Combined open and laparoscopic approach to chronic pain following open inguinal hernia repair

Introduction: Chronic groin pain is the most common long-term complication after open inguinal hernia repair. Traditional surgical management of the associated neuralgia consists of injection therapy followed by groin exploration, mesh removal, and nerve transection. The resultant hernia defect may be difficult to repair from an anterior approach. We evaluate the outcomes of a combined laparoscopic and open approach for the treatment of chronic groin pain following open inguinal herniorrhaphy. Methods: All patients who underwent groin exploration for chronic neuralgia after a prior open inguinal hernia repair were prospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, type of prior hernia repair, and prior nonoperative therapies were recorded. The operation consisted of a standard three trocar laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair, followed by groin exploration, mesh removal, and nerve transection. Outcome measures included recurrent groin pain, numbness, hernia recurrence, and complications. Results: Twelve patients (11 male and 1 female) with a mean age of 41 years (range 29–51) underwent combined laparoscopic and open treatment for chronic groin pain. Ten patients complained of unilateral neuralgia, one patient had bilateral complaints, and one patient complained of orchalgia. All patients failed at least two attempted percutaneous nerve blocks. Prior repairs included Lichtenstein (n=9), McVay (n=1), plug and patch (n=1), and Shouldice (n=1). There were no intraoperative complications or wound infections. With a minimum of 6 weeks follow up, all patients were significantly improved. One patient complained of intermittent minor discomfort that required no further therapy. Two patients had persistent numbness in the ilioinguinal nerve distribution but remained satisfied with the procedure. Conclusions: A combined laparoscopic and open approach for postherniorrhaphy groin pain results in good to excellent patient satisfaction with no perioperative morbidity. It may be the preferred technique for the definitive management of chronic neuralgia after prior open hernia repair.     

Patent processus vaginalis in adults who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Predictive signs of postoperative inguinal hernia in the internal inguinal floor

Objective: To evaluate the risk for postoperative inguinal hernia according to the presence of patent processus vaginalis in an adult population. Methods: Medical records of 205 patients who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from May 2007 to November 2011 were reviewed. Age, prostate‐specific antigen, prostate volume, body mass index, operative time and history of previous abdominal surgery were evaluated. The existence of patent processus vaginalis was also evaluated for the development of postoperative inguinal hernia. Results: Postoperative inguinal hernia occurred in 20 out of 410 (4.9%) groins (17/205 patients; 8.3%), and patent processus vaginalis was observed in 49 out of 410 (11.9%) groins. In the normal groin group, inguinal hernia occurred in seven out of 361 (1.9%) groins. However, in the patent processus vaginalis group, it occurred in 13 out of 49 (26.5%) groins. On univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model, age, body mass index, history of previous abdominal surgery and patent processus vaginalis were significant risk factors. Among them, patent processus vaginalis significantly increased the risk of postoperative inguinal hernia in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 22.37). In the patent processus vaginalis group, inguinal hernia developed at 12.9 ± 9.2 months after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 15 ± 7.4 months in the normal groin group. Inguinal hernia‐free ratios were significantly lower in the patent processus vaginalis group than the normal groin group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The existence of patent processus vaginalis represents an important risk factor for postoperative inguinal hernia in adults. Urologists should consider the possibility of postoperative inguinal hernia when patent processus vaginalis is observed during surgery.     

Combined open and laparoscopic approach to chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair

Chronic groin pain is the most frequent long-term complication after inguinal hernia repair affecting up to 34 per cent of patients. Traditional surgical management includes groin exploration, mesh removal, and neurectomy. We evaluate outcomes of a combined laparoscopic and open approach to chronic pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy. All patients undergoing surgical exploration for chronic pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy were analyzed. In most, the operation consisted of mesh removal (open or laparoscopic), neurectomy, and placement of mesh in the opposite location of the first mesh (laparoscopic if the first was open and vice-versa). Main outcome measures included pain status, numbness, and hernia recurrence. Twenty-one patients (16 male and 5 female) with a mean age of 41 years (22-51 years) underwent surgical treatment for unilateral (n = 18) or bilateral (n = 3) groin pain. Percutaneous nerve block was unsuccessful in all patients. Four had previous surgery for pain. There were no complications. With a minimum of 6 weeks follow-up, 20 of 21 patients reported significant improvement or resolution of symptoms. A combined laparoscopic and open approach for postherniorrhaphy groin pain results in excellent patient satisfaction with minimal morbidity. It may be the preferred technique for the definitive management of chronic neuralgia after hernia repair.     

Incidence of contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children with inguinal hernia

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of contralateral patent processus vaginalis (PPV) in children with inguinal hernia using direct laparoscopic inspection. METHODS: This study evaluates the incidence and size of contralateral PPVs in 143 children (96 boys, 47 girls) with clinically unilateral indirect inguinal hernia who underwent laparoscopic hernia repair. During repair, the contralateral internal inguinal ring was evaluated for PPV. RESULTS: Boys with hernias on the right side had wide-open contralateral PPVs in 26% of cases compared with 11% in girls. Boys with hernias on the left side had wide-open contralateral PPVs in 30% of cases compared with 38% in girls. In all 4 groups, there were small contralateral openings in 15% to 20% of cases. CONCLUSION: Contralateral PPV seems to occur less commonly than previously assumed.     

Incidence of contralateral patent processus vaginalis in relation to age at laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for pediatric inguinal hernia

Introduction

Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) allows the surgeon to look for contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) directly. We investigated the incidence of CPPV in relation to age at LPEC.

Methods

Following Institutional Review Board approval, 1232 patients ranging in age from 2 months old to 15 years old (median 4.7 years), who underwent LPEC, were investigated retrospectively. Patients were divided into five groups based on their age at surgery: younger than 1, 1–2, 2–4, 4–6 years, and older than 6 years. The incidence of CPPV being detected by preoperative ultrasonography or laparoscopy was compared among these groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test or Cochran–Armitage trend test, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The incidence of CPPV detected by ultrasonography decreased as the age increased (p < 0.0001), whereas the incidence of CPPV newly revealed by laparoscopy increased as age increased (p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of CPPV in patients with unilateral hernia among the five age groups (p = 0.74).

Conclusions

These results showed that the incidence of CPPV in patients with unilateral inguinal hernia did not change in relation to their age.

     

Orchidopexy without ligation of the processus vaginalis is not associated with an increased risk of inguinal hernia

Purpose

To report our experience using a modified orchidopexy with division and non-ligation of the processus vaginalis.

Methods

We performed a single-centre retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent orchidopexy between December 2005 and October 2008 at our institution. In the present technique, the processus vaginalis was gently peeled off the spermatic cord structures as high as possible and severed at the level of the internal inguinal ring without its ligation. Postoperative follow-up was routinely offered to all patients. Additionally, we made a special clinical follow-up, ranging from 1 to 69 months (median 34).

Results

One hundred and twenty-three patients, aged 1–11 years (median 3), underwent 147 orchidopexies during the study period. Of these, 25 were accomplished using conventional division and ligation of the processus vaginalis, and in the remaining 122 orchidopexies, the processus vaginalis was only divided. Of the 137 testes available at follow-up, 134 were in the scrotum and 3 (2 %) required re-do orchidopexy due to secondary reascent, including 2 treated with division only of the processus vaginalis. None of the patients experienced postoperative hydrocele or inguinal hernia development.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that division without ligation of a patent processus vaginalis is usually followed by spontaneous peritoneal scarring and complete closure of the internal inguinal ring. Present technique is as effective as traditional orchidopexy and saves extra time spent for meticulous closure of the processus vaginalis or peritoneal tears.     

腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补与开放性腹股沟疝修补的疗效对比研究

【摘要】〓目的〓比较腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补与开放性腹股沟疝修补的优缺点。方法 对2012年5月~2013年5月中山市中医院240例成人腹股沟疝修补术进行回顾性分析,其中开放性疝修补术(开腹疝修补组)148例,腹腔镜疝修补术(腔镜疝修补组)92例。收集两组患者的手术时间、住院时间、住院费用、术后复发、术后慢性疼痛、术后阴囊积液及术后感染的临床资料并进行比较。 结果 开腹疝修补组患者在平均手术时间、平均住院费用少于腔镜疝修补(P均<0.01);开腹疝修补组术后复发(3例)、术后慢性疼痛(11例)、术后阴囊积液(2例)及术后感染(1例)等总并发症高于腔镜疝修补组(P<0.05);两组的平均住院时间差异无统计学意义。结论 腔镜组腹股沟疝修补术具有较少的术后并发症,但在住院时间、住院费用方面没有优势。     

Pediatric inguinal hernia: laparoscopic versus open surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Herniotomy/open surgery (OS) has been the time honored treatment for pediatric inguinal hernia (PIH). Laparoscopic surgery (LS) has recently emerged as an alternative in its management. However, controversy is rife on its feasibility and wider adoption. The present need is to know whether a significant difference exists in the surgical outcomes following either technique. METHODS: In a prospective study between January and December 2006, 85 children underwent either LS (51) or OS (34) for PIH. Operation time, intra- and postoperative complications, postoperative pain, postoperative stay, cosmesis, and the size of testis were recorded and compared for differences in outcome. Patients were followed up for an average of 3.5 months. RESULTS: All in the open group had unilateral (UL) hernias. The laparoscopy group had 6 (11.8%) bilateral (BL) hernias, and 10 (22.2%) contralateral patencies of processus vaginalis (CPPV) were detected intraoperatively and repaired simultaneously. Bilateral repairs were excluded from comparative analysis. LS was slightly quicker than OS to perform [25.31 min vs 30.65 min (P=0.06)]. The difference in pain perception, between LS and OS, was insignificant. Immediate postoperative recovery was delayed in more children undergoing LS (P=0.02), but the duration of hospital stay was similar (P=0.37). Complication rates were similar (P=0.96). Cosmesis in LS was superior to that in OS. CONCLUSIONS: Well-performed conventional herniotomy yields results similar to those of laparoscopic repair. Cosmesis and the ability to detect and simultaneously repair CPPV are the 2 main advantages of LS over OS. Keeping in mind the low incidence of meta-chronicity in UL hernias, insignificance of cosmesis over the groin, and the constraints of the developing world, conventional open herniotomy can justly be performed for UL hernias, as the standard of care, in centers lacking laparoscopy.     

Laparoscopic variability of the internal inguinal ring: review of anatomical variation in children with and without a patent processus vaginalis

PURPOSE: Diagnostic laparoscopy is routinely performed at our institution in children with a unilateral inguinal hernia to determine whether the contralateral processus vaginalis is patent. We reviewed the anatomical variability of the inguinal ring at laparoscopy in children with and without a hernia in various age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1992, we have performed diagnostic laparoscopy in more than 1,500 children with a known inguinal hernia. Intraoperative imaging was correlated with clinical and operative findings to characterize the anatomical variability of the internal ring. RESULTS: The internal ring had many variations. The photographs presented show evidence of the progression from the flat closed ring to the widely open sac. Clefts and veils of peritoneum sometimes made determining the exact anatomy difficult. Experience shows that the various anatomical variations are associated with different pathological conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Characterization of the anatomical variability of the internal ring is essential for determining the patency of the processus vaginalis at diagnostic laparoscopy in children with a known inguinal hernia. We classified these variations in accordance with clinical and surgical findings.     

Laparoscopic evaluation for contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children with unilateral inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND: Management of the contralateral inguinal region in children with a unilateral inguinal hernia remains controversial. The role of laparoscopy in evaluation for contralateral patent processus vaginalis remains unclear. We report the results of an investigation of 1676 consecutive children younger than 10 years of age who underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair between May 1992 and January 2003. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral inguinal hernias were noted preoperatively in 194 of the total of 1870 patients, leaving 1676 patients in the study group. In all patients, the contralateral inguinal region was examined under general anesthesia and the operating surgeon noted whether or not a contralateral patent processus vaginalis was suspected. All patients then underwent attempted laparoscopic evaluation of the contralateral inguinal region at the time of unilateral inguinal hernia repair. RESULTS: Laparoscopy was successful in 1603 cases (95.6%) but 73 patients (4.4%) had hernia sacs that were too thin to allow insertion of a 3-mm cannula and 2.7-mm 70-degree telescope. A contralateral patent processus vaginalis was identified in 643 of the laparoscopically examined children (40.1%). At the examination, it was predicted that 446 of the 1603 patients would have a contralateral patent processus vaginalis. Laparoscopy confirmed the presence of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis in 192 (43.0%) of the children predicted to have a contralateral patent processus vaginalis. A contralateral patent processus vaginalis was not suspected from the examination under anesthesia in 1157 of the examined children, and the absence of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis was confirmed by laparoscopy in 706 of these children (61.0%); however, a contralateral patent processus vaginalis was found in 451 (39.0%) of this group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that examination under anesthesia is a poor predictor for the presence or absence of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis. Laparoscopy can reliably evaluate the contralateral inguinal region and is the best method to evaluate for the presence of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis.     

Comparison of inguinal hernia and asymptomatic patent processus vaginalis in term and preterm infants

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of inguinal hernia (IH) and patent processus vaginalis (PPV) in term and preterm infants less than the age of 6 months.

Method

Between January 2004 and December 2012, 246 term and 165 preterm infants underwent laparoscopic herniorrhaphy within the first 6 months of life. Preoperative clinical presentation and intraoperative anatomical findings during the laparoscopic procedure were evaluated. Additionally, initial side of hernia, laterality of IH and PPV were analyzed in term and preterm infants.

Results

In the group of term infants, most infants presented with a primary right-sided IH (58.5%) versus 17.9% left-sided and 23.6% bilateral IH. Babies with primary unilateral IH were found to have a contralateral PPV in 41.0% of cases. A difference between left-sided PPV and right-sided PPV could not be identified.In the group of preterm infants, initial bilateral presentation was predominant (38.8%) versus right-sided (30.3%) and left-sided IH (30.9%). Infants with primary unilateral IH were found to have a contralateral PPV in 56.4%. We identified a slight difference between left-sided PPV (54.0%) and right-sided PPV (58.8%).

Conclusion

IH is predominantly right sided in term infants, whereas preterm infants mostly present with bilateral IH. The incidence of PPV was found to be significantly higher in the preterm group. Regarding the incidence of a contralateral PPV in term and preterm infants, no difference between initial left-sided and right-sided IH could be identified between both groups.     

Tension-free laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair

AIM: During the last decade laparoscopic techniques have been applied to the treatment of inguinal hernia to combine tension-free technique, esthetic, and functional benefits of mini-invasive surgery. Anyway controversy persists regarding the most effective inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study is to compare the open technique and the laparoscopic approach concerning: complications, recurrences, recovery time and return to usual activity. METHODS: A randomized prospective analysis of 121 consecutive inguinal hernia repairs was performed over a 12-month period. Male well-informed patients with primary monolateral inguinal hernia (ASA I-II) were divided into 2 groups and consecutively treated; group A was treated with laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP) (median age 47+/-7 years, 57 patients), group B with open mesh herniorrhaphy (45+/-6 years, 64 patients). RESULTS: Complication rate was 5.26% for group A (none needed conversion) and 4.68% for group B. All complications were considered minor. No recurrences were observed over a 12-month follow-up in both groups. Post-operative hospital stay and return to activity show statistically significant differences. Median post-hospital stay was 1.7 days for group A while it was longer (2.9 days) for group B. Significant difference was observed in the duration of convalescence too (group A 9.3+/-7.2 days; group B 12.1+/-7. 1 days). CONCLUSION: On the basis of our experience, even if a longer follow-up is needed, the validity of laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia is confirmed. General anesthesia and higher costs are reasonable compromises for a shorter period of discomfort in patients with a low ASA index and busy job/sport activity.     

经皮腹膜外疝囊高位结扎术治疗小儿单侧腹股沟疝的疗效 及对侧鞘状突未闭探查的意义

目的:探讨经皮腹膜外疝囊高位结扎术(LPEC)治疗小儿单侧腹股沟疝的疗效,及术中腹腔镜探查有无对侧鞘状突未闭(CPPV)对预防对侧异时性疝(MCH)的作用。方法:回顾性分析2013年1月—2014年12月161例行LPEC的单侧腹股沟疝患儿临床资料(观察组),并以2010年1月—2012年12月252例行开放疝囊修补术的单侧腹股沟疝患儿为历史对照(对照组),观察组同时行对侧腹股沟区探查,如诊断CPPV,均行结扎术,对照组不行对侧腹股沟内环口区探查。分析两组术后并发症、复发疝及MCH情况,并分析MCH的影响因素。结果:两组术后并发症与复发疝发生率的差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05),全组共发生MCH 13例,其中观察组1例,对照组12例,差异有统计学意义(0.6%vs.4.8%,P0.05),且对照组9例(3.6%)发生在术后24个月内。观察组术中共发现CPPV 62例(38.5%),且在0.5~2岁组发生率达59.0%(23/39),随年龄增长发生率逐渐下降。对照组中早产儿MCH发生率高于足月儿(3.6%vs.1.2%,P0.05)。总体分析显示,MCH主要发生于4岁以内的行开放手术的男性右侧腹股沟疝患儿。结论:LPEC治疗小儿单侧腹股沟疝的疗效确切,且腹腔镜下探查CPPV可明显降低MCH的发生率,尤其对于有早产和年龄4岁的患儿尤为重要。     

疝环缝合技术在腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术中的应用

目的：探讨腹腔镜联合疝环缝合技术在成人腹股沟疝修补术中的应用及临床效果。方法：回顾分析2013年1月至2013年10月50例腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术患者的临床资料,术中采用疝环缝合技术。结果：50例手术均顺利完成。手术时间平均（56±14.1）min,术中出血量平均（5.1±2.0）ml,术后平均住院（3.0±0.5）d。术后发生局部血肿6例,经穿刺抽液后好转;局部短期疼痛2例,无慢性疼痛病例。术后随访6个月,无复发。结论：腹腔镜联合疝环缝合术治疗成人腹股沟疝避免了固定补片,减少了疼痛、出血等并发症,降低了手术费用,同时对于内环缺损很大的患者也可行腹腔镜手术,扩大了腹腔镜疝手术的适应证。     

Histological findings of the internal inguinal ring in patients having indirect inguinal hernia

Background  Aiming to deepen the understanding of the factors involved in the genesis of groin hernia, this study is focused on identifying the histological changes within the muscle fibers of the internal inguinal ring in patients having indirect inguinal hernia. Methods  In eight patients with primary or recurrent bilateral indirect inguinal hernia who underwent a Stoppa open posterior inguinal hernia repair, a tissue specimen from the edge of the internal inguinal ring was biopsied and histologically examined. Results  In all of the tissue samples, remarkable degenerative changes such as fibrohyaline degeneration of the muscle fibers, vascular congestion, and phlogistic infiltration through lymphohistiocytary elements was constantly detected. Also, in the patients with recurrent hernia, the key characteristic of the muscular change was that of fibrohyaline and, occasionally, myxoid degeneration of the myocytes. Nerve endings were frequently detected within the muscular structures of the internal inguinal ring. Conclusion  The degenerative fibrohyaline alteration, as well as the evidence of phlogistic elements within the examined structures, could represent a reason for a contractile incompetence of the internal inguinal ring. Consequently, the described findings lead the authors to depict this inflammatory degenerative structural weakness of the internal inguinal ring as a possible culprit of indirect inguinal hernia formation.