Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia mesh repair: a prospective study

Background An incisional hernia develops in 3% to 13% of laparotomy incisions, with primary suture repair of ventral hernias yielding unsatisfactory results. The introduction of a prosthetic mesh to ensure abdominal wall strength without tension has decreased the recurrence rate, but open repair requires significant soft tissue dissection in tissues that are already of poor quality as well as flap creation, increasing complication rates and affecting the recurrence rate. A minimally invasive approach was applied to the repair pf ventral hernias, with the expectation of earlier recovery, fewer postoperative complications, and decreased recurrence rates. This prospective study was performed to objectively analyze and compare the outcomes after open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods The outcomes for 50 unselected patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair were compared with those for 50 consecutive unselected patients who underwent open repair. The open surgical operations were performed by the Rives and Stoppa technique using prosthetic mesh, whereas the laparoscopic repairs were performed using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair technique in all cases. Results The study group consisted of 100 patients (82 women and 18 men) with a mean age of 55.25 years (range, 30–83 years). The patients in the two groups were comparable at baseline in terms of sex, presenting complaints, and comorbid conditions. The patients in laparoscopic group had larger defects (93.96 vs 55.88 cm²; p = 0.0023). The mean follow-up time was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.5640–23.0227 months). The mean surgery durations were 90.6 min for the laparoscopic repair and 93.3 min for the open repair (p = 0.769, nonsignificant difference). The mean postoperative stay was shorter for the laparoscopic group than for the open hernia group (2.7 vs 4.7 days; p = 0.044). The pain scores were similar in the two groups at 24 and 48 h, but significantly less at 72 h in the laparoscopic group (mean visual analog scale score, 2.9412 vs 4.1702; p = 0.001). There were fewer complications (24%) and recurrences (2%) among the patients who underwent laparoscopic repair than among those who had open repair (30% and 10%, respectively). Conclusions The findings demonstrate that laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in our experience was safe and resulted in shorter operative time, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and less recurrence. Hence, it should be considered as the procedure of choice for ventral hernia repair.     

Strength of tissue attachment to mesh after ventral hernia repair with synthetic composite mesh in a porcine model

Background A prospective animal study involving 12 female swine aimed to measure the strength of tissue attachment to composite mesh at various time points after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in a porcine model. Methods Each animal had two 10 × 16-cm sheets of polypropylene/expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) composite mesh laparoscopically affixed to the abdominal wall with a helical tacking device. No transfascial sutures were used. The animals were euthanized 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery, and abdominal walls were resected en bloc with the patches. Each patch was cut into 2 × 7-cm strips, and each strip was independently analyzed. The strength of the tissue attachment to the mesh was measured using a servohydraulic tensile testing frame. The abdominal wall was peeled from the mesh, and the transverse, or “lap-shear” force was recorded. Data are reported as mean force in pounds. Results The mean lap-shear force was 0.83 ± 0.06 lbs at 2 weeks, 1.06 ± 0.07 lbs at 4 weeks, 0.88 ± 0.08 lbs at 6 weeks, and 1.13 ± 0.07 lbs at 12 weeks. The mean force was higher at 12 weeks than at 2 weeks (p < 0.05). No other periods were significantly different from any other. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that the majority of tissue ingrowth and strength has occurred by 2 weeks after laparoscopic placement of a composite hernia prosthesis. Strength very gradually increases until 12 weeks after surgery. This has clinical implications for human ventral hernia repair. Further study is needed to evaluate the necessity of transfascial sutures for securing polypropylene-based prostheses to the abdominal wall during ventral hernia repair. Presented at the 85th Annual Meeting of the New England Surgical Society, 2 October 2004, Montreal, Quebec, Canada     

Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair: An 11-year experience

Incisional hernias develop in 2%–20% of laparotomy incisions, necessitating approximately 90,000 ventral hernia repairs per year. Although a common general surgical problem, a "best" method for repair has yet to be identified, as evidenced by documented recurrence rates of 25%–52% with primary open repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic ventral and incisional herniorrhaphy. From February 1991 through November 2002, a total of 384 patients were treated by laparoscopic technique for primary and recurrent umbilical hernias, ventral incisional hernias, and spigelian hernias. The technique was essentially the same for each procedure and involved lysis of adhesions, reduction of hernia contents, closure of the defect, and 3–5 cm circumferential mesh coverage of all hernias. Of the 384 patients in our study group, there were 212 females and 172 males with a mean age of 58.3 years (range 27–100 years). Ninety-six percent of the hernia repairs were completed laparoscopically. Mean operating time was 68 min (range 14–405 min), and estimated average blood loss was 25 mL (range 10–200 mL). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.9 days and ranged from same-day discharge to 36 days. The overall postoperative complication rate was 10.1%. There have been 11 recurrences (2.9%) during a mean follow-up time of 47.1 months (range 1–141 months). Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair, based on the Rives-Stoppa technique, is a safe, feasible, and effective alternative to open techniques. More long-term follow-up is still required to further evaluate the true effectiveness of this operation.     

Evaluation of composite mesh for ventral hernia repair

Introduction:

Composite mesh prostheses incorporate the properties of multiple materials for ventral hernia repair. This study evaluated a polypropylene/ePTFE composite mesh with a novel internal polydioxanone (PDO) absorbable ring.

Methods:

Composite mesh was placed intraperitoneally in 16 pigs through an open laparotomy and explanted at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Intraabdominal adhesions were measured laparoscopically. Host tissue in-growth was assessed histologically and tensiometrically. Degradation of the internal PDO ring component was also measured tensiometrically. Appropriate statistical tests were used, and P≤.05 indicated significance.

Results:

No adhesions were formed in 50% of the grafts explanted at 8 weeks and 25% of grafts explanted at 12 weeks. There were significantly more vascular structures at 8 weeks, 73.5±28, compared with 2 weeks, 6.75±2 (P≤.01). The T-peel force at the mesh-host tissue interface was not significantly different among time points. The absorbable PDO ring underwent complete degradation by 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

This composite mesh was associated with minimal intraabdominal adhesions, progressive in-growth of host tissues, and complete degradation of a novel internal PDO ring that aided mesh positioning. This composite hernia mesh showed a favorable performance in a porcine model of open ventral hernia repair.     

Ileocutaneous fistula formation following laparoscopic polypropylene mesh hernia repair

A rare case of enterocutaneous fistula caused by chronic erosion of polypropylene mesh after laparoscopic repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia is described. Successful treatment was achieved by fistulectomy, total resection of the implanted mesh, and small-bowel segmental resection. The patient recovered well postoperatively, and at follow-up 18 months later, the herniorrhaphy has remained intact. This complication needs to be added to the differential diagnosis in patients who present inflammation, abscess formation, or cutaneous fistula following laparoscopic hernia repair. Received: 7 October 1996/Accepted: 14 October 1996     

开放式补片修补术治疗腹壁切口疝（附210例报告）

目的 分析开放式补片修补术治疗腹壁切口疝的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析我院于2013年10月至2018年3月行开放式补片修补术的210例腹壁切口疝病人的临床资料。分析不同术式和补片固定方式,术后血清肿、切口感染、补片感染、慢性疼痛、肠漏、复发以及死亡的发生。结果 术后血清肿25例（11.90%）,切口感染14例（6.67%）,补片感染3例（1.43%）,慢性疼痛7例（3.33%）,肠漏3例（1.43%）,复发7例（3.33%）,死亡2例（0.95%）。采用IPOM术式病人术后仅有血清肿并发症发生率低于Sublay术（P<0.05）,差异有统计学意义,其余并发症发生和复发率差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。Sublay术式中加强法与桥接法术后并发症差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。采用缝线+不可吸收疝钉组与缝线+可吸收疝钉组术后慢性疼痛和复发率无统计学差异（P>0.05）。结论 开放式补片修补术治疗腹壁切口疝安全有效。     

Effect of prosthetic material on adhesion formation after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in a porcine model

Intraperitoneal placement of prosthetic mesh causes adhesion formation after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. A prosthesis that prevents or reduces adhesion formation is desirable. In this study, 21 pigs were randomized to receive laparoscopic placement of plain polypropylene mesh (PPM), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), or polypropylene coated on one side with a bioresorbable adhesion barrier (PPM/HA/CMC). The animals were sacrificed after 28 days and evaluated for adhesion formation. Mean area of adhesion formation was 14% (SD±15) in the PPM/HA/CMC group, 40% (SD±17) in the PPM group, and 41% (SD±39) in the ePTFE group. The difference between PPM/HA/CMC and PPM was significant (P=0.013). A new visceral layer of mesothelium was present in seven out of seven PPM/HA/CMC cases, six out of seven PPM cases, and two out of seven ePTFE cases. Thus, laparoscopic placement of PPM/HA/CMC reduces adhesion formation compared to other mesh types used for laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs.This work was presented as an oral presentation at the American Hernia Society Meeting, Tucson, Ariz. USA in May, 2002.This study was funded by a grant from Genzyme, Corp., Cambridge, Mass. USA     

Comparison of laparoscopic and open repair of incisional and primary ventral hernia: results of a prospective randomized study

Background Incisional hernia is an important complication of abdominal surgery. Its repair has progressed from a primary suture repair to various mesh repairs and laparoscopic repair. Laparoscopic mesh repair is a promising alternative, and in the absence of consensus, needs prospective randomized controlled trials. Methods Between April 2003 and April 2005, 66 patients with incisional, primary ventral and recurrent hernias were randomized to receive either open retrorectus mesh repair or laparoscopic mesh repair. These patients were followed up at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals thereafter for a mean of 12.17 months (open repair group) and 13.73 months (laparoscopic repair group). Results Lower abdominal hernias after gynecologic operations constituted the majority of the hernias (∼50%) in both groups. There was no significant injury to viscera or vessel in either group and no conversions. The defect size was 42.12 cm² in the open (group 1) and 65.66 cm² in the laparoscopic group (group 2), and the prosthesis sizes were, respectively, 152.67 cm² and 203.83 cm². The hospital stay was 3.43 days in open group and 1.47 days in laparoscopic group (p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in the pain scores between the two groups. More wound-related infectious complications occurred in the open group (33%) than in the laparoscopic group (6%) (p = 0.013). There was one recurrence in the open repair group (3%) and two recurrences in laparoscopic group (6%) (p = 0.55). Conclusions Laparoscopic repair of incisional and ventral hernias is superior to open mesh repair in terms of significantly less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, and excellent cosmetic outcome.     

A comparative study of adhesion formation and abdominal wall ingrowth after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in a porcine model using multiple types of mesh

Background The ideal mesh for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is not yet identified.Methods We laparoscopically placed polypropylene (PPM), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and polyester with antiadhesive collagen layer (PCO) in eight pigs using sutures and tacks for fixation. After 28-day survival, we compared adhesion formation, fibrous ingrowth, and shrinkage among the types of mesh.Results Mean area of adhesions to PCO (8.25%) was less than that to ePTFE (57.14%, p < 0.001) or PPM (79.38%, p < 0.001). Adhesions peel strength was less for PCO (2.3 N) than for PPM (16.1 N, p < 0.001) or ePTFE (8.8 N, p = 0.02). Peel strength of mesh from the abdominal wall was less for ePTFE (1.3 N/cm of mesh width) than for PCO (2.8 N/cm, p = 0.001) or PPM (2.1 N/cm, p = 0.05). ePTFE area (94.4 cm²) was less than that for PCO (118.6 cm², p < 0.001) or PPM (140.7 cm², p < 0.02).Conclusion PCO had fewer and less severe adhesions than ePTFE or PPM while facilitating excellent ingrowth of the adjacent parietal tissue.     

Comparison of prosthetic mesh repair and tissue repair in the emergency management of incarcerated para-umbilical hernia: a prospective randomized study

Background Although prosthetic repair has become the gold standard for elective management of para-umbilical hernia (PUH) its use in the setting of acute incarceration is still limited for fear of prosthetic-related complications, mainly infection. The objective of this study was to compare results from prosthetic repair and tissue repair in the management of the acutely incarcerated PUH. Patients and methods Forty-two patients were prospectively randomized to either the prosthetic-repair group (group 1 = 21 patients) or the tissue-repair group (group 2 = 21 patients). In group 1, an onlay polypropylene mesh was inserted and the presence of non-viable intestine was not considered a contraindication for mesh repair. Operative time, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded. Follow-up was performed by physical examination to detect recurrence. Results Mean operative time was significantly longer for group 1 (96.9 ± 14.6 compared with 65.5 ± 14.6 min for group 2, P < 0.05). Postoperative hospital stay did not differ significantly between the groups (3 ± 1.6 compared with 3.5 ± 2.2 days for groups 1 and 2, respectively). Postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the groups (28.6 vs. 23.8% for groups 1 and 2, respectively). No mesh had to be removed. At follow-up (mean 16 ± 5.5 months) there were four recurrences in group 2 (4/21, 19%) and no recurrences in group 1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion Use of prosthetic repair for emergency management of incarcerated PUH is safe and leads to superior results, in terms of recurrence, compared with conventional tissue repair. The presence of non-viable intestine cannot, furthermore, be regarded as a contraindication for prosthetic repair.     

The use of the Kugel mesh in ventral hernia repairs

BACKGROUND: The management of ventral hernias is a common problem. Goals of hernia repair include reduction of the contents, reperitonealization of the abdomen, repair of the fascial defect, and restoration of the normal abdominal wall contour. Repairs frequently require the use of mesh to reduce the incidence of recurrence. A variety of repair techniques have been described, often associated with significant pain, prolonged recovery, and complications. METHODS: We describe a technique using a partial component separation, reperitonealization of the abdominal cavity with the hernia sack, and insertion of the Kugel mesh for bridging the gap. RESULTS: We have used this technique on 65 ventral hernias. Fifty-two patients went home from the recovery room and 11 stayed less than 23 hours. One patient had a wound infection and 2 had seromas. There have been no recurrences to date. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of ventral hernias with the Kugel mesh using a partial component separation is safe, effective and durable.     

轻量型和普通聚丙烯补片在腹股沟疝修补术中的对照研究

目的：比较使用普通聚丙烯补片f普理灵）和轻量型聚丙烯补片（薇普Ⅱ）进行腹股沟疝修补术后的疗效。方法：2006年10月至2008年3月间,我院对609例腹股沟疝病人,行Lichtenstein修补术,病人分成2组,一组使用普理灵补片,另一组使用薇普Ⅱ补片。比较两组平均手术时间、术后炎症反应程度、并发症及恢复工作的时间,并根据SF-36对病人术前和术后6个月内的生活质量进行评估。使用疼痛的数字评分法（NRS）对术后第2天和6个月的疼痛情况进行评分．以此判断术后6个月腹股沟区是否仍有异物感。结果：与普理灵补片相比,使用薇普Ⅱ补片可减轻术后导致的腹壁活动受限,炎性反应和纤维组织的生成也减低;术后6个月运动时疼痛的比例也降低（P〈0．05）;腹股沟区有异物感的病人较少。结论：腹股沟疝行Lichtenstein修补术中更适宜使用轻量型聚丙烯补片。     

Strategies to minimize adhesions to intraperitoneally placed mesh in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Introduction:

Adhesions to mesh/tacks in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair are often cited as reasons not to adopt its evidence-based superiority over conventional open methods. This pilot study assessed the occurrence of adhesions to full-sized Polypropylene and Gore-tex DualMesh Plus meshes and the possibility for adhesion prevention using fibrin sealant.

Methods:

Two 10-cm to 15-cm pieces of mesh were placed and fixed laparoscopically in pigs (25kg to 55kg). Group I: 2 animals with Polypropylene mesh on one side and DualMesh on other side. Group II: 2 animals with DualMesh on each side with fibrin sealant applied to the periphery of mesh and staples to one side. Group III: 1 animal with 2 pieces of Polypropylene mesh with fibrin sealant applied to the entire mesh. All animals underwent laparoscopy 3 months later to assess the extent of adhesions, and full-thickness specimens were removed for histological evaluation.

Results:

More Polypropylene mesh was involved in adhesions than DualMesh. However, with the DualMesh involved in adhesions, more of the surface area was involved in forming adhesions than with Polypropylene mesh. None of the implanted DualMesh had visceral adhesions, while 2 out of 3 Polypropylene meshes had adhesions to both the liver and spleen but none to the bowel. Implanted Polypropylene mesh with fibrin sealant had no adhesions. DualMesh had shrunk more significantly than Polypropylene mesh. Histological evaluation showed absence of acute inflammatory response, significantly more chronic inflammatory response to DualMesh compared to Polypropylene and complete mesothelialization with both meshes. There was extensive collagen deposition between Polypropylene mesh fibers, while fibrosis occurred on both sides of DualMesh with synovial metaplasia over its peritoneal surface akin to encapsulation.

Conclusions:

DualMesh caused fewer omental and visceral adhesions than Polypropylene mesh did. Fibrin sealant eliminated adhesions to DualMesh and prevented adhesions to Polypropylene mesh when applied over the entire surface. These results support our current use of DualMesh and fibrin sealant in LVHR.     

Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial

Laparoscopic and open techniques are both recognized treatment options for ventral hernias. We conducted a prospective randomized trial of both methods, to assess hernia recurrence, postoperative recovery and complications. Fifty-eight patients with ventral hernias were enrolled into the trial between August 2003 and December 2005. Of these, 31 underwent laparoscopic repair and 27 underwent open repair. Clinical parameters were documented on all patients during a median follow-up period of 27.5 months. The demographics of the two groups were similar. There was one recurrence in each of the laparoscopic and open groups. There was an equivalent rate of operative time, length of stay, postoperative pain scores, return to normal activities, wound infection and seroma formation between the two groups. Laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair are comparable and offer low recurrence rates.     

轻量型网片和普通聚丙烯补片在腹股沟疝修补术中的对比研究

目的探讨轻量型网片（强生UPP）在腹股沟疝无张力修补中的作用。方法回顾分析90例次腹股沟疝无张力修补患者的临床资料,其中47例次行普通聚丙烯材料修补,43例次行强生UPP修补。结果强生UPP修补组与普通聚丙烯材料修补组比较,早期并发症发生率（切口疼痛、切口积液、伤口感染、肺部感染、尿道损伤以及尿潴留等）和住院时间差异无统计学意义。在6个月时强生UPP修补组其局部切口疼痛、异物感的患者明显少于普通聚丙烯材料修补组,腹壁顺应性明显好于普通聚丙烯材料修补组,在6个月时两组均没有复发。结论轻量型网片在腹股沟疝无张力修补中,其后期并发症明显减少,有望成为腹股沟疝无张力修补的首选材料。     

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.     

A simplified laparoscopic technique for mesh placement in ventral hernia repair

The use of a large synthetic mesh for laparoscopic repair of significant ventral abdominal wall defects may be accompanied by technical difficulties resulting from improper orientation and positioning of the mesh over the defect. We suggest a technique based on initial fixation of the mesh center to the central point of the defect, and subsequent centrifugal attachment of the mesh to the abdominal wall. This technique is advantageous because it leads to precise orientation and positioning of the synthetic patch and to significant reduction of the time needed for its reinforcement over and around the defect. Received: 25 September 1998/Accepted: 27 November 1998     

Pregnancy following laparoscopic mesh repair of ventral abdominal wall hernia

Background:

There are no data on laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernias (LRVIH) in fertile women who intend to have further pregnancies. A unique series is described of 8 women who got pregnant and gave birth after LRVIH.

Methods:

Medical records of 875 consecutive patients who underwent LRVIH were reviewed. Women who gave birth after LRVIH were identified. At follow-up, patients answered a questionnaire on pain, discomfort, recurrence, and problems during pregnancy and delivery and underwent a physical examination.

Results:

Eight patients were identified; all agreed to inclusion. Four women received LRVIH for incisional hernia; 4 were operated on for primary ventral hernia. Median age at LRVIH was 29 years (range, 24 to 34). No postoperative complications occurred. Median time between LRVIH and delivery was 22.5 months (range, 12 to 44). Median follow-up after delivery was 23.5 months (range, 2 to 40). Five patients experienced a tearing pain in the area of hernia repair during the last months of pregnancy. This pain was not continually present and disappeared after delivery in all patients. All infants were born healthy at full term. Seven patients had a vaginal birth and one had a caesarean delivery. There were no major complications during pregnancy or delivery. At control examination, all patients were asymptomatic and, with one exception, without signs of recurrence. One patient had a swelling in the repaired area indicating either recurrence or mesh bulging. Being asymptomatic, she refused any further diagnostics.

Conclusion:

LRVIH in fertile women who intend to have further pregnancies is an acceptable therapeutical option that causes no significant problems during pregnancy or delivery.