Current Trends in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical technique, postoperative complications, and possible recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) in comparison with open ventral hernia repair (OVHR), based on the international literature.

Database:

A Medline search of the current English literature was performed using the terms laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and incisional hernia repair.

Conclusions:

LVHR is a safe alternative to the open method, with the main advantages being minimal postoperative pain, shorter recovery, and decreased wound and mesh infections. Incidental enterotomy can be avoided by using a meticulous technique and sharp dissection to avoid thermal injury.     

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair of Ventral Hernia: A Step Towards Physiological Repair

The laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with preperitoneal placement of mesh minimizes the complications related to the intraperitoneal position of mesh and fixating devices. It allows safe use of conventional and less expensive polypropylene mesh. The prospectively collected data of 68 patients who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal mesh hernioplasty, for different types of ventral hernias between January 2005 and December 2009 was retrospectively reviewed. The study included 68 patients, 16 males and 52 females with a mean age 51.1 ± 11.1 years (range 23–74 years). Most of the hernias (67.6%) were in the midline position. The mean size of the defect was 30.8 ± 24.4 cm2 (range, 4–144 cm2) and the mean mesh size was 237.8 ± 66.8 cm2 (range, 144–484 cm2). The mean operating time was 96.7 ± 16.7 min (range 70–150 min). All repairs were done with polypropylene mesh. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.5 ± 0.6 days (range, 1–4 days). Nineteen patients (27.9%) suffered from postoperative complications. Four patients (5.8%) were detected to have seroma formation. There were two recurrences (2.9%). The mean follow up was 22.7 ± 13.4 months (range, 6–48 months). The laparoscopic preperitoneal ventral hernia repair with polypropylene mesh is cheaper and has acceptable postoperative outcomes. Peritoneal coverage of the mesh not only acts as a barrier between mesh and bowel and thereby prevents adhesions, it also provides an additional security of fixation. This is a safe and feasible option of ventral hernia repair in expert hands. However, for proper validation of these conclusions a long term prospective clinical trial is required.     

Safety of Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair in Octogenarians

Background and Objectives:

The recurrence rate after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is lower than the rate of recurrence via the open approach in many series. Studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this procedure but have had relatively young patient populations. We present our experience in a significantly older population.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all patients 80 to 89 years of age undergoing a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at our institution from May 2000 to June 2007 was performed. Data collected included demographics, number and type of previous abdominal operations, number of previous hernia repairs, defect and mesh size, postoperative complications, and follow-up.

Results:

Twenty octogenarian patients underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Nine were men and 11 were women. The mean age was 82 years. Thirteen patients (65%) had one or more associated comorbidities at the time of surgery. Eighteen patients (90%) had undergone a mean of 1.7 prior abdominal operations. Six (30%) patients had undergone a mean of 1.1 previous open hernia repairs; 5 (83%) with mesh. Eight patients (40%) had an additional operative procedure at the time of laparoscopic hernia repair. Ten minor complications occurred in 10 patients (50%). Four major complications occurred in 4 patients (20%). One patient required reoperation for evacuation of hematoma at a trocar site. No patients complained of pain at a transabdominal suture site or persistent seromas by 6 weeks of follow-up. At mean follow-up of 3.1 months, no recurrences occurred and no patients required mesh removal in this series. No deaths occurred.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is becoming an accepted technique for hernia repair in the United States, with a well-documented low recurrence rate. Our series demonstrates that this approach is equally safe and effective for a significantly older segment of the population.     

Obturator Hernia: Laparoscopic Diagnosis and Repair

Objective:

Review of international literature reveals eight reported cases of laparoscopic obturator hernia repair. Non-specific signs and symptoms make the diagnosis of an obturator hernia difficult. Laparoscopic intervention provides a minimally invasive method to simultaneously diagnose and repair these hernias.

Methods and Procedures:

A 35 year old woman presented with lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and dyspareunia. During gynecological diagnostic laparoscopy, a pelvic floor hernia was suspected, and a general surgical evaluation was sought. At a subsequent laparoscopy, the diagnosis of a left direct inguinal and a right obturator hernia was made. Both were repaired laparoscopically with polypropylene mesh.

Results:

At follow-up at one and six weeks postoperatively, the patient''s complaints of pain had completely resolved.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of obturator hernia is problematic. The usual presenting signs and symptoms are non-specific. Without conclusive historical or physical findings, laparoscopy is an excellent method for diagnosing obturator hernia. This entity, once diagnosed laparoscopically, can be repaired simultaneously via laparoscopic mesh technique.     

二孔法腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎术治疗小儿腹股沟斜疝556例

目的探讨二孔法腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎术治疗小儿腹股沟斜疝的价值。方法建立气腹（压力8~10 mmHg）,脐上5 mm trocar作为观察孔放置30°腹腔镜,于脐水平线对侧腹直肌外缘3 mm trocar作为操作孔。疝内环口体表投影处做一约2 mm微小切口,经此切口刺入带7号丝线的GraNee针（卡钩针）,沿内环口的外半周用缝荷包法缝合腹膜,至内环口下方,打开卡钩针,取下缝合线,闭合卡钩针,取出,再次刺入,沿内环口内半周缝合,至与第1针汇合时再次打开卡钩针,将腹腔内留置的缝线置于卡钩针的针孔内,闭合卡钩针并退出,将缝线带出腹腔,体外打结。结果 553例在腹腔镜下完成疝囊高位结扎术,每侧手术时间2~5 min,平均3 min。3例因肠管胀气明显,手术操作空间狭小而中转开放手术。97例患儿对侧存在隐匿性疝,一并行疝囊高位结扎术。426例随访3~18个月,平均10个月,3例术后7~16 d复发,分别于术后3~6个月再次行腹腔镜下疝内环口高位结扎术,未再复发;1例术后3个月出现线结异物反应,给予换药处理,6个月后拆除缝线,斜疝未复发;无阴囊红肿及阴囊积气病例。结论二孔法腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎术治疗小儿腹股沟斜疝效果满意,值得推广应用。     

Laparoscopic Features and Repair of a Combined left Spigelian Hernia and left Morgagni Diaphragmatic Hernia

Both Spigelian and Morgagni hernias cause serious morbidity so early diagnosis and timely treatment are necessary. These two types of hernia are more commonly found on the right side of patients. They are rare individually in adults and even rarer in combination. So far, an association between the two hernias has only been reported on the right. We describe the first case of a Spigelian hernia and a Morgagni hernia in a 62-year-old woman, both occurring on the left side. Our accompanying video describes several laparoscopic features that will help lead to early detection and diagnosis.     

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair - Complications

Laparoscopic hernioplasty is a technique which can present a number of specific complications. This paper reviews the complications that can occur during laparoscopic hernia repair and ways to avoid them; it also describes the surgical technique used successfully in over 1000 cases. Initial experience suggests that complications can be avoided with adequate knowledge, attention to surgical anatomy and the proper technique of laparoscopic hernioplasty.Early recurrences are rare and invariably result from inadequate surgical technique. Inadequate fixation of the mesh, inadequate mesh size, and failure to cover unidentified wall defects (hernias which have never been repaired), are the main causes of early recurrence of hernia. Experience, knowledge of complications and how to avoid them, adequate training and attention to the anatomy of the inguinal region are the most important factors in correcting inguinal hernia successfully by laparoscopy.     

Single-Port Laparoscopic Parastomal Hernia Repair with Modified Sugarbaker Technique

Introduction:

Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair with modified Sugarbaker technique has become increasingly the operation of choice because of its low recurrence rates. This study aimed to assess feasibility, safety, and efficiency of performing the same operation with single-incision laparoscopic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

All patients referred from March 2010 to February 2013 were considered for single-port laparoscopic repair with modified Sugarbaker technique. A SILS port (Covidien, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA) was used together with conventional straight dissecting instruments and a 5.5- mm/52-cm/30° laparoscope. Important technical aspects include modified dissection techniques, namely, “inline” and “chopsticks” to overcome loss of triangulation, insertion of a urinary catheter into an ostomy for ostomy limb identification, safe adhesiolysis by avoiding electocautery, saline -jet dissection to demarcate tissue planes, dissection of an entire laparotomy scar to expose incidental incisional hernias, adequate mobilization of an ostomy limb for lateralization, and wide overlapping of defect with antiadhesive mesh.

Results:

Of 6 patients, 5 underwent single-port laparoscopic repair, and 1 (whose body mass index [BMI] of 39.4 kg/m² did not permit SILS port placement) underwent multiport repair. Mean defect size was 10 cm, and mean mesh size was 660 cm² with 4 patients having incidental incisional hernias repaired by the same mesh. Mean operation time was 270 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 4 days. Appliance malfunction ceased immediately, and pain associated with parastomal hernia disappeared. There was no recurrence with a follow-up of 2 to 36 months.

Conclusion:

Compared with multiport repair, single-port laparoscopic parastomal repair with modified Sugarbaker technique is safe and efficient, and it may eventually become the standard of care.     

腹腔镜手术治疗食管裂孔疝45例

目的探讨腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补联合抗反流手术治疗食管裂孔疝的疗效。方法 2004年5月~2008年11月45例食管裂孔疝行腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补联合抗反流手术。采用视觉模拟积分(visual analogue scales,VAS)评价术前及术后1、6、12个月胃食管反流症状,包括烧心、吞咽梗阻、反酸、胸痛、嗳气等。结果在缝合缩小食管裂孔的同时,行改良Nissen术9例,Toupet术10例,Dor术26例。无中转开腹。手术时间92~203min,平均118min。术后住院2~8d,平均2.7d。术后发生胃潴留3例,吞咽梗阻2例。术后随访1~48个月,平均21.5月,2例分别在术后1、12个月复发。胃食管反流综合症状VAS评分术前中位数5分(4~8分),术后1、6、12个月中位数均为1分,术前后比较均有统计学意义(P=0.000)。结论腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补联合抗反流手术是治疗食管裂孔疝的有效方法 ,具有创伤小、恢复快的特点。     

腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术

目的探讨腹腔镜下应用补片(Bard CruraSoft PTFE/ePTFE Mesh)行食管裂孔疝修补和部分胃底折叠术治疗食管裂孔疝的临床效果。方法2006年8月~2007年4月,对13例食管裂孔疝(Ⅰ型6例,Ⅲ型7例)腹腔镜下用超声刀进行食管裂孔疝游离、腔内缝合器行补片固定完成食管裂孔疝修补术并同期行部分胃底折叠术。结果13例手术全部获得成功,无中转开腹手术。手术时间115~185min,平均142min;术中出血量25~120ml,平均75ml。术后平均32h(26~37h)排气并开始进流质饮食。术后住院3~6d,平均4d。13例术后随访4~11个月,平均6.5月,术后1个月临床症状完全消失,13例手术后3个月行钡餐造影检查未见疝复发。结论腹腔镜下应用补片行食管裂孔疝修补和部分胃底折叠手术是一种安全有效的微创方法,具有临床推广的价值。     

Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair Versus Open Repair in Boys with Inguinal Hernia: A Meta-Analysis

ObjectivePediatric inguinal hernia is a common surgical problem in boys. Open hernia repair surgery (OH) has been traditionally used to treat this condition, but it leads to complications, such as testicular complications. Laparoscopic hernia repair by using the extraperitoneal method (LHE) is performed through the percutaneous insertion of sutures and extracorporeal closure of patent vaginalis processus; thus, injury to spermatic cord structures is avoided. However, a meta-analysis comparing LHE and OH is lacking.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. A meta-analysis of the retrieved studies was performed, and a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size. The primary outcome was testicular complications, including ascending testis, hydrocele, and testicular atrophy. The secondary outcomes were surgical metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH), ipsilateral hernia recurrence, and operation time.ResultsIn total, 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 non-RCTs involving 17,555 boys were included. The incidence of ascending testis (risk ratio [RR]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–0.78; p = 0.008) and MCIH (RR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07–0.43; p = 0.0002) was significantly lower in LHE than in OH. The incidence of hydrocele, testicular atrophy, and ipsilateral hernia recurrence did not differ between LHE and OH.ConclusionCompared with OH, LHE led to fewer or equivalent testicular complications without increasing ipsilateral hernia recurrence. Moreover, MCIH incidence was lower in LHE than in OH. Hence, LHE could be a feasible choice with less invasiveness for inguinal hernia repair in boys.Level of EvidenceTreatment study, LEVEL III.     

Open versus Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair

Background:

The literature reports the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach to paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair. However, its adoption as the preferred surgical approach and the risks associated with paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair have not been reviewed in a large database.

Method:

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataset was queried from 1998 to 2005 for patients who underwent repair of a complicated (the entire stomach moves into the chest cavity) versus uncomplicated (only the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest) paraesophageal hiatal hernia via the laparoscopic, open abdominal, or open thoracic approach. A multivariate analysis was performed controlling for demographics and comorbidities while looking for independent risk factors for mortality.

Results:

In total, 23,514 patients met the inclusion criteria. By surgical approach, 55% of patients underwent open abdominal, 35% laparoscopic, and 10% open thoracic repairs. Length of stay was significantly reduced for all patients after laparoscopic repair (P < .001). Age ≥60 years and nonwhite ethnicity were associated with significantly higher odds of death. Laparoscopic repair and obesity were associated with lower odds of death in the uncomplicated group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia is associated with a lower mortality in the uncomplicated group. However, older age and Hispanic ethnicity increased the odds of death.     

完全腹膜外补片植入术治疗腹股沟复合疝42例

目的探讨完全腹膜外补片植入术（totally extraperitoneal technique,TEP）治疗腹股沟复合疝的临床疗效。方法2004年7月～2008年6月应用TEP治疗42例腹股沟复合疝,其中双侧斜疝18例,单侧直疝、斜疝8例,一侧斜疝、另侧直疝5例,双侧直疝4例,双侧斜疝、一侧直疝3例,双侧直疝、一侧斜疝2例,同侧斜疝、股疝1例,双侧直疝、斜疝1例。脐下15mm切口达腹白线,切开10mm,镜头进入腹膜外间隙进行分离。直视下脐下5cm旁开5cm置入2个5mm trocar。建立腹膜外气腹,下达耻骨后间隙,外至髂前上棘,还纳复合疝各疝囊,使精索壁化。聚丙烯平片覆盖患侧肌耻骨孔、直疝三角,疝螺旋修补钉固定补片。结果42例均完成TEP,手术时间85～165min,平均107.3min;术中出血量10～20ml。术中均有阴囊气肿,术后自行吸收。术后2d内恢复饮食。住院时间7～9d,平均7.6d。42例随访时间3～32个月,平均15.3月,2例直疝复发,5例出现下腹壁轻微感觉异常,无其他并发症发生。结论TEP治疗腹股沟复合疝,安全可靠。     

Robot-Assisted Transabdominal Preperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

We believe that complications due to the mesh used in ventral hernia repairs can be reduced by using the natural barrier afforded by the peritoneum. This can be challenging to do laparoscopically, however we felt that the robot-assisted laparoscopic approach reduces the difficulty in placing the mesh in the preperitoneal space, and we want to share our early experiences with this approach. We describe the surgical technique used in robot-assisted laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) ventral hernia repair with mesh. In addition, we evaluate its feasibility and present preliminary perioperative results.

Methods:

We performed robot-assisted laparoscopic TAPP ventral hernia repairs in 3 patients in the spring of 2015. Demographic information and defect size were measured. Conversion from a laparoscopic to an open procedure was the primary outcome variable.

Results:

There were 3 cases of robot-assisted TAPP ventral hernia repair with mesh. The mean age of the patients was 49 years, the mean body mass index was 32.6 kg/m², and the mean operative time was 163.7 minutes. The mean defect size was 1219.0 mm². There were no conversions to open during this early learning phase. All patients were discharged home within the 24-hour postoperative period. No complications were noted during a mean follow-up of 3 months.

Conclusions:

We present our early experience with robot-assisted TAPP ventral hernia repair. We note that because of improved ergonomics and wristed instrumentation, the robotic platform enabled creation of peritoneal flaps and complete coverage of mesh with peritoneum after primary closure of the defect. The robotic approach is feasible and may provide a better environment for mesh integration and protection. Further investigations with long-term follow-up are needed to verify that this technique is effective in reducing mesh-related intra-abdominal complications.     

完全腹膜外腹腔镜疝修补术82例临床总结

目的探讨完全腹膜外腹腔镜疝修补术（total extraperitoneal hernia repair，TEP）的临床价值。方法2005～2007年行TEP手术82例97侧。男76例，女6例。年龄21～88岁，平均52岁。单侧腹股沟斜疝50例、直疝9例，双侧腹股沟斜疝9例，双侧腹股沟斜疝合并直疝6例，复发腹股沟斜疝8例。结果5例因下腹部手术史，腹壁严重粘连，腹膜损伤，其中1例无法修补，中转开放手术；4例以5-0可吸收缝线连续缝合，封闭腹膜破13。手术时间30～180min，平均单侧58min，双侧97min。术后无需使用镇痛剂。住院时间4～12d，平均7d。阴囊血清肿9例，局部穿刺抽液及理疗治愈。82例随访13～38个月，平均26个月，术后无复发。结论TEP是一种安全可靠的疝修补术，创伤小，术后疼痛轻，恢复快，特别适用于复发疝、双侧疝。     

Long-Term Durability and Comfort of Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background:

Repair of ventral hernias, including primary ventral hernias and incisional ventral hernias, is performed in the United States 90,000 times per year. Open or traditional ventral hernia repairs involve the significant morbidity and expense of a laparotomy and a significant risk of recurrent herniation. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) may offer a less-invasive alternative with shorter length of hospital stay, fewer cardiopulmonary complications, and low recurrence rates.

Methods:

225 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs in which carboxymethylcellulose-sodium hyaluronate coating (Sepramesh, Davol, Providence, RI) was used primarily. All cases were included prospectively from the study period of 2002 through 2009. Patient characteristics were recorded, and follow-up analysis was performed over a period of 42 mo following surgery. Recurrence, reoperations, and all complications were recorded. Mesh awareness and mesh-related pain were assessed using the hernia-specific Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) instrument, completed by 72 patients.

Results:

Over 42 mo of follow-up, 2 ventral hernias have recurred, and no long-term bowel erosion or fistulization has occurred. Little or no mesh-related symptoms were reported, and mean scores for mesh awareness and mesh pain were 3.6 and 3.2, respectively, on a scale from 0–40 (lower scores signify less pain or awareness). Two serious early complications occurred related to intestinal ileus and metal tacks producing intestinal perforation, and this led to a change in the tacking devices used.

Conclusions:

LVHR with carboxymethylcellulose-sodium hyaluronate coating (Sepramesh) is safe and effective. Complications are rare, the repair is durable, and long-term results are good with rare recurrences, low awareness of mesh, and little pain. Technical lessons include use of at least one transfascial suture and the avoidance of metal tacks for fixation.     

Safe Esophageal Bougie Placement for Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair

The increased use of laparoscopy for treatment of reflux esophagitis has been associated with a 1-8% complication rate. Perforation of the esophagus from bougie placement, wrap breakdown or too tight a wrap are some of the complications seen from this surgery. An esophageal dilator system was developed to overcome these problems. Thirty patients had an esophageal dilator system used whereby a 48F or 58F dilator was placed over a 18F orogastric tube. Intraoperative gastroscopy documented a properly created wrap. There were no esophageal perforations or morbidity associated with the dilator.     

The Use of Needlescopic Instruments in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

A successful laparoscopic hernia repair requires complete covering of the hernia defect, adequate tension of the prosthesis, and secure stapling with a stapler. We describe herein our technique of performing laparoscopic hernia repair using a needlescopic instrument which results in minimal damage to the abdominal wall and has significant cosmetic benefits. Our technique is easy to perform and useful for achieving initial anchoring of the prosthesis before fixation to the abdominal wall with a laparoscopic stapler. Received: October 18, 2000 / Accepted: May 15, 2001