Surgical treatment for incisional hernias

BACKGROUND: A great variety of surgical techniques have been proposed to repair large abdominal incisional hernias, but the best results are achieved using synthetic grafts as in the Rives' or Ramirez' procedure. METHODS: During the period September 1993-May 2001, a total of 145 patients, 54 males and 91 females, mean age 52 (range 16-88) with large incisional hernia were observed. Ninety-two hernias were bigger than 10 cm. The average follow-up was 3 years (1-72 months). All successfully underwent surgery using the following techniques: 19 (13.1%) simple fascial sutures, 68 (46.9%) implants of retromuscolar polypropylene grafts (Rives' or Ramirez' technique), 24 (16.5%) subcutaneous meshes, 17 (11.7%) preperitoneal meshes (14 polypropylene, 2 glycolic acid, 1 Goretex), 4 (2.75%) intraperitoneal implants of polypropylene meshes, 13 (9.05%) intraperitoneal glycolic acid grafts plus retromuscular polypropylene graft. RESULTS: One patient died in postoperative for heart failure. Morbidity was 8 subcutaneous hemorrhagic suffusions, 10 seromas which were resolved by repeated percutaneous drainage, 4 suppurating wounds that did not require graft removal, 2 little recurrences treated by a new mesh repair under local anaesthesia, 2 sinus for mesh intollerance and 1 fistula requiring a new intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In this report we discuss the tolerability and reliability of mesh repair, especially in Rives' and Ramirez' technique.     

两种补片在腹股沟疝无张力修补术中的研究

目的:应用平面补片与网塞补片,进行腹股沟疝无张力修补术的应用与对比研究。方法:使用平面型聚丙烯补片行腹股沟疝无张力疝修补术304例,使用网塞型补片行腹股沟疝无张力疝修补术315例。比较两组手术时间、手术并发症。结果:两组手术时间、平均住院日、切口脂肪液化、阴囊水肿均无统计学意义。随访期间局部疼痛感无统计学意义,局部异物感两组比较有显著性差异。结论:两种补片用于腹股沟疝无张力疝修补术均具有创伤小、恢复快的特点。平面补片在疝修补术后异物感少,价格低的优点,可优先选用。     

A giant pseudocyst following repair of an incisional hernia by a propylene mesh

A 79-year-old woman presented with a huge, asymptomatic, balloon-like abdomen, which gradually developed after polypropylene mesh repair of an incisional hernia following a median laparotomy. Additional CT showed a huge cyst measuring 20 x 24 cm which seemed to originate from the anterior abdominal wall and lacked communication with the inner abdominal space. Subsequently an explorative laparotomy was performed. The content of the cyst consisted of dark brown serosanguineous material. The inferior portion was firmly affixed to the mesh. The entire cyst, except for the part fixed to the mesh, was excised followed by an abdominoplasty. Histological examination showed aspecific signs of inflammation due to a foreign body, and haemorrhagic material without epithelial lining. The diagnosis 'giant pseudocyst' was established. Etiologically, this condition is probably related to postoperative formation of a seroma, which is a well-known complication after mesh repair, especially when a polypropylene mesh is used. Postoperative formation of a haematoma might be a causative factor as well. Former literature reports 11 cases of such giant cyst formation after mesh repair ofhernias. In one study a prevalence of 0.45% is mentioned. This complication may be an underreported phenomenon.     

Cost-effectiveness of alternative methods of surgical repair of inguinal hernia

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relative cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic methods of inguinal hernia repair compared with open flat mesh and open non-mesh repair. METHODS: Data on the effectiveness of these alternatives came from three systematic reviews comparing: (i) laparoscopic methods with open flat mesh or non-mesh methods; (ii) open flat mesh with open non-mesh repair; and (iii) methods that used synthetic mesh to repair the hernia defect with those that did not. Data on costs were obtained from the authors of economic evaluations previously conducted alongside trials included in the reviews. A Markov model was used to model cost-effectiveness for a five-year period after the initial operation. The outcomes of the model were presented using a balance sheet approach and as cost per hernia recurrence avoided and cost per extra day at usual activities. RESULTS: Open flat mesh was the most cost-effective method of preventing recurrences. Laparoscopic repair provided a shorter period of convalescence and less long-term pain compared with open flat mesh but was more costly. The mean incremental cost per additional day back at usual activities compared with open flat mesh was Euro 38 and Euro 80 for totally extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal repair, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair is not cost-effective compared with open flat mesh repair in terms of cost per recurrence avoided. Decisions about the use of laparoscopic repair depend on whether the benefits (reduced pain and earlier return to usual activities) outweigh the extra costs and intraoperative risks. On the evidence presented here, these extra costs are unlikely to be offset by the short-term benefits of laparoscopic repair.     

单纯采用医用聚丙烯网片行腹股沟疝无张力修补术

目的:总结单纯采用医用聚丙烯网片在腹股沟疝无张力修补术中的疗效。方法:通过52例患者单纯采用医用聚丙烯网片加强腹股沟管前壁进行精索原位修补替代传统的网塞加补片方式行无张力腹股沟疝修补术,对其疗效进行观察。结果:52例患者手术时间平均35min,术后1d均能起床活动,住院时间3~5d,52例术后均未出现并发症,随访1~48个月无复发。结论:单纯采用聚丙烯网片进行精索原位修补,结合疝囊高位结扎以及内环口修补,经济实用,手术创伤小,术后并发症少,值得在基层医院推广应用。     

完全性直肠脱垂并前突行腹膜片交叉悬吊固定及补片修复20例疗效分析

目的探讨一种有效治疗完全性直肠脱垂合并直肠前突引起便秘的方法。方法2005年9月至2009年6月,对20例完全性直肠脱垂并直肠前突患者进行了腹膜片十字交叉直肠悬吊固定加补片[聚丙烯网（polypropylenemesh）]修补,将直肠游离到肛提肌水平,和聚丙烯网片加强直肠阴道隔,网片下缘在肛提肌水平环绕直肠,在直肠前方用丝线缝合网片和直肠浆肌层;游离腹膜片十字交叉缝合固定于直肠前壁浆肌层,悬吊固定直肠前壁于骶骨岬前筋膜。缝合关闭盆底腹膜。结果20例患者手术均顺利完成,手术时间60．5min（55～65min）,出血量50ml。本组无手术死亡和腹部并发症发生。术后随访2个月至3年症状无复发。便秘症状完全缓解17例,基本缓解5例,直肠脱垂无复发。结论游离腹膜片十字交叉直肠前壁悬吊固定并补片修复直肠前壁能同时解决直肠脱垂和直肠前突两大问题,安全有效。     

The role of immunologic response in chronic allograft rejection

Chronic allograft rejection is an active immunologic and inflammatory process leading to graft failure. It is associated with many disorders evidencing increased reactivity of the host against graft alloantigens. Among the most important ones are: de novo synthesis of antibodies against HLA class I and II, immunoglobin deposits on vascular endothelial and tubular basement membrane, C4d complement deposits in peritubular capillaries, increased proliferation of lymphocytes in response to mismatched HLA-DR, and elevated expression of cytokines on infiltrating mononuclears and tubular cells. Prevention of chronic rejection comprises of transplanting undamaged organs, avoidance of acute rejection, incorporation of medicines inhibiting remodelling of vascular wall into therapy, and elimination of factors accelerating graft damage. In case of humoral chronic rejection suppression of humoral arm immune response is required. Early diagnosis and effective suppression of antibody production may allow to avoid progression of allograft failure.     

The use of dermal autograft for fascial repair of TRAM flap donor sites

Closure of fascia after transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap has usually been performed with direct closure or synthetic material. The dermal autograft removed from zone IV of the flap is an alternative to reinforce fascial closure. Record of the patients who had been undergone breast and head and neck reconstruction by TRAM flap between 1998-2008 were retrieved. In 34 cases dermal autograft and in 42 cases a synthetic mesh was used for closure of the abdominal fascial defect. All patients were followed by physical examinations for a mean period of 24 months. There were one (2.9%) bulging of the anterior abdominal wall and one (2.9%) wound infection in dermal autograft group and one (2.3%) true hernia in mesh repair group. Dermal autograft is a useful alternative to mesh repair of fascial defects after TRAM flap harvest.     

Renal transplantation in adolescents

Renal transplantation remains the goal for the pediatric patient with end-stage renal disease. Recent advances in technology and immunosuppression have greatly enhanced patient and graft survival, while reducing significant complications. However, transplantation of adolescents is still fraught with the potential for serious problems. The increased risk of graft loss, late acute rejection, and incomplete rejection reversal observed in the adolescent age group demands further investigation. Lack of adherence to immunosuppression regimens may be an important contributory factor. Strategies to address the unique concerns of this high-risk population, including the use of a multidisciplinary team, are essential to improving outcomes.     

Predicting kidney graft failure using time-dependent renal function covariates

Chronic rejection and recurrent disease are the major causes of late graft failure in renal transplantation. To assess outcome, most researchers use Cox proportional hazard analysis with time-fixed covariates. We developed a model adding time-dependent renal function covariates to improve the prediction of late graft failure. We studied 692 kidney transplants at the Leiden University Medical Center that had functioned for at least 6 months. Graft failure from chronic rejection or recurrent disease occurred in 106 patients. The reciprocal of last recorded serum creatinine (RC), the ratio of RC and RC at 6 months (RC6), and the time elapsed since last observation (TEL) were used as time-dependent covariates. Cadaveric donor transplantation, a lower RC, and a lower ratio of RC/RC6 were independently associated with graft failure. The impact of the last recorded RC was dependent on its value, TEL, and the time since transplantation. Validation of the model confirmed much higher failure predictions in those with subsequent graft failure compared with nonfailures. This study illustrates that the prediction of late graft failure could be improved significantly by using time-dependent renal function covariates.     

Investigation of redox homeostasis in liver and renal transplant recipients

The time course of free radical reactions is evaluated by the authors. Within pretransplant patients as of their poorly functioning metabolism free radical overproduction may be observed, hence their antioxidant capacity decreases. When the graft is functioning well, the free radical-antioxidant balance of homeostasis is reestablished. During the early postoperative period, when symptoms (acute rejection, infection, acute tubular necrosis, cholestasis) appear, free radical reactions increase. The authors demonstrate, this is strengthened by the fact that the mediator [interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein, serum amyloid-A], and enzyme levels that take part in the free radical processes rise. The monitoring of these parameters during the early postoperative period is a good early indicator for acute rejection and for the effect of therapy. During acute rejection just as during infection most of these parameters increased significantly compared to the healthy control. They show the activation of the immune system but they are not useful for differential diagnosis, with the exception of IL-6 which we measured in larger quantities during bacterial infection but not so in acute rejection. For the prediction of early renal graft function we used urinary enzyme levels (dipeptidyl-aminopeptidase, glutathione-S-transferase). Tissue damage is followed by enzyme increasing and antioxidant capacity depletion. With choosing of adequate tests, the perioperative redox homeostasis of the transplanted patients can be monitored and with dosing the antioxidants the uncontrolled forming of reactive oxygen metabolites can also be decreased and checked.     

肾移植受者血清可溶性白介素-2受体和超敏C反应蛋白变化研究

目的 探讨肾移植患者血清中可溶性白介素_2受体(sIL-2R)、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)表达水平的变化,了解其在移植排斥反应中的临床意义.方法 测定91例肾移植患者血清及1130名正常体检人员的血清中slL-2R和hs-CRP浓度.使用乳胶增强免疫透射比浊检测hs-CRP,同时采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测可溶性白介素-2受体(sIL-2R)的表达水平.结果 急性排斥组sIL-2R和超敏C反应蛋白表达水平均显著高于肾功能稳定组及正常对照组,慢排组超敏C反应蛋白表达水平高于肾功能稳定组及正常对照组,肾功能稳定组可溶性白介素-2受体、hs-CRP的表达水平与正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 监测sIL-2R和超敏C反应蛋白的表达水平有助于肾移植排斥反应的诊断.     

TLR4在肾移植急性排斥反应中的预测作用

目的:研究血液中Toll样受体4(TLR4)的含量在大鼠肾移植后发生急性排斥反应中的预测作用。方法:建立大鼠原位肾移植模型。利用流式细胞技术动态监测大鼠血液及移植肾组织中TLR4的含量,以酶联免疫法检测大鼠血液中IL-2的含量。以组织病理学作为急性排斥反应的诊断标准,研究其表达与急性排斥反应的关系。对检测结果进行统计分析。结果:在术后1 d、2 d、3 d、5 d、7 d异基因移植组大鼠移植肾均有急性排斥反应发生,异基因移植组血液中IL-2和TLR4水平明显高于同基因移植组及健康对照组大鼠体内相应指标的水平。在造模后1 d大鼠血液中TLR4含量即开始升高。同时异基因移植组大鼠移植肾组织中的TLR4含量也明显高于同基因移植组及健康对照组。结论:TLR4参与了肾移植术后急性排斥反应的发生,可作为肾移植术后预测急性排斥反应发生的一个敏感指标。     

The use of prosthetics in hernia repair

Since the early 19th century different prostheses have been tried and tested to prevent recurrences after hernia repairs. This article reviews the evolution of prostheses and their use in hernia surgery. Tension-free mesh hernia repairs using polypropylene fibre seems to be associated with very low recurrence rates and minimal complications.     

Elevated serum IgE, eosinophilia, and lung function in rubber workers

We previously reported an outbreak of acute respiratory illness associated with eosinophilia in a group of rubber workers who performed a thermoinjection process in which synthetic rubber was heated and then injected onto metal molds. This study was conducted to determine if persistent respiratory health effects were associated with this work area and to explore the possible allergic etiology of this syndrome. A survey was performed 1 mo after a major improvement in area ventilation and consisted of baseline, cross-shift, and cross-week spirometry; diffusing capacity; serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), total eosinophil count; and skin patch testing. Baseline lung function, cross-shift, and cross-week spirometry were not significantly worse in the exposed group as compared to the control group. However, either eosinophilia (greater than 450/mm3) or elevated serum IgE (greater than 470 ng/ml) were present in 44% of exposed workers vs. 11% of the control group (p = .003). Nine months later, neither eosinophilia nor elevated IgE were associated with employment in this work area. We conclude that employment in the thermoinjection process was associated with eosinophilia and elevated IgE, which suggests sensitization to one of the components of the rubber, although no effect on pulmonary function could be demonstrated.     

Projecting Long-Term Graft and Patient Survival after Transplantation

ObjectiveIn spite of increases in short-term kidney transplant survival rates and reductions in acute rejection rates, increasing long-term graft survival rates remains a major challenge. The objective here was to project long-term graft- and survival-related outcomes occurring among renal transplant recipients based on short-term outcomes including acute rejection and estimated glomerular filtration rates observed in randomized trials.MethodsWe developed a two-phase decision model including a trial phase and a Markov state transition phase to project long-term outcomes over the lifetimes of hypothetical renal graft recipients who survived the trial period with a functioning graft. Health states included functioning graft stratified by level of renal function, failed graft, functioning regraft, and death. Transitions between health states were predicted using statistical models that accounted for renal function, acute rejection, and new-onset diabetes after transplant and for donor and recipient predictors of long-term graft and patient survival. Models were estimated using data from 38,015 renal transplant recipients from the United States Renal Data System. The model was populated with data from a 3-year, randomized phase III trial comparing belatacept to cyclosporine.ResultsThe decision model was well calibrated with data from the United States Renal Data System. Long-term extrapolation of Belatacept Evaluation of Nephroprotection and Efficacy as Firstline Immunosuppression Trial was projected to yield a 1.9-year increase in time alive with a functioning graft and a 1.2 life-year increase over a 20-year time horizon.ConclusionsThis is the first long-term follow-up model of renal transplant patients to be based on renal function, acute rejection, and new-onset diabetes. It is a useful tool for undertaking comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies of immunosuppressive medications.     

平片无张力、疝环充填式及传统疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝的临床分析

目的研究平片无张力疝修补术、疝环充填式疝修补术和传统疝修补术的治疗效果。方法回顾分析平片无张力疝修补组、疝环充填式疝修补组和传统疝修补组的手术时间、住院天数、术后并发症、复发率和住院费。结果无张力疝修补组手术时间明显短于传统疝修补组,疝环充填式修补组住院时间最长,传统疝修补组术后疼痛发病率最高13．75％,平片无张力修补组复发率为1．3％,疝环充填式修补为2％,传统疝修补组为3．75％为最高,传统疝修补组住院费为3组中最低。结论无张力疝修补术手术操作简单、复发少,平片无张力疝修补能满足大多数疝修补的需要。     

外周血淋巴细胞穿孔素和颗粒酶B在诊断移植肾急性排斥反应中的应用

目的探讨外周血淋巴细胞(PBL)穿孔素和颗粒酶B表达水平在肾移植诊断急性排斥反应(AR)和抗排斥疗效中的临床价值。方法采用定量逆转录PCR(RT-PCR)方法动态测定AR(7例)、肾功延迟恢复(8例)、近期肾功正常(27例)、长期肾功稳定(25例)的肾移植患者移植前后PBL穿孔素和颗粒酶B表达水平和AR的关系。结果肾移植术后患者PBL穿孔素和颗粒酶B表达强度依次为AR组、肾功延迟恢复组、近期肾功正常组、长期肾功稳定组,AR组与其他三组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);其升高时间比临床上出现AR的症状早3d左右,随着AR的逆转,其表达也逐渐降至基线水平。结论定量RT-PCR测定PBL穿孔素和颗粒酶B的表达是一种无创、较敏感的早期诊断肾移植AR的方法,可以预测抗排斥反应的治疗效果。     

聚丙烯合成网片和生物补片在前盆底重建术中的临床价值

目的 对比分析聚丙烯合成网片和生物补片在前盆底重建术中的应用效果.方法 选取2013年11月至2015年1月重庆江津区第二人民医院妇科手术治疗的147例盆底功能障碍疾病患者进行回顾性分析,其中82例患者选择聚丙烯合成网片(聚丙烯组),65例患者选择生物补片(生物组),对比两种补片的临床效果.结果 生物组患者的手术时间、手术出血量均显著高于聚丙烯组患者,差异具有统计学意义(t值分别为17.622、29.851,均P<0.05);两组患者的手术后最高体温值、尿管留置时间、残余尿液量差异不具有统计学意义(t值分别为0.409、1.302、1.033,均P>0.05).术后3个月,生物组患者的PFIQ-7、PFIQ-20评分均显著低于聚丙烯组患者,差异具有统计学意义(t值分别为6.109、5.827,均P<0.05).术后6个月,生物组患者的Aa、Ba、Ap、Bp、C测定值均显著低于聚丙烯组患者,差异具有统计学意义(t值分别为2.298、3.126、4.085、3.301、2.904,均P<0.05).生物组患者的手术并发症率4.62%显著低于聚丙烯组患者的15.85%,差异具有统计学意义(χ2=4.721,P<0.05).结论 生物补片在前盆底重建术中手术时间较长、出血量较大,但是具有术后效果更好,并发症更少的优点.     

Immunosuppression for kidney transplant recipients: current strategies

lmmunosuppressive therapy aims to protect transplanted organs from host responses. The success achieved during the last two decades in patient and graft survival is mainly related to the development and clinical use of efficacious immnosuppressive drugs. Nevertheless, the challenge of achieving a balance of adequate graft protection while minimizing the adverse consequences of excessive immunosuppression in the long-term continues. Current maintenance immunosuppression for renal transplant recipients generally consists of a calcineurin inhibitor plus an adjunctive antiproliferative agent, and steroids. The addition of induction therapy with a variety of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies provides a more potent immunosuppression and its use is more relevant in patients with a high immunological risk. More recently, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have been incorporated in different schemes proven its efficacy in a number of protocols. The incidence of acute rejection is now in its lower historical percentage and excellent results are reported from many transplant centers all over the world due mainly to a judicious combination of these drugs evaluated through many clinical studies. However, long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs convey inherent risks which translate in an increase of cancers and infections, among others. Ongoing investigations and clinical protocols involving new immunosuppressive drugs and biological agents are yielding important information on how to obtain tolerance or the nearest to this goal. Furthermore, there should be a continuous improvement in patient and graft survival, as the use of different immunosuppressive agents for induction and maintenance are individualized (adapted to each patient).