Surgical repair of incisional ventral hernias: tension-free technique using prosthetic materials (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene Gore-Tex Dual Mesh)

Repairing an incisional ventral hernia is a major challenge for a surgeon. The high recurrence rates observed during hernia repair by tissue approximation led to development of tension-free procedures by using prosthetic materials. The purpose of this study is to report the results of a tension-free repair technique using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene Gore-Tex Dual Mesh (Gore-Tex Soft Tissue Patch, W.L. Gore and Associates Inc, Flagstaff, AZ) in patients with primary or recurrent incisional ventral hernias. Over 3 years, 52 patients with incisional hernias have undergone this procedure in our clinic. Fourteen of them had recurrent hernias which had been primarily repaired by Mayo hernioplasty. Six of our patients had irreducible hernias preoperatively. Twenty-five patients had hernias on midline incisions, and the rest of them had hernias on transverse abdominal incisions. The median patient age was 65 years, and all were operated on under general anesthesia. The majority of the patients had 4 to 6 days of hospitalization. A subcutaneous seroma developed in eight patients. They all were treated by multiple paracentesis. Four of our patients experienced wound infection and were treated by mesh removal. None of the patients presented with cardiovascular or pulmonary complications. During the follow-up period, no other hernia recurrence, except the cases with mesh removal, has been noticed. The tension-free incisional hernia repair using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh is, to our experience, a safe and easy procedure with no major morbidity or recurrence.     

Open Onlay Mesh Repair for Major Abdominal Wall Hernias with Selective Use of Components Separation and Fibrin Sealant

Background The objective of the study was to reassess the efficacy of the open onlay technique for repair of major incisional hernias, utilizing the modern adjuncts of components separation and fibrin sealant to reduce the principal complications of seroma and recurrence. Major incisional hernias were defined as >10 cm transverse diameter. Methods A prospective audit was applied to 116 patients undergoing open onlay incisional hernia repair during a 2-year period at a single institution. Information was collected concerning operative details, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Clinical review at a median 15.2 months postoperatively was followed by a telephoned structured questionnaire to assess quality of life. All patients with pain or suspected recurrence were recalled for examination. Results Fascial closure required components separation in 21 (18.1%) patients when tension-free fascia reconstruction was not possible, and fibrin sealant was applied in 22 (18.9%) in whom extensive skin flaps were dissected beyond the semilunar line. Postoperatively, there were 11 (9.5%) seromas and 2 (1.7%) deep wound infections. At 15.2 months’ follow-up there were 4 (3.4%) recurrences. Conclusions Open onlay mesh repair for major incisional hernias is a versatile operation applicable to all quadrants of the abdominal wall and gives excellent results when used in association with components separation and fibrin sealant.     

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.     

应用合成补片修补腹壁切口疝的经验总结

目的:探讨腹壁切口疝病人的无张力手术治疗方法和疗效.方法:回顾性分析我院2000年7月至2008年6月间收治的215例应用合成补片修补腹壁切口疝病人的临床资料.结果:215例中101例采用IPOM方法,有1例复发,复发率0.99%;97例采用Stoppa方法,有3例复发,复发率3.09%;17例采用肌前修补法,有3例复发,复发率17.6%.在21例复发疝病人中,16例采用了IPOM方法,无再复发病例;5例采用了Stoppa方法,有1例再复发,复发率20%.结论:IPOM方法和Stoppa方法的手术适应症宽、复发率低.IPOM方法对于复发的切口疝病人有更好的治疗效果.术者的经验和方法的正确性对修补的成功均有重要意义.     

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: prospective non randomized trial in 51 cases

AIM OF THE STUDY: Insertion of a mesh in treatment of incisional hernias reduces the risk of recurrence. A single prospective randomized trial have compared laparoscopic and open approach: there were less postoperative complications and fewer recurrences in the laparoscopic group. Aim of this prospective trial was to control these results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to May 2005, 51 consecutive incisional hernias were operated on by a laparoscopic approach. Incisional hernia was single in 41 and double in 5. It was median in 41 and lateral in 10. Previous hernia repair was noticed in 33.3%. Main criteria was recurrence. We have considered whether one of the following criteria was associated with the risk of recurrence: sex, obesity, previous repair, pre and preoperative sizes of the hernia, uni or multi orificial aspect of the hernia, median or lateral location, mesh size, ratio mesh surface/hernia surface. Others were postoperative mortality and morbidity, duration of hospitalisation and occurrence of late events. RESULTS: At 2 years all patients were followed. Follow up achieved 3 years in 23 cases and 4 years in 9. Recurrence was observed in 7 (13.7%). None predictive factor was disclosed. No death occurred. Median postoperative pain score at D1, D2 and D3 was respectively 3.1+/-1.9, 2.9+/-2.3 and 2.3+/-2.1. Mean postoperative stay was 4.1+/-1.9 days. Seven postoperative complications occurred, al benign. During follow-up 18 events were noticed and of these 8 were chronic abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: This technique could be employed for every type of incisional hernia but peristomial hernias (not assessed in this study) and every patient. Technical improvements ought to be find to reduce recurrence rate.     

Repair of large complex recurrent incisional hernias with retromuscular mesh and panniculectomy

BACKGROUND: Recurrent incisional hernia repair is associated with high recurrence and wound complication rates. METHODS: The clinical courses of patients who underwent recurrent incisional hernia repair via retromuscular mesh placement with concomitant panniculectomy at a university teaching hospital from 1999 to 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative evaluation included a quality of life survey. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (13 male, 34 female) with an average body mass index of 34.4 kg/m2, an average midline hernia defect of 31.4 cm, and at least 1 and on average 2.5 previous repair attempts underwent hernia repair. Wound infections occurred in 4 patients (8%) and seromas requiring aspiration occurred in 1 patient (2%). Four patients (8%) had re-recurrences of their hernias. All patients rated the postoperative appearance of their abdomen as at least satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent incisional hernia repair with a retromuscular mesh and panniculectomy has low recurrence and wound complication rates and excellent patient satisfaction.     

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair -- an alternative to the conventional procedure?

INTRODUCTION: Tension-free incisional hernia repair using alloplastic material increasingly replaces conventional repair techniques. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the early and long-term complications as well as patients' satisfaction. METHODS: Laparoscopic hernia repair with intraperitoneal mesh implantation (PTFE) was performed on 28 patients at the Klinikum Grosshadern between 2000 and 2003 (16 males, 12 females, average age 61.2). Intra- and postoperative complications were registered retrospectively. In addition, 25 patients were evaluated for recurrence, postoperative pain and patient contentment (median follow-up 383 days). RESULTS: A low complication rate was observed in our patient collective. One trocar bleeding occurred. 2 patients presented with wound hematoma. The recurrence rate was 8 % (2/25). 60 % of the patients were free of pain postoperatively. 88 % would once again choose the laparoscopic approach for incisional hernia repair. DISCUSSION: 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 of laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh implantation, however, should be evaluated within a prospectively randomized multicenter trial.     

Use of polypropylene mesh for incisional hernia repair

Incisional hernia is an important complication of abdominal surgery. Procedures for the repair of these hernias with sutures and with mesh have been reported, but there is no consensus about which type of procedure is best. We have performed a retrospective analysis on 1014 patients operated on in our unit between 1994 and 2003 for simple or recurrent incisional hernias. The polypropylene mesh has been used in a number of 107 patients. The mesh has been placed either intraperitoneal, extraperitoneal/subfascial or onlay. Median follow-up was 36 months. There were 1 enterocutaneous fistula and 5 wound sinus developed. The mesh had to be removed in 6 cases. All of these complication developed when the mesh has been placed either extraperitoneal/subfascial or onlay. We note 5 recurrent incisional hernias after a period of up to 24 months. The recurrence rates after open mesh repair are less then after primary closure. The intraperitoneal use of polypropylene mesh with omental coverage is a good procedure with less complications.     

腹壁切口疝的外科治疗(附53例临床分析)

目的总结治疗腹壁切口疝的临床经验.方法对1994年4月～2002年8月53例腹壁切口疝患者在年龄、手术方法、引流放置,抗生素应用及预后进行回顾性分析.结果53例患者采用人工合成材料或直接缝合修补.术后切口积液3例,无切口感染.随访时间3月～5年,治愈46例,复发7例.结论腹壁切口疝是腹部手术后常见的并发症之一,尤其是老年患者.合理使用人工合成材料及直接缝合修补法适可以获得良好的治疗效果.     

Concurrent Gastric Bypass and Repair of Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernias

Background: Many patients seeking surgical treatment for morbid obesity present with anterior abdominal wall hernias. Although principles of hernia repair involve a tension-free repair with the use of prosthetic mesh, there is concern about the use of mesh in gastric bypass surgery due to potential contamination with the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and resultant mesh infection. We report our series of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and simultaneous anterior abdominal wall hernia repair. Methods: All patients who underwent simultaneous RYGBP surgery and anterior abdominal wall hernia repair were reviewed. Results: 12 patients underwent concurrent RYGBP and anterior wall hernia repair. There were 5 women and 7 men with average age 54.9 ± 8.5 years (range 35 to 64) and average body mass index (BMI) 50.4 ± 10.3 kg/m² (range 38 to 70). Two open and 10 laparoscopic RYGBP operations were performed. Nine patients (75%) underwent incisional hernia repairs and 3 patients (25%) underwent umbilical hernia repair concurrent with gastric bypass. Average size of defect was 14.7 ± 13.4 cm². One patient had primary repair and 11 patients had prosthetic mesh repair: polypropylene in 3 patients (25%) and polyester in 8 patients (67%). With a 14.1 ± 9.3 month follow-up, there have been no mesh infections and 2 recurrences, one in the patient who underwent primary repair and one in a patient repaired with polyester mesh but with two previous failed incisional hernia repairs. Conclusion: Concurrent RYGBP and repair of anterior abdominal wall hernias is safe and feasible. In order to optimize success, tension-free principles of hernia repair with the use of prosthetic mesh should be followed since no mesh infections occurred in our series.     

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。     

Short-term outcomes with small intestinal submucosa for ventral abdominal hernia

HYPOTHESIS: A bioabsorbable tissue scaffold of porcine submucosal small intestine extracellular matrix (Surgisis Gold [SIS]; Cook Biotech Inc, West Lafayette, Ind) mesh is safe and effective for ventral hernia repair. DESIGN: Retrospective case series at a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty-three consecutive patients having 8-ply SIS mesh repair of ventral abdominal hernias. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Early complications, reoperation, hernia recurrence, mesh or wound infection, or reaction. Outcomes reported and compared on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: Patients were stratified by wound class: clean, clean-contaminated and contaminated, or dirty. Median follow-up was 14 months (range, 2-29 months) during which there were 22 complications (41%), 17 early reoperations (32%), 13 partial dehiscences (21%), 6 mesh reactions (11%), and 9 recurrent hernias (17%). Seven recurrent hernias (78%) in critically ill, patients with dirty wounds had the SIS mesh removed owing to infection or reoperation. In patients without SIS mesh removal or debridement, 1 (2.2%) of 44 developed a recurrent hernia at 6 months. Patients with dirty wounds were more likely to need early reoperation (P<.001), develop a complication (P<.01), partial wound dehiscence (P<.05), or recurrent hernia (P<.01) compared with patients with clean wounds. Critically ill patients were more likely to have hernia recurrence (P<.05), early reoperation (P<.001), and postoperative complications (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Eight-ply SIS mesh is safe in clean and clean-contaminated hernia repair with satisfactory short-term outcomes. However, delayed wound infection, repeated operation, and mesh debridement warrant cautious use of SIS mesh in critically ill patients and those with dirty wounds.     

Incisional hernia—comparison of mesh repair with Cardiff repair: an university hospital experience

Background: Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal surgery. Various types of repair are recommended for incisional hernia. Suture and mesh repair are compared in the present study. Method: One hundred seventy one patients with incisional hernia underwent Cardiff repair (far and near sutures with reinforcement sutures) which was used as an open suture repair while onlay polypropylene mesh was used in the mesh repair technique. Result: Cardiff repair was performed in 116 patients with no mortality with recurrence in two patients with mean follow up of 7.1 years. Both these patients with recurrence had a defect measuring more than 10 cm in width. Mesh repair was carried out in 55 patients with no recurrence in mean follow up of 37 months. Seroma formation was noted in 7 (12.72%) with mesh repair as compared to 4 (3.44%) patients with Cardiff repair. Conclusion: We recommend Cardiff repair for primary and small to medium size incisional hernias. Onlay polypropylene mesh is ideal for tension-free hernia repair, recurrent incisional hernia and hernia defects wider than 10 cm.     

Surgical outcome and hospital cost analyses of laparoscopic and open tension-free hernia repair

Abstract Surgeons who favor the laparoscopic repair of groin hernias must limit the additional costs associated with this technique, which is not universally acknowledged to be superior to other less expensive open tension-free repairs. This retrospective study compared outcome and costs between laparoscopic and open tension-free hernia repair in 320 patients with inguinal hernias. Patients underwent either (a) transabdominal preperitoneal procedure (TAPP; 60 patients, 72 procedures), (b) totally extraperitoneal procedure (TEP; 174 patients, 202 procedures), or (c) open tension-free procedure (86 patients, 105 procedures). Regarding important postoperative complications there were two (3.3%) recurrences in the TAPP group and one (0.6%) in the TEP group, and six (9.9%) transient neuralgias in the TAPP group and one (1.2%) in the tension-free group. There were no deaths, no testicular atrophies, and no wound or mesh infections. The mean hospital postoperative stay was the same in the three groups (1 day). Mean operating time was shorter in the tension-free group concerning the unilateral cases and shorter in the TEP group concerning the bilateral cases. Fewer patients required analgesia during the first 6 h after the operative procedure in the TEP group than in the other two groups. The mean total costs were 483.90 euros in the open tension-free repair, 763.20 euros in the TAPP repair, and 572.50 euros in the TEP repair. The open procedure was the cheaper for the hospital. Laparoscopic hernia repair and tension-free repair as described by Gilbert are comparable in postoperative complications. TEP hernia repair is associated with less postoperative pain and earlier return to normal activities, but it is more expensive and continues to be a difficult procedure. Open tension-free repair is the least expensive method and is easier to learn than the other two procedures. Electronic Publication     

巨大腹壁切口疝无张力修补术的临床体会

【摘要】 目的 总结巨大腹壁切口疝无张力修补手术的临床经验。方法 回顾性分析2006年12月至2011年12月我科收治的53例巨大腹壁切口疝患者的临床资料。结果 所有病例均采用聚丙烯网片行巨大切口疝无张力修补术。术后除出现4例切口皮下积液,5例切口感染, 3例低蛋白血症,2例伤口活动性渗血致切口延迟愈合外,其余患者均顺利恢复,痊愈出院。平均住院时间9.5 d。本组病例均得到随访,随访时间1~5年,无复发,疗效满意。结论 应用人工补片行腹壁巨大切口疝修补术是一种安全可靠,疗效确切的治疗方法,采用SUBLAY修补法的改良方法挤接法(Bridge)进行手术,并发症少,复发率低,有利于提高手术成功率。     

Intraperitoneal modification of the Rives-Stoppa repair for large incisional hernias

Introduction Recurrence rates for open repair of ventral/incisonal hernias historically range from 6% for the classic Rives-Stoppa repair to 35–45% for some of the techniques more commonly used in the United States. We report a modification to the classic Rives-Stoppa repair that allows intraperitoneal placement of the prosthetic, secured with a running suture. The abdominal muscles are closed over the mesh to protect it from any superficial wound problems that might develop and to restore normal architecture of the abdominal wall. Method A chart review was undertaken on all patients undergoing open ventral incisional hernia repair by a single surgeon from 2000 to 2006. All hernias were repaired with the intraperitoneal modification mimicking the principles of the Rives-Stoppa repair. Patient characteristics and operative and postoperative data were collected. Primary outcome was recurrence of hernia. Secondary outcomes were complications and rate of mesh infection. Results One hundred and fifteen patients were evaluated. Thirty-four patients had repair of recurrent ventral hernias. The average patient was obese, female, and 59 years old. Twenty-five patients used tobacco, eleven were diabetic, and seven used chronic corticosteroids. Meshes utilized included ePTFE, coated polyester, coated polypropylene, and biologic mesh. Average size of mesh was 465.4 cm². There were four recurrences (3.4%), three of which were due to mesh infection requiring mesh removal. Recurrence rate not secondary to mesh removal was 0.9%. Complications occurred in 26% with seroma formation being the most frequent (16%). Conclusion The intraperitoneal modification to the original Rives-Stoppa repair leads to a very low recurrence rate for large ventral hernia repairs with minimal complications and low rate of mesh infection. Presented at the 2007 American Hernia Society Meeting, Hollywood, FL, USA.     

Randomized clinical trial comparing lightweight composite mesh with polyester or polypropylene mesh for incisional hernia repair

BACKGROUND: Polymer mesh has been used to repair incisional hernias with lower recurrence rates than suture repair. A new generation of mesh has been developed with reduced polypropylene mass and increased pore size. The aim of this study was to compare standard mesh with new lightweight mesh in patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive lightweight composite mesh, or standard polyester or polypropylene mesh. Outcomes were evaluated at 21 days, 4, 12 and 24 months from patient responses to the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and daily activity questionnaires. Complications and recurrence rates were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were included in an intention-to-treat analysis (83 lightweight mesh, 82 standard mesh). Postoperative complication rates were similar. The overall hernia recurrence rate was 17 per cent with the lightweight mesh versus 7 per cent with the standard mesh (P = 0.052). There were no differences in SF-36 physical function scores or daily activities between 21 days and 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of the lightweight composite mesh for incisional hernia repair had similar outcomes to polypropylene or polyester mesh with the exception of a non-significant trend towards increased hernia recurrence. The latter may be related to technical factors with regard to the specific placement and fixation requirements of lightweight composite mesh.     

肌后筋膜前补片植入手术治疗腹壁切口疝28例临床分析

目的：探讨应用肌后筋膜前补片植入手术（retromuscular prefascial,Sublay）修补法对腹壁切口疝的治疗。方法：2002年1月-2009年7月应用聚丙烯补片修补切口疝28例,其中男10例,女18例,年龄47～78岁,平均年龄65.2岁。疝环直径3～28cm,平均15.5cm。均采用肌后筋膜前补片植入手术修补法。结果：全部患者顺利完成手术,无严重并发症,手术时间75～140min,平均100min,术后住院时间9～21d,平均12.8d,随访3～60个月,平均35个月,无肠梗阻,无复发。结论：应用聚丙烯补片肌后筋膜前补片植入手术修补法修补切口疝是一种安全、有效的方法。     

Laparoscopic ePTFE mesh repair of incisional and ventral hernias

Incisional hernia is a relatively frequent complication of abdominal surgery. The use of mesh to repair incisional and ventral hernias results in lower recurrence rates compared with primary suture techniques. The laparoscopic approach may be associated with lower postoperative morbidity compared with open procedures. Long-term recurrence rates after laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernias are not well defined. A prospective study of the initial experience of a standardized technique of laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair carried out in a tertiary referral hospital was undertaken between January 2003 and February 2007. Laparoscopic hernia repair was attempted in 71 patients and was successful in 68 (conversion rate 4%). The mean age of the patients identified was 63.1 years (39 men and 31 women). Multiple hernial defects were identified in 38 patients (56%), and the mean overall size of the fascial defects was 166 cm(2). The mean mesh size used was 403 cm(2). The mean operative time was 121 minutes. There were six (9%) major complications in this series, but there were no deaths. Hernia recurrence was noted in four patients (6%) at a mean follow up of 20 months. Our preliminary experience indicates that laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair is technically feasible and has acceptable postoperative morbidity and low early recurrence rates.     

疝环充填及平片置入无张力修补治疗老年人复发性腹股沟疝

目的探讨疝环充填及平片置入无张力修补老年复发性腹股沟疝的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析我院1997年5月至2004年5月收治的32例老年腹股沟复发疝患者的临床资料,其中斜疝22例,直疝8例,膀胱滑疝2例。全部病例均同时行疝环充填、平片置入无张力修补术。结果全部病例无感染,1例术后发生尿潴留。3例伤口轻微疼痛。伤口一期愈合,术后5~10 d出院。随访5个月至5年,1例术后2年复发,再次行无张力疝修补术治愈。结论同时行疝环充填及平片置入,加强腹股沟管后壁的无张力修补方法,手术创伤小,术后恢复快,并发症少,治疗老年复发性腹股沟疝,疗效满意。