Recurrent postoperative perineal hernia: laparoscopic redo mesh repair

Symptomatic perineal herniation after abdominoperineal resection is a rare complication and its management remains challenging. Recurrent symptomatic perineal hernia after a previous laparoscopic mesh repair is exceptional and no standardized procedure has been deemed the “gold standard of care.” To date, this redo laparoscopic mesh repair is only the second report that we could find in the English literature.     

Recurrent perineal hernia repair: a novel approach

Purpose

Postoperative perineal hernias are rare complications from procedures, which compromise the pelvic floor, mainly abdominoperineal resection, proctocolectomy, and partial or total pelvic exenteration. Surgical repair can be accomplished through abdominal, laparoscopic, or transperineal approaches.

Methods

We present a case report of a 70-year-old man who underwent two prior operations for recurrent perineal hernia and was ultimately successfully treated with a third operation, a synthetic mesh redo procedure that utilized a synthetic mesh system marketed for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Results

Although there is no "gold standard" for perineal hernia repair, our patient had multiple surgeries employing a variety of approaches. Final success was achieved using a mesh system with improved fixation to secure pelvic ligaments, using an exclusive perineal approach. Now, more than five years following the final surgery, the patient remains symptom free with no clinical evidence of perineal hernia recurrence.

Conclusions

To date, this is the only report of using this mesh system in a male. The advantages of using this mesh system are (1) exclusive perineal approach without the accompanying risks of abdominal or laparoscopic approach; (2) improved fixation of mesh to secure pelvic ligaments; and (3) lightweight, flexible, and large mesh shape that can easily be trimmed to allow versatility in procedures.     

Laparoscopic repair of postoperative perineal hernia

Symptomatic perineal hernia is a rare complication after abdominoperineal resection. Various approaches to surgical repair have been described, including transabdominal, transperineal, and combined abdominoperineal repairs. In this report, we present a laparoscopic approach for repairing a perineal hernia that developed 10 months after laparoscopy-assisted abdominoperineal resection for a recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a laparoscopic repair of perineal hernia.     

Laparoscopic repair of a perineal hernia

Introduction

Perineal hernias are rare occurrences with statistics ranging from <1 to 3% incidence after open abdominoperineal resection (APR). The incidence of perineal hernia after laparoscopic APR is less certain due to the relatively recent advent of laparoscopic proctectomy. Here we discuss an occurrence of a perineal hernia after a laparoscopic APR and its subsequent laparoscopic repair with mesh.

Discussion

Repair of a perineal hernia can be technically challenging, with a variety of approaches each with its own risk of potential complications. Laparoscopic advancements have allowed a theoretically less invasive approach while having greater view of the necessary anatomical landmarks to achieve safe and tension-free repair of such hernias.

Conclusion

There are several case reports available to describe perineal repair but the numbers remain skewed due to the sparse reporting of complications post APR surgery. This may in fact be due to the asymptomatic aspect these hernias can have. Laparoscopic repair is a challenging yet viable approach to the correction of such occurrences.     

Secondary perineal hernia following open abdominoperineal excision of the rectum: report of a case and review of the literature

This is a case report of a 46-year-old man who presented with a painful perineal lump four months after abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER) with pre-operative radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Perineal hernia (suspected clinically) was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the patient underwent open Permacol mesh repair via a perineal approach. Symptomatic perineal herniation after surgical resection is a rare phenomenon, and the approach to management remains challenging. Several different surgical approaches and techniques of repair have been described. In this report, we review the literature surrounding the presentation, aetiology and repair of this unusual post-operative complication. Furthermore, our case confirms that closure of the hernial orifice with mesh via a perineal approach is a satisfactory technique.     

Laparoscopic repair of postoperative perineal hernia

Background Perineal hernia is an uncommon complication following abdominoperineal resection of the rectum. There are only a few reports concerning the management of this unusual problem. Various methods of repair have been described, but none of them is well established. The purpose of our study is to present our experience and to discuss the pathogenesis and the different surgical repair techniques of these hernias. Methods Between September 2003 and December 2004, four patients with perineal hernia observed several months following laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for adenocarcinoma of the lower rectum were treated. All patients underwent the transabdominal laparoscopic approach using synthetic mesh for repair. Results In all patients, the hernia was repaired by the laparoscopic transabdominal approach using synthetic mesh. The blood loss was minimal and mean operating time was 54 ± 10 min. There were no cases that required conversion to laparotomy and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Beginning of soft diet intake and ambulation times were on the second day following surgery. The average length of hospital stay was 4 ± 1 days. During 8.3 ± 6 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the hernia. Conclusion Perineal hernias are rare complications of major pelvic surgeries. Symptomatic hernias should be repaired surgically. The transabdominal laparoscopic approach using synthetic mesh provides an appropriate solution for these hernias.     

Laparoscopic repair of primary perineal hernias: the approach of choice in the 21st century

Perineal hernias are rare and result from the herniation of a viscus through the pelvic floor. Symptomatic perineal hernias are repaired surgically, historically via an open perineal, abdominal or abdominoperineal approach. We describe laparoscopic repair of a primary perineal hernia with mesh using the transabdominal approach. We believe that for uncomplicated primary perineal hernias laparoscopic repair is technically feasible, and associated with rapid recovery and minimal complications.     

Postoperative perineal hernia

Abstract. Large perineal hernia is an uncommon complication following abdominoperineal resection of the rectum, but it does present a difficult surgical dilemma. Repair of this hernia is a challenging surgical problem. Various methods of repair have been proposed and include an abdominal, perineal, or combined abdominoperineal approach to the hernia. This report describes a patient with a large perineal hernia after an abdominoperineal resection. The spectrum of perineal hernias, the aetiology, and the different techniques of surgical repair are discussed. Electronic Publication     

Laparoscopic repair of perineal hernia after abdominoperineal excision

Purpose

Perineal hernia is a challenging complication after abdominoperineal excision (APE) of the rectum. Surgical repair can be accomplished using challenging abdominal or transperineal approaches. A laparoscopic repair using a Proceed mesh might be an easy and effective alternative.

Methods

We describe a multi-center case-series of twelve patients with a symptomatic perineal hernia treated by laparoscopic mesh repair. A cone-shaped 10 × 15 cm Proceed Mesh was tacked to the promontory or sacrum and sutured to the pelvic sidewalls and the anterior peritoneum.

Results

Twelve patients underwent laparoscopic repair of their perineal hernia. Four men and eight women presented with a symptomatic perineal hernia after abdominoperineal excision between 2008 and 2013 and underwent a laparoscopic repair with a Proceed mesh. The median age at presentation was 53 years (range 39–68 years). The mean total theater time was 119 min (range 75–200 min). No conversion to an open procedure was needed. No early complications where seen. The mean hospital stay was 2.25 days (range 1–4 days). Three patients showed recurrence, of whom two had a defect in the middle of the proceed mesh, one had a defect anterior to the previous perineal hernia. All 3 patients underwent a redo-laparoscopic repair with mesh.

Conclusion

In this case series we present an alternative approach for the surgical repair of perineal hernias. Based on our experience, perineal hernia after APE can be repaired safely and effectively using the described laparoscopic technique.

     

How we do it: repair of large perineal hernia after abdominoperineal resection

Background

Symptomatic perineal hernia is a rare complication after abdominoperineal resection (APR). Management of these hernias is challenging. The recurrence rate after surgical repair is high because of the difficulty of prosthetic material fixation; there is no consensus regarding the best method of repair.

Methods

We introduced a novel combined laparoscopic-perineal dual fixation technique in the repair of perineal hernias after APR. This technique begins with a perineal approach under laparoscopic vision. After excision of the hernia sac, the mesh is introduced and fixed anteriorly to the urogenital diaphragm and laterally to the sacrotuberous ligament and the surrounding scar tissue. The perineal incision is then closed. Next, the mesh is fixed to the sacrum with ProTack^® and is fixed again to the sacrotuberous ligament via a laparoscopic approach.

Results

The dual fixation repair method is successful and without difficulties, with no recurrence at 13-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Our laparoscopic-perineal dual fixation method is a good alternative method for large perineal hernia repair after APR.

     

Repair of symptomatic perineal hernia with a titanium mesh

Purpose

Surgical repair of symptomatic perineal hernia is challenging, especially via a perineal approach with limited exposure of the hernia sac. Furthermore, insecure fixation of autologous or synthetic materials to bony structures often results in recurrence. Here, we describe the application of a titanium mesh for perineal hernia repair.

Methods

We performed hernia repair with a thin titanium mesh via a perineal approach in three patients who developed secondary perineal hernia following abdominoperineal resection. After the hernia sac was isolated and dissected, the titanium mesh was molded and placed over the ischium and coccyx to support the pelvic floor.

Results

No major complications occurred, and all three patients were free of recurrence at follow-up after 73, 109, and 6 months, respectively. The patients experienced slight pain in the perineal region when sitting, which resolved within 6 months.

Conclusion

Our successful preliminary results indicate that a titanium mesh is useful for perineal hernia repair by the perineal approach, as it can provide rigid support for the pelvic floor by its entire surface while ensuring stability without any fixation.     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic repair of perineal hernia after abdominoperineal resection: A case report and review of the literature

IntroductionPerineal hernia is a protrusion of the pelvic floor containing intra-abdominal viscera. The occurrence of postoperative perineal hernia after abdominoperineal resection (APR) is rare, but reports have indicated a recent increase in occurrence following surgical treatment for rectal cancer. This has been attributed to a shift towards extralevator abdominoperineal resection, together with more frequent and long-term use of neoadjuvant therapy.Presentation of caseHere, we report the case of a patient who underwent APR for cancer. Twenty months postoperative, a perineal hernia was detected. The patient was electively scheduled for surgery. Robot-assisted laparoscopy was performed using the da Vinci Surgical System. The perineal hernia was repaired by primary closure with the placement of Symbotex Composite mesh as reinforcement for the pelvic floor. The surgery was performed without any adverse events, and the patient was discharged the day after surgery. Clinical follow-up proceeded at the designated time intervals without difficulties.DiscussionRecurrence rates of perineal hernia remain high, and surgeons face numerous challenges related to poor view, suturing and mesh placement in the deep pelvis. Numerous approaches have been described, but there is still no consensus as to the optimal repair technique for perineal hernia.ConclusionSymptomatic perineal hernias can feasibly be repaired with robot-assisted laparoscopy. Furthermore, suturing and mesh placement require less effort with the robot approach when compared to the open and laparoscopic approaches. These promising findings are demonstrated in the included video.     

Tension free perineal hernioplasty: report of a case

Summary Perineal hernias are extremely rare in clinical practice, most being secondary to radical pelvic surgery. Different surgical approaches have been described, with primary closure as well as with the use of flaps and mesh. We report the case of a 35 year old female with a primary anterior perineal hernia, that was repaired using a cone of polypropylene mesh through a perineal approach under regional anaesthesia. Two years later she remains asymptomatic without recurrence. We believe this is the first report of such repair for a primary perineal hernia.     

Perineal approach for polypropylene mesh repair of perineal hernia

This is the first case report of a perineal hernia repair following abdominoperineal excision of rectum employing a purely perineal approach for interposition of a mesh graft.     

Central perineal hernia mimicking rectocele: a case report

Background A perineal hernia is a very rare clinical finding. Three forms are distinguished: anterior, posterior, and central. Diagnosis of the last one is difficult, and sometimes, it is falsely named a posterior rectocele. Aim This work presents a successfully treated case of central perineal hernia and makes a brief summary of existent literature on the problem. Presentation of the case We report of a 67-year-old female patient with a symptomatic central pelvic floor hernia. After radiological confirmation of the diagnosis, a transperitoneal approach was chosen to reposition the protruded segment of the small bowel. The hernial orifice was closed by extraperitoneal implantation of a polypropylene mesh. Discussion In the present case, the use of a laparoscopic technique seemed unsuitable due to the extension of the findings. For the repair of perineal hernia, we followed the principles of the “tension-free” concept. If there are no signs of a pelvic floor infection and if the mesh can be implanted totally extraperitoneally, we recommend the use of nonabsorbable alloplastic material (polypropylene) for reinforcement of the pelvic floor as a suitable technique for the repair of large perineal hernias.     

Laparoscopic repair of postoperative perineal hernia

Perineal hernia is an uncommon complication of abdominoperineal resection and pelvic exenteration. We present an alternative not previously described for the surgical repair of this type of hernia: laparoscopic repair of postoperative perineal hernia. Electronic Publication     

Incidence and management of perineal hernia after laparoscopic proctectomy

Perineal hernia (PH) is formed by the protrusion of intra-abdominal viscera through a defect in the pelvic floor. This is a rare complication after conventional abdominoperineal resection, pelvic exanteration, proctectomy, and other pelvic procedures. The purpose of the present paper is to report 4 cases of PH after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer and to review literature data about the incidence, predisposing factors, and treatment of this challenging problem. When added to other 3 cases previously reported in the Brazilian series of laparoscopic surgery, this group of 7 cases comprises a PH incidence of 3.5% after rectal resection procedures. Surgical treatment is indicated only in symptomatic patients with no signs of cancer recurrence. Proposed methods of surgical repair include abdominal, perineal, or combined approaches to the hernia in association with the use of autologous tissues or prosthetic meshes. Preventive measures are represented by closure of the pelvic peritoneum whenever possible, primary perineal suture and wound care to avoid infection.     

Primary perineal hernia: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract Pelvic floor hernias are extremely rare. This study presents a successfully treated case of primary perineal hernia and takes a look at the existing literature. Case The case of a 75-year-old female patient with a great perineal hernia is presented. Diagnosis was secured by magnetic resonance tomography. The pelvic defect was successfully treated by primary suture with Prolene. Discussion The literature shows many different approaches for treatment of perineal hernia, such as open or laparoscopic mesh repair, and perineal, abdominal or combined access. Our case confirms that primary closure of the hernial orifice through an abdominal approach is also feasible.     

Techniques of perineal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPerineal hernias are rare, underreported and poorly studied complications of extensive pelvic surgeries. Their management is challenging, with currently no treatment algorithm available.MethodMEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies comprising at least 3 patients who underwent surgical perineal hernia repair were included. The primary outcome was perineal hernia recurrence. The secondary outcomes were overall complications and surgical site occurrences.ResultsTwenty-nine studies were included, comprising 325 patients undergoing 347 repairs. Overall complications were 33% (95% confidence interval 24%–43%) in the entire cohort, 31% (19%–44%) after perineal repair, 39% (14%–67%) after abdominal repair, and 36% (19%–53%) after mesh repair (20% with biological, 46% with synthetic mesh). The surgical site occurrence rate was 18% (8%–29%). The overall recurrence rate was 22% (15%–29%). Recurrence after perineal repair was 19% (10%–29%): 20% with mesh (25% with biological, 19% with synthetic), 24% with primary repair, and 39% with flap repair. Recurrence after an abdominal repair was 18% (11%–26%): 16% with laparoscopic, 12% with open, 16% with mesh (24% with biological, 16% with synthetic), 30% with primary, and 25% with flap repair. No significant differences could be found in the meta-analysis regarding overall complications and recurrence.ConclusionSynthetic mesh repair seems to be associated with a lower recurrence rate than other techniques, especially after an abdominal approach. The perineal and abdominal approaches appear to be safe, with similar recurrence rates. The combined approach seems promising, but more evidence is needed.     

Perineale Hernie

Background

Abdominoperineal excision of the rectum is a standard procedure in deep-lying rectal cancer if the sphincter muscle cannot be preserved. Besides common complications such as impotence, disorders of urinary tract function, and prolonged wound healing, perineal hernia is a rare long-term phenomenon. Surgical repair can be done either through a transabdominal approach or transperineally. Long-term results show that both methods are feasible in this situation. We report the third case of perineal hernia in German literature.

Case report

A 66-year-old man presented with a painful perineal tumor 2 years after abdominoperineal excision for rectal adenocarcinoma. Perineal hernia was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the patient underwent open mesh repair through a perineal approach.

Discussion

A number of surgical techniques have been described for the repair of perineal hernias. These include abdominal, perineal, and combined or laparoscopic approaches with or without mesh repair. The transabdominal route seems to have some advantages over the perineal approach. In cases of small hernias, the latter can however be the option of choice. In the presented case of an uncomplicated hernia, we decided on the perineal approach including mesh implantation to keep the trauma as small as possible.