Incisional hernia: challenge of re-operations after mesh repair

Background and aims The widespread use of meshes for the repair of incisional hernia is currently followed by an increasing number of re-operations. The incidence of incisional hernia recurrence after mesh repair varies between 3 and 32%. The problem of mesh failure and options for another surgical intervention seem rather unattended. Methods We present our experience of 77 re-operations after previous mesh repair that were performed between 1995 and 2004 out of a total of 1,070 operations for incisional hernia. The retrospective analysis focused on recurrence in relation to location, material of the previous mesh repair and the surgical procedure to resolve the problem. Results The locations of the preceding meshes were epifascial as onlays (n=23), retromuscular as sublays (n=46), within the defect as inlays (n=6) or intraperitoneally (n=2). The direction of the incision was vertical medial (n=41) or horizontal crossing the linea semilunaris (n=36). Recurrences after median incisional hernia mesh repair mainly occurred at the cranial border of the mesh subxiphoidal. Except for two patients, all recurrences manifested at the margin of the enclosed mesh. Conclusions Re-operation after previous mesh repair is a surgical challenge. The type of revision procedure has to consider the position and material of the previous mesh. In our clinic recurrences, heavyweight polypropylene meshes were mostly treated with mesh exchange and lightweight polypropylene meshes could be treated by extension with a second mesh. In contrast to suture techniques, deficient mesh repairs are more evidently related to technical problems.     

Obesity is a risk factor for recurrence after incisional hernia repair

Background: Any individualisation of incisional hernia repair requires a profound knowledge of risk factors for recurrence. Methods: A series of 160 patients underwent incisional hernia repair and were prospectively followed up at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. We analysed the importance of various variables to predict recurrence. Results: An overall recurrence rate of 11% (n=17) was observed. The risk for recurrence was not significantly affected by any of the clinical variables except for obesity (P=0.03). Even when controlling for the influence of age, gender, hernia size, and surgical technique, obesity remained a significant predictor with a rate ratio of 1.10 per unit BMI (95%-CI: 1.02–1.18; P=0.01). Conclusion: This and other studies found hernia recurrence to be more likely in obese patients. Probably, such patients, therefore, should receive mesh rather than suture repair.     

Laparoscopic mesh repair of incisional hernia: an alternative to the conventional open repair?

Background Tension-free incisional hernia repair using alloplastic material increasingly replaces conventional repair techniques. This change resulted in a decreased recurrence rate (50% vs. 10%, respectively). Recently, laparoscopic approaches for the intraperitoneal tension-free mesh application have been introduced. The decreased trauma at the incision site and the reduction in wound infections appear to be the main advantages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the early and long-term complications as well as patients’ contentment. Methods Laparoscopic hernia repair with intraperitoneal polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) mesh implantation was performed on 62 patients at the Klinikum Grosshadern between 2000 and 2005 (29 males, 33 females age 60.7). Intra- and postoperative complications were registered prospectively and retrospectively analyzed. In addition, 57 patients were evaluated for recurrence, postoperative pain and patient contentment (median follow-up 409 days). Results A low complication rate was observed in our patient collective. One trocar bleeding occurred. Three patients presented with wound hematoma. The recurrence rate was 8% (2/25). Sixty-two percent of the patients were free of complaints postoperatively. Eighty-five percent would once again choose the laparoscopic approach for incisional hernia repair. Conclusion The laparoscopic technique was associated with a low recurrence rate, a small rate of wound infections and high patient comfort. Thus, the laparoscopic approach for mesh implantation appears to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of incisional hernias. The efficiency for laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh implantation, however, should be further evaluated within a prospectively randomized multicenter trial. M. Stickel and M. Rentsch contributed equally.     

Factors affecting recurrence after incisional hernia repair

Incisional hernias occur primarily as a result of high tension and inadequate healing of a previous incision, the latter of which is frequently related to infection at the surgical site. Despite recent advances in operative techniques, the recurrence rate remains unacceptably high. To evaluate the impact of different predisposing factors for the recurrence of incisional hernia, we reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 297 patients who had undergone incisional herniorrhaphy (188 tissue repairs, 109 mesh repairs) in our hospital. Demographic data (age and gender), type of repair, body mass index, hernia size, presence of chronic illnesses and wound complications were evaluated in a univariate and multivariate manner analysis. The overall recurrence rate was 30.3%, with the recurrence rate in patients who underwent tissue repair being 39.4% and that in patients following prosthetic repair 14.6%. The recurrence rate was significantly influenced by type of repair, obesity, hernia size, wound healing disorders and some chronic comorbidities. We conclude that it is necessary to become familar with the risk factors for recurrence of incisional hernia in order to eliminate or decrease their effect on the positive outcome of incisional herniorrhaphy.     

应用聚丙烯和e-PTFE复合补片修补腹壁巨大切口疝

目的回顾性分析应用聚丙烯和e鄄PTFE复合补片修补腹壁巨大切口疝的效果,介绍腹腔内应用复合补片的方法和经验。方法1999年5月至2003年12月应用复合补片修补腹膜难以对合的腹壁巨大缺损22例,其中补片置于皮下12例,腹腔内10例。平均随访期39个月。结果手术后切口并发症的发生率为41%(9/22),1例修补术后复发,占4.6%。应用皮下法发生切口感染3例,其中1例因严重感染而将补片取出;切口处皮下积液2例。应用腹腔内法者中仅2例发生切口皮下少量积液。结论腹壁巨大切口疝,特别是难以关闭腹膜的病例,可应用聚丙烯和e鄄PTFE复合补片进行修补。应用腹腔内置补片法并辅以正确的术后处理可使局部并发症明显减少。     

Late intestinal fistula formation after incisional hernia using intraperitoneal mesh

Enteric fistulas are a rare but serious complication following the repair of an incisional hernia using a prosthesis. We report the case of a 52-year-old man who developed an enterocolocutaneus fistula after incisional hernia repair with intra-abdominal polyester mesh. This case shows that one may want to avoid placing the parietal prostheses in direct contact with intestinal loops.     

Prosthetic repair of incisional hernia in kidney transplant patients. A technique with onlay polypropylene mesh

The employment of synthetic mesh for incisional hernia repair in kidney-transplanted patients is rarely reported in the present literature. Many authors believe that mesh employment in such conditions is not safe due to fear of mesh related complications. From 1965 through 1999, a total of 1685 kidney transplants were performed at our Kidney Transplant Unit and 19 patients developed eventrations in the kidney transplant incision, an incidence of 1.1%. From September 1996 eight of these patients had prosthetic repair of the abdominal wall with onlay polypropylene mesh. All patients were under immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone, ciclosporine and azathioprine. Mean age was 48.8 years, mean body mass index was 22.5 and mean number of previous abdominal operations was 2.5. A large polypropylene mesh (Marlex^® mesh) was fixed over the aponeurosis after primary closure of the aponeurotic borders, as an onlay graft. There was neither morbidity nor mortality associated to the surgical procedure. No recurrences or long-term complications associated with mesh employment were verified after a follow-up ranging from one year to three years. We concluded that prosthetic repair of incisional hernia in transplanted patients can be performed routinely.     

Abdominal wall compliance after Marlex® mesh implantation for incisional hernia repair

Summary In view of the poor results of suturing techniques, incisional hernias are often best repaired with biomaterials. Their use brings the recurrence rate to below 10%, but patients sometimes complain of discomfort and restricted abdominal mobility. We report our experience with 41 patients after implantation of a Marlex®-mesh in a preperitoneal, retromuscular position (mean follow-up period 16.7 months). The effect of implanted meshes on abdominal wall mobility was measured noninvasively with the aid of three dimensional stereography and compared with a non-operated healthy control group (n = 21). The commonest early postoperative complication was seroma in 32% of cases, usually relieved by aspiration. Infection and hematoma were less frequent at 4.9% and 12.2% respectively. Three patients developed a recurrent hernia. During follow-up 7.3% experienced pain during heavy activities, 29.3% during daily activities and 4.9% at rest. Three dimensional stereography showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) decrease in abdominal wall mobility following mesh implantation, compared to a non-operated control group. Improved composition of the mesh material involving a smaller proportion of polypropylene and greater elasticity, should be considered for the future, in order to reduce patient discomfort.The study was supported by BIOMAT (Interdisciplinary Centre of Clinical Investigation, RWTH Aachen).     

腹腔镜下腹腔内网片植入法和开放式肌后筋膜前补片修补法治疗腹壁切口疝的疗效比较

【摘要】 目的〓比较腹腔镜下腹腔内网片植入法(IPOM)和开放式肌后筋膜前补片修补法(Sublay)治疗腹壁切口疝的疗效。方法〓回顾性分析30例腹腔镜应用IPOM法和28例开放式应用Sublay法治疗腹壁切口疝的病例,比较其手术疗效及术后患者生活质量。结果〓两组手术时间、平均住院时间、术中出血量及术后并发症比较,腹腔镜组均明显优于开放手术组,有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论〓应用腹腔镜行IPOM治疗腹壁巨大切口疝安全可行,具有有创伤小,住院时间短,恢复快,术后并发症少的优点。     

Outcomes of the fascial component separation technique with synthetic mesh reinforcement for repair of complex ventral incisional hernias in the morbidly obese

INTRODUCTION: Complex ventral incisional hernias (VIH) in the morbidly obese remain a difficult management problem for the general surgeon. Multiple methods of repair with variable rates of success are described. The outcomes and techniques of a fascial component separation technique with synthetic mesh reinforcement in the morbidly obese are described. METHODS: Records of patients undergoing VIH repair between June 1996 and May 2007 who had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m(2) were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Patient demographics, BMI, hernia characteristics, perioperative and long-term complications, and long-term hernia recurrence rate were documented. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients (22 men and 68 women) meeting study criteria were identified. The mean age was 55 years (range 30-82 years). Mean BMI was 39.9 (range 30-68). Recurrent hernias were present in 43 patients (48%) Mean number of recurrences was 1.5 (range 1-5). A total of 42 patients (47%) had multiple fascial defects. Major perioperative morbidity was 8% and perioperative mortality was 1.1%. Postoperative wound infections occurred in 9 patients (10%). Hernia recurrence was observed in 5 patients (5.5%) with a mean follow-up of 50 months (range 1-132). CONCLUSIONS: Fascial component separation can be performed with acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality. Rates of wound sepsis, mesh infection, mesh explantation and gastrointestinal mesh erosion are low. Operative time, hospital length of stay, and long-term VIH recurrence are also acceptably low. Fascial component separation is a viable technique for repair of complex VIH in the morbidly obese population.     

Laparoscopic versus open incisional hernia repair

Background Incisional hernia is a common complication of abdominal surgery, and it is often a source of morbidity and high costs for health care. This is a case-control study to compare laparoscopic versus anterior-open incisional hernia repair. Methods 170 patients with incisional hernia were enrolled in this study between September 2001 and December 2004. Of these, 85 underwent anterior-open repair (open group: OG), and 85 underwent laparoscopic repair (laparoscopic group: LG). The clinical outcome was determined by a median follow-up of 24.0 months for LG and OG. Results No difference was noticed between the two groups in age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, body mass index (BMI), and incisional hernia diameter. Mean operative time was 61.0 min for LG patients and 150.9 min for OG patients (p < .05). Mean hospitalization was 2.7 days for LG patients and 9.9 days for OG patients (p < .05). Mean return to work was 13 days (range, 6–15 days) in LG patients and 25 days (range, 16–30 days) in OG patients. Complications occurred in 16.4 % of LG patients and 29.4 % of OG patients, with a relapse rate of 2.3% in LG and 1.1% in OG patients. Conclusions Short-term results indicate that laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is associated with a shorter operative time and hospitalization, a faster return to work, and a lower incidence of wound infections and major complications compared to the anterior-open procedure. Further studies and longer follow-up are required to confirm these findings.     

Predictors of mesh explantation after incisional hernia repair

Background

Prosthetic mesh used for incisional hernia repair (IHR) reduces hernia recurrence. Mesh infection results in significant morbidity and challenges for subsequent abdominal wall reconstruction. The risk factors that lead to mesh explantation are not well known.

Methods

This is a multisite cohort study of patients undergoing IHR at 16 Veterans Affairs hospitals from 1998 to 2002.

Results

Of the 1,071 mesh repairs, 55 (5.1%) had subsequent mesh explantation at a median of 7.3 months (interquartile range 1.4–22.2) after IHR with permanent mesh prosthesis. Infection was the most common reason for explantation (69%). No differences were observed by the type of repair. Adjusting for covariates, same-site concomitant surgery (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.3) and postoperative surgical site infection (HR = 6.5) were associated with mesh explantation.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing IHR with concomitant intra-abdominal procedures have a greater than 6-fold increased hazard of subsequent mesh explantation. Permanent prosthetic mesh should be used with caution in this setting.     

Recurrences after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: Results and critical review

We describe the whole cohort of patients operated on laparoscopically for ventral hernias at our institution. Information on early results, complications, and long-term follow-up was collected prospectively. Of 90 operations attempted, five (5.8%) required conversion. Of the remaining 85 patients, 65 (76%) had an incisional hernia, while 20 (24%) had primary defects. Three trocars were routinely employed (Hasson and two 5-mm). The prosthetic mesh used was ePTFE inserted through the first trocar and fixed using helicoidal staplers. Patients were periodically followed in the outpatient clinic for at least 12 months postoperatively and contacted at the time of this review. Mean operative time was 101 min. We had three small bowel injuries repaired laparoscopically. Postoperative pain was limited. Bowel movements, deambulation, and discharge were prompt. We had six (7%) urinary retentions, eight (9%) seromas, three (3.5%) cases of pneumonia, two (2%) cases of postoperative vomiting, and one (1%) prolonged ileus, which resolved spontaneously on postoperative day 2. Mean postoperative stay was 4 days. One patient was readmitted after 4 weeks with incomplete obstruction, resolved conservatively. There were three recurrences (3.5%), which developed within 1 year of the operation, and a trocar-site herniation (1%). The technique appears safe and efficacious.     

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair in obese patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is coming to the forefront as a preferred method of repair due to the advantages offered by minimally invasive techniques. To evaluate safety and feasibility of this approach in obese patients when performed by a general surgeon trained in basic laparoscopy with no prior experience in this technique, we reviewed our early experience in the first 18 patients. METHODS: All patients with incisional hernias presenting to a single surgeon from 2000 to 2002 were offered laparoscopic repair. Patients were informed about the limited experience of the surgeon in this particular field. Those who consented were repaired laparoscopically using a standard 4-port technique, one 12-mm port and three 5-mm ports. All patients with body mass index > or =30 were included in this review. A retrospective review of the data included demographics, operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Nineteen laparoscopic repairs were completed in 18 patients. No conversions to open repair were necessary. All patients were females except for 2. All hernia sacs were left in place, some of which were empty while others required extensive lysis of adhesions to release sac contents. Mean fascial defect was 102.5 cm2. One defect was closed primarily without mesh, while the rest were closed using Composix mesh in 1 and Dual Plus Gore-Tex mesh in the rest. Three patients were discharged from the recovery room. Mean follow-up was 24 months. No wound or mesh infections occurred. Eight patients had no complications. Eight patients had asymptomatic seromas. Two patients had hematomas; none of them required drainage. One patient had nonspecific dizziness. One patient presented with bowel obstruction secondary to early recurrence (within a week). The repair was salvaged laparoscopically. Upon evaluation by telephone calls, all patients indicated extreme satisfaction with the results. CONCLUSIONS: A general surgeon with training in basic laparoscopy can safely perform laparoscopic incisional hernia repair on obese patients with minimal complications. The procedure requires a short leaning curve of no more than 3 cases and few extra materials to be feasible at any hospital in the US. Patient satisfaction with this technique is certainly gratifying.     

应用人工材料行腹肌后筋膜前修补治疗切口疝80例

目的:总结应用人工材料修补腹壁切口疝的经验。方法:回顾分析我院以单丝编织聚丙烯网片修补的80例腹部切口疝的临床资料。结果:全组无围手术期死亡,1例术后24h内出现急性左心功能衰竭,经对症处理后治愈。全组无切口感染,无血肿形成;拔除引流管后皮下血肿形成1例,无窦道形成。平均住院(14.3±6.5)d。获随访者73例,无复发病例。结论:人工材料腹肌后筋膜前修补术是治疗腹壁切口疝的优良术式;对于疝环横径>10cm或疝内容物多、突出时间较长的巨大切口疝病人应予充分的术前准备。     

Surgical mesh for ventral incisional hernia repairs: Understanding mesh design

Surgical mesh has become an indispensable tool in hernia repair to improve outcomes and reduce costs; however, efforts are constantly being undertaken in mesh development to overcome postoperative complications. Common complications include infection, pain, adhesions, mesh extrusion and hernia recurrence. Reducing the complications of mesh implantation is of utmost importance given that hernias occur in hundreds of thousands of patients per year in the United States. In the present review, the authors present the different types of hernia meshes, discuss the key properties of mesh design, and demonstrate how each design element affects performance and complications. The present article will provide a basis for surgeons to understand which mesh to choose for patient care and why, and will explain the important technological aspects that will continue to evolve over the ensuing years.     

Simplified technique for incisional hernia repair with mesh prosthesis

This paper describes a simplified technique for the repair of incisional hernias. The previous scar is resected, and the peritoneal sac is carefully dissected until it is completely exposed. The sac is opened to liberate structures adherent to the sac or to the area immediately surrounding the defect. The peritoneum is closed and invaginated to form a sac bed underlying the entire extent of the defect, and the mesh is laid on this sac bed. The mesh is then fixed with "U" stitches, reinforcing these by inserting a second line from the edge of the defect to the mesh. Suture material used is polypropylene 1/0 or 2/0. This procedure has been carried out on 15 patients, and after 1 year of follow-up, there has been no recurrence of the hernia. Operating time was reduced, and the surgical technique was found to be easier. Placing a mesh prosthesis inside the hernia sac and fixing it to the abdominal wall with two lines of suturing simplifies the repair procedure, reduces operating time, and is effective in the repair of all incisional hernias. A study is required to compare this outcome with the different mesh repair techniques.     

腹腔镜下腹壁切口疝修补术(附41例报告)

目的探讨腹腔镜下采用聚丙烯和膨化聚四氟乙烯复合补片（Bard Composix Mesh）修补腹壁切口疝的效果。方法2004年10月～2005年8月，对41例切口疝（腹壁缺损长径3～25cm，宽径3～18cm）腹腔镜下用超声刀进行腹腔内粘连松解和采用强生疝修补用缝合器行补片固定修补术。结果41例均顺利完成，无中转开腹。手术时间60～182min，平均85min。术后疼痛轻微，术后排便、排气时间25～41h，平均32h。术后第2天进食。术后住院5～7d，平均6d。41例随访6～16个月，平均9个月，未见切口疝复发。结论腹腔镜下采用复合补片修补腹壁切口疝是一种安全、有效的方法，值得临床推广应用。     

肌后间隙修补法治疗腹壁切口疝患者的疗效

目的探讨肌后间隙修补法（Sublay）在腹壁切口疝患者治疗中的手术效果。 方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年8月,首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院疝和腹壁外科107例行Sublay手术的腹壁切口疝患者的临床资料,分析患者的一般资料、手术方法、并发症及术后转归情况,随访其有无切口疝复发及补片相关并发症发生情况。 结果本组患者均顺利完成手术,平均手术时间（60.3±7.8）min,平均住院时间（17.6±5.3）d,所有患者术后恢复良好,2例患者出现脂肪液化,经换药后伤口愈合;1例患者出现皮下血肿,1例患者出现血清肿,经局部加压保守治疗后治愈,无伤口感染及局部异物感,无死亡患者。随访时间6～38个月,平均随访时间（22.7±10.8）个月,无切口疝复发,无死亡患者,无补片感染、慢性疼痛及局部异物感等补片相关并发症发生。 结论肌后间隙修补手术（Sublay）治疗腹壁切口疝结果满意,手术疗效较好。     

Cost analysis of incisional hernia repair by suture or mesh

The objective was to make a cost analysis of incisional hernia repair by suture repair or prosthetic mesh repair. The study included 44 patients who underwent hernia repair between 1991 and 2000. The rate of recurrent incisional hernia after more than 1 year with associated costs was registered. In 1996, the technique of incisional hernia repair was changed from suture repair to mesh repair. With a mesh repair, zero out of 19 patients presented with a recurrence at follow-up, and with suture repair, five out of 13 had a recurrence (P<0.01). The duration of anaesthetic and operation was longer, but stay in the surgical ward, and sick leave was shorter for patients with a mesh repair than for those with a suture repair. For working patients, costs in the operating theatre were 4,095 Swedish kronor (SEK) higher with a mesh repair, and the costs for surgical ward, sick leave, and examination were 10,129 SEK lower than with a suture repair. Thus, with a mesh repair, the total costs were 6,034 SEK lower than with a suture repair. For retired patients, the total costs with a mesh repair were 1,898 SEK lower than with a suture repair. We conclude that in this setting, mesh repair of incisional hernias produced lower costs than suture repair.