or 33-mm-diameter circular stapler and constructed the stoma. In the control group, a stoma was created conventionally by a longitudinal or transverse incision of the rectus abdominis sheath sufficiently large for the colon to pass through.

Results

Twenty-nine patients underwent parastomal hernia prophylaxis with modified SMART and 38 patients underwent end-colostomy formation without prophylaxis (control group). Groups were similar in terms of age, sex and underlying conditions predisposing to herniation. Median follow-up time is 27 (range 12–41) months. Nineteen patients (28.4%) developed parastomal herniation. In the SMART group, 4 patients (13.8%) developed parastomal herniation which is significantly lower than the control group in which 15 patients (39.5%) developed parastomal herniation (p = 0.029). We did not observe mesh infection, stenosis, erosion or fistulation in the SMART group. One patient in the control group underwent surgical correction of stoma stricture, another patient underwent surgery for stoma prolapse and four patients underwent surgery for parastomal herniation.

Conclusion

New systemic reviews and meta-analysis support parastomal hernia prevention with the use of a prophylactic mesh. Until more evidence is available, prophylactic mesh should be routinely offered to all patients undergoing permanent stoma formation. SMART is easy to use, safe and effective for paracolostomy hernia prophylaxis.

     

Polyvinylidene fluoride: a suitable mesh material for laparoscopic incisional and parastomal hernia repair!

Background

Today, the laparoscopic approach is a standard procedure for the repair of incisional hernias. However, the direct contact of visceral organs with mesh material is a major issue.

Patients and methods

This prospective observational study presents the data of 344 patients treated for incisional and parastomal hernias with a new mesh made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF; Dynamesh IPOM^®) between May 2004 and January 2008 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The median follow-up of 297 patients after incisional hernias totaled 24 months and 20 months for 47 patients with parastomal hernias. Incisional hernias were repaired using an IPOM technique. For parastomal hernias, a recently described sandwich technique was used with two meshes implanted in an intraperitoneal onlay position.

Results

The recurrence rate for incisional hernias was 2/297 = 0.6% and 1/47 = 2% for parastomal hernias. Three patients developed a secondary infection after surgical revision or puncture of a seroma. One patient had a bowel fistula through the mesh, with an abscess in the hernia sac. In all cases, the infection healed and the mesh could be preserved. No long-term mesh-related complications have been observed.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic repair of incisional and parastomal hernias with meshes made of PVDF (Dynamesh IPOM^®) revealed low recurrence and, overall, low complication rates. Especially in cases of infection, the material proved to be resistant without clinical signs of persistent bacterial contamination. Mesh-related complications did not occur during the follow-up.     

Infected large pore meshes may be salvaged by topical negative pressure therapy

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of negative pressure therapy for superficial and deep mesh infections after ventral and incisional hernia repair by a prospective monocentric observational study.

Methods

During a 6-year period, 724 consecutive open ventral and incisional hernia repairs were performed. Pre- and intraoperative data as well as postoperative complications were prospectively recorded. In case of wound infection, negative pressure therapy (NPT) was our primary treatment.

Results

Sixty-three patients (8.7 %) were treated using negative pressure therapy after primary ventral and incisional hernia repair. Infectious complications needing NPT occurred in 54 patients in the retromuscular group (54/523; 10.3 %), none when laparoscopically treated and in 9 patients (9/143; 6.3 %) treated by an open intraperitoneal mesh technique. Considering outcome, all meshes were completely salvaged in the retromuscular mesh group after a median of 5 dressing changes (range, 2–9), while in the intraperitoneal mesh, group 3 meshes needed complete (n = 2) or partial (n = 1) excision. Mean duration to complete wound closure was 44 days (range, 26–63 days).

Conclusion

NPT is a useful adjunct for salvage of deep infected meshes, particularly when large pore monofilament mesh is used.     

Clinical outcomes after parastomal hernia repair with a polyester monofilament composite mesh: a cohort study of 79 consecutive patients

Purpose

Different techniques and mesh materials are used in parastomal hernia repair with recently reported recurrence rates ranging from 10 to 28%. The aim of this cohort study was to examine the risk of recurrence and chronic pain after Sugarbaker or keyhole parastomal hernia repair with intraperitoneal placement of a polyester monofilament macroporous composite mesh.

Methods

Data on all patients undergoing parastomal hernia repair with Parietex? Composite Parastomal Mesh at our institution during a 4-year period were examined. Patients with urostomy were excluded. A team of three experienced surgeons performed all repairs. Follow-up including physical examination was done after 10 days, 6 and 12 months, and hereafter as annual structured telephone interviews. Patients suspected of hernia recurrence were offered computed tomography scan. Chronic pain was defined as pain requiring out-patient visit(s) and/or regular use of analgesics.

Results

79 patients (Sugarbaker, n = 69; keyhole, n = 10) were included. Of those, 72 procedures were performed laparoscopically and seven by open technique. Two patients were reoperated within 30 days with removal of the mesh. In total, seven (9%) patients had parastomal hernia recurrence (reoperation, n = 3; conservative management, n = 4) during follow-up of median 12 months (range 0–49 months). In univariable logistic analyses, type of stoma was associated with recurrence (ileostomy 28% vs colostomy 3%, p = 0.007). Three patients (4%) reported chronic pain.

Conclusion

In this study, we found low rates of recurrence and chronic pain following parastomal hernia repair using intraperitoneal reinforcement with a polyester monofilament composite mesh.

     

Prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh placement to prevent incisional hernia after stoma reversal: a feasibility study

Background

Incisional hernias in old stoma wounds occur in one-third of former stoma patients and pose a significant clinical problem. Parastomal hernias can be prevented by prophylactic mesh placement; however, no trial results are available for incisional hernia prevention after stoma reversal. In this feasibility study, we explore the safety of placing an intraperitoneal mesh to prevent incisional herniation after temporary stoma reversal.

Methods

Ten patients who underwent a low anterior resection with a deviating double-loop stoma for rectal cancer received an intraperitoneal parastomal mesh at the time of stoma formation. At stoma reversal, laparoscopy was performed and adhesions were scored. After reversal, the mesh defect was closed. Mesh and stoma complications were closely monitored. Incisional herniation was assessed at the 2-year follow-up after stoma reversal using ultrasonography.

Results

No infections occurred after mesh placement. After a median of 6 months, stomas were reversed. Laparoscopy could be performed in seven patients; all patients had adhesions (median of 25 % of mesh surface). In three patients, the bowel was involved; one required a laparotomy for bowel mobilization during stoma reversal. No adhesion-related morbidity was noted at any time. Except for one superficial wound infection after stoma reversal, no infectious complications were observed. After a median follow-up of 26 months, no incisional herniations were demonstrated.

Conclusions

Prophylactic mesh placement in temporary stoma formations seems safe and feasible and prevents incisional herniation 2 years after stoma reversal.     

Evaluation of surgical outcomes of retro-rectus versus intraperitoneal reinforcement with bio-prosthetic mesh in the repair of contaminated ventral hernias

Introduction

Hernia repairs in contaminated fields are often reinforced with a bioprosthetic mesh. When choosing which of the multiple musculofascial abdominal wall planes provides the most durable repair, there is little guidance. We hypothesized that the retro-rectus plane would reduce recurrence rates versus intraperitoneal placement due to greater surface area contact of mesh with well-vascularized tissue.

Methods

Forty-nine of the 80 patients in an ongoing, prospective, multicenter study of contaminated ventral hernia repairs (RICH study, NCT00617357) achieved fascial closure after musculofascial centralization and reinforcement with non-crosslinked porcine acellular dermal matrix (Strattice?, LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ) and were retrospectively analyzed. The Strattice was placed in the retro-rectus position in 23 patients and in the intraperitoneal position in 26.

Results

Subjects were comparable in age, obesity, prior wound infection, presence of a stoma, and infected mesh removal (p > 0.05). More smokers were present in the intraperitoneal group (p = 0.02). Retro-rectus defects were significantly wider and had larger area than the intraperitoneal repairs. At the 1-year follow-up, 44 (90%) of patients were available for review. There was no difference in wound infections, seromas, or hematomas. Recurrent hernias were identified in 10% of retro-rectus repairs and 30% of intraperitoneal repairs (p = 0.14).

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter study of large, contaminated ventral hernias, despite a larger hernia defect in the retro-rectus group, placement of the mesh in the retro-rectus compartment resulted in a similar recurrence rate to intraperitoneal mesh placement. Ongoing evaluation is important to establish longer-term outcomes and the validity of these findings.     

History of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) surgical site infection may not be a contraindication to ventral hernia repair with synthetic mesh: a preliminary report

Purpose

A history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) surgical site infection presents a significant surgical dilemma as to the risk of subsequent mesh infection, even if no active infection is present. We investigated the outcomes of ventral hernia repair with synthetic mesh in patients with prior MRSA surgical site infections (SSIs).

Methods

All patients with a clean wound but prior MRSA SSI undergoing open ventral hernia repair with mesh by a single surgeon over a 3-year period were reviewed for the development of any major (need for readmission, operative debridement, or mesh removal) or minor SSI. All patients received peri-operative intravenous vancomycin and prolonged suppressive oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline.

Results

Ten patients (male = 7, female = 3) with clean wounds and a history of MRSA SSI underwent open ventral hernia repair with retrorectus synthetic mesh placement. Mean follow-up was 13.5 ± 3.3 months. Overall, two patients (20 %) developed SSIs (minor = 2, major = 0). Both SSIs were successfully managed with therapeutic oral antibiotics and local wound care without need for surgical debridement or mesh removal. There have been no hernia recurrences in any of the patients.

Conclusions

Preliminary results suggest that history of MRSA infection may not be a contraindication to the use of synthetic mesh for ventral hernia repair. Macroporous lightweight meshes, combined with use of prolonged suppressive antibiotics and sublay retromuscular mesh placement that provides complete tissue coverage, should be further investigated as an acceptable prosthetic choice when planning a complex ventral hernia repair in the setting of prior MRSA SSI.     

Prophylactic mesh placement of permanent stomas at index operation for colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Parastomal herniation occurs in 30–50% of colostomy formations. The aim of this study was to radiologically evaluate the mechanical defects at stoma sites in patients who had previously undergone a permanent colostomy with or without mesh at the index operation for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A study was performed of all colorectal cancer patients (n=41) having an end colostomy between 2002 and 2010, with or without Prolene® mesh plication, with blinded evaluation of the annual follow-up staging computed tomography (CT) for stomal characteristics. The presence of parastomal hernias, volume, dimensions, grade of the parastomal hernia and abdominal wall defect size were measured by two independent radiologists, and compared with demographic and operative variables.

RESULTS

In those patients with radiological evidence of a parastomal hernia, Prolene® mesh plication significantly reduced the incidence of bowel containing parastomal hernias at one year following the procedure (p<0.05) and also reduced the diameter of the abdominal wall defect (p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic mesh placement at the time of the index procedure reduces the diameter of abdominal wall aperture and the incidence of parastomal hernias containing bowel. Future studies should use both objective radiological as well as clinical endpoints when assessing parastomal hernia development with and without prophylactic mesh.     

Stapled Transabdominal Ostomy Reinforcement with retromuscular mesh (STORRM): Technical details and early outcomes of a novel approach for retromuscular repair of parastomal hernias

Background

Parastomal hernia repair (PHR) remains a challenge with no optimal repair technique. During retromuscular hernia repair, traversing the stomal conduit through the abdominal wall can result in angulation and compression. Widening of traditional cruciate incisions in mesh and/or fascia likely contributes to recurrences. To address these pitfalls, the Stapled Transabdominal Ostomy Reinforcement with Retromuscular Mesh (STORRM) technique utilizing a circular stapler was developed.

Konventionelle Reparation der parastomalen Hernie

The reparation of parastomal hernias and their recurrence remain problematic although the implementation of mesh techniques has lowered recurrences rates. Conventional surgical techniques include suture repair, relocation of the stoma as well as diverse hernia repair procedures with mesh implantation. Suture repair has been abandoned due to its high recurrence rate. Simple relocation is not recommended because of high rates of recurrent parastomal hernias. Conventional hernia repair using mesh implants is classified according to the mesh position into epifascial (onlay), retromuscular (sublay) and intraperitoneal (IPOM) techniques. Furthermore, a combination of relocation with additional mesh enforcement is also possible. The value of the different mesh techniques and of new biological mesh prostheses must be evaluated in randomized controlled studies.     

Onlay parastomal hernia repair with cross-linked porcine dermal collagen biologic mesh: long-term results

Purpose

The optimal technique and mesh type for parastomal hernia repair have yet to be ascertained. Biologic meshes have been advocated in parastomal hernia repair due to purported resistance to infection in contaminated fields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of additionally cross-linked acellular porcine dermal collagen mesh (Permacol?) for onlay parastomal hernia repair.

Methods

A retrospective review of case notes, and abdominal CT scans when available, was performed for consecutive patients who had a parastomal hernia repaired between January 2007 and May 2010. All hernias were repaired with onlay placement of the biologic mesh. Hernias were classified according to the Moreno-Matias classification where CT scans were available.

Results

Over a 34-month period, 30 consecutive patients, median age 74 years, 17 female, underwent parastomal hernia repair using onlay biologic mesh. There were 23 paracolostomy and seven paraileostomy hernias. The hernia was primary in 26 patients. Pre-operative CT scans were available in 18 patients (Moreno-Matias Type 1 = 1, Type 2 = 4, Type 3 = 13). There was one perioperative death, and 29 patients were available for follow-up, and median duration of follow-up (either CT or clinical) was 36 months (range 3–79). Twenty-six patients developed recurrence of the parastomal hernia (89.6 %), and median time to recurrence was 10 months (range 3–72),with Moreno-Matias Type 1 = 0, Type 2 = 4, Type 3 = 14, unknown = 8. Fifteen out of 26 patients have had repairs of the recurrence using a variety of techniques. Of these, 10 patients have had further recurrence.

Conclusion

Onlay repair of parastomal hernia with cross-linked porcine dermal collagen biologic mesh reinforcement has poor long-term outcomes with unacceptably high recurrence rates and should not be performed.

     

Use of a prosthetic mesh to prevent parastomal hernia during laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

Prevention of parastomal hernia represents an important aim when a permanent stoma is necessary. The objective of this work is to assess whether implantation of a prophylactic prosthetic mesh during laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection contributed to reduce the incidence of parastomal hernia.

Methods

Rectal cancer patients undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with permanent colostomy were randomized to placement of a large-pore lightweight mesh in the intraperitoneal/onlay position by the laparoscopic approach (study group) or to the control group (no mesh). Parastomal hernia was defined radiologically by a CT scan performed after 12 months of surgery. The usefulness of subcutaneous fat thickness measured by CT to discriminate patients at risk of parastomal hernia was assessed by ROC curve analysis.

Results

Thirty-six patients were randomized, 19 to the mesh group and 17 to the control group. Parastomal hernia was detected in 50?% of patients in the mesh group and in 93.8?% of patients in the control group (P?=?0.008). The AUC for thickness of the subcutaneous abdominal was 0.819 (P?=?0.004) and the optimal threshold 23?mm. Subcutaneous fat thickness ??23?mm was a significant predictor of parastomal hernia (odds ratio 15.7, P?=?0.010), whereas insertion of a mesh was a protective factor (odds ratio 0.06, P?=?0.031).

Conclusions

Use of prophylactic large-pore lightweight mesh in the intraperitoneal/onlay position by a purely laparoscopic approach reduced the incidence of parastomal hernia formation. Subcutaneous fat thickness ??23?mm measured by CT was an independent predictor of parastomal hernia.     

Internal plug mesh without fixation in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernias: a pilot study

Purpose

Mesh fixation is essential in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernia; however, fixation sometimes causes post-operative pain. This study investigated a novel method of laparoscopic TEP repair without mesh fixation.

Methods

This study reviewed data from about two-hundred and forty-one laparoscopic TEP repairs on 219 patients, which were performed between December 2004 and October 2005.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the recurrence rate, seroma formation, and hospital stay. However, the mean operation time was shorter in the internal plug mesh group than the fixation group (p = 0.009), and post-operative pain only occurred in 4 cases in the internal plug mesh group in comparison to 29 cases in the mesh fixation group (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

An internal plug mesh without fixation might reduce post-operative pain after laparoscopic TEP repair of an inguinal hernia. Internal plug mesh without fixation may be an alternative method in laparoscopic TEP repair, especially for those involving indirect hernias.     

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.     

The laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker technique is safe and has a low recurrence rate: a multicenter cohort study

Background

Parastomal hernia is a frequent complication of intestinal stomata. Mesh repair gives the best results, with the mesh inserted via laparotomy or laparoscopically. It was the aim of this retrospective multicenter study to determine the early and late results of the laparoscopically performed, modified Sugarbaker technique with ePTFE mesh.

Methods

From 2005 to 2010, a total of 61 consecutive patients (mean age = 61 years), with a symptomatic parastomal hernia, underwent laparoscopic repair using the modified Sugarbaker technique with ePTFE mesh. Fifty-five patients had a colostomy, 4 patients an ileostomy, and 2 a urostomy according to Bricker. The records of the patients were reviewed with respect to patient characteristics, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. All patients underwent physical examination after a follow-up of at least 1 year to detect a recurrent hernia. Morbidity rate was 19 % and included wound infection (n = 1), ileus (n = 2), trocar site bleeding (n = 2), reintervention (n = 2), and pneumonia (n = 1). One patient died in the postoperative period due to metastasis of lung carcinoma that caused bowel obstruction. Concomitant incisional hernias were detected in 25 of 61 patients (41 %) and could be repaired at the same time in all cases. A recurrent hernia was found in three patients at physical examination, and in one patient an asymptomatic recurrence was found on a CT scan. The overall recurrence rate was 6.6 % after a mean follow-up of 26 months.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic Sugarbaker technique is a safe procedure for repairing parastomal hernias. In our study, the overall morbidity was 19 % and the recurrence rate was 6.6 % after a mean follow-up of 26 months. Moreover, the laparoscopic approach revealed concomitant hernias in 41 % of the patients, which could be repaired successfully at the same time.     

Assessing the impact of short-term surgical education on practice: a retrospective study of the introduction of mesh for inguinal hernia repair in sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose

Inguinal hernia repair is the most common general surgery operation performed globally. However, the adoption of tension-free hernia repair with mesh has been limited in low-income settings, largely due to a lack of technical training and resources. The present study evaluates the impact of a 2-day training course instructing use of polypropylene mesh for inguinal hernia repair on the practice patterns of sub-Saharan African physicians.

Methods

A surgical training course on tension-free mesh repair of hernias was provided to 16 physicians working in rural Ghanaian and Liberian hospitals. Three physicians were requested to prospectively record all their inguinal hernia surgeries, performed with or without mesh, during the 14-month period following the training. Demographic variables, diagnoses, and complications were collected by an independent data collector for mesh and non-mesh procedures.

Results

Surgery with mesh increased significantly following intervention, from near negligible levels prior to the training to 8.1 % of all inguinal hernia repairs afterwards. Mesh repair accounted for 90.8 % of recurrent hernia repairs and 2.9 % of primary hernia repairs after training. Overall complication rates between mesh and non-mesh procedures were not significantly different (p = 0.20).

Conclusions

Three physicians who participated in an intensive education course were routinely using mesh for inguinal hernia repair 14 months after the training. This represents a significant change in practice pattern. Complication rates between patients who underwent inguinal hernia repairs with and without mesh were comparable. The present study provides evidence that short-term surgical training initiatives can have a substantial impact on local healthcare practice in resource-limited settings.