Implantation of Prophylactic Nonabsorbable Intraperitoneal Mesh in Patients With Peritonitis Is Safe and Feasible

Background

Patients with peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy are at increased risk for postoperative open abdomen and incisional hernia. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh implantation compared with conventional abdominal wall closure in patients with peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy.

Method

A matched case-control study was performed. To analyze a high-risk population for incisional hernia formation, only patients with at least two of the following risk factors were included: male sex, body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m², malignant tumor, or previous abdominal incision. In 63 patients with peritonitis, a prophylactic nonabsorbable mesh was implanted intraperitoneally between 2005 and 2010. These patients were compared with 70 patients with the same risk factors and peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy over a 1-year period (2008) who underwent conventional abdominal closure without mesh implantation.

Results

Demographic parameters, including sex, age, BMI, grade of intraabdominal infection, and operating time were comparable in the two groups. Incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) was not different between groups (61.9 vs. 60.3 %; p = 0.603). Enterocutaneous fistula occurred in three patients in the mesh group (4.8 %) and in two patients in the control group (2.9 %; p = 0.667). The incidence of incisional hernia was significantly lower in the mesh group (2/63 patients) than in the control group (20/70 patients) (3.2 vs. 28.6 %; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh can be safely implanted in patients with peritonitis. It significantly reduces the incidence of incisional hernia. The incidences of SSI and enterocutaneous fistula formation were similar to those seen with conventional abdominal closure.     

Prophylactic Mesh Placement in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Elective Laparotomy: A Systematic Review

Background

Incisional hernia is a significant complication in patients undergoing elective laparotomy. Its incidence is increased in patients with risk factors, such as obesity and chronic respiratory disease. The purpose of this pooled analysis was to evaluate the use of prophylactic mesh placement following laparotomy in high-risk patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane database was conducted. Outcome measures were incidence of postoperative incisional hernia, seroma, and wound infection rates.

Results

Five randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and four comparative studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. In total, 464 patients who underwent laparotomy closure with mesh placement and 755 patients who underwent conventional laparotomy closure were included. A reduced incidence of incisional hernia was observed when laparotomy was combined with prophylactic mesh placement in pooled analysis of RCTs (pooled odds ratio = 0.32; 95 % confidence interval = 0.12–0.83; P = 0.02) and comparative studies (pooled odds ratio = 0.11; 95 % confidence interval = 0.04–0.33; P < 0.001) respectively. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of seroma or wound infection following prophylactic mesh placement.

Conclusions

The results of this pooled analysis suggest a benefit to prophylactic mesh placement during laparotomy closure in high-risk patients with a significantly reduced incidence of incisional hernia without any significant differences in seroma formation and wound infection rates. Further studies must evaluate the incidence of mesh-specific complications, including foreign body sensation and chronic pain, before strong recommendations can be made.     

Closure of midline contaminated and recurrent incisional hernias with components separation technique reinforced with plication of the rectus muscles

Purpose

Midline incisional hernia reconstruction by defect closure and reinforcement with either prosthetic or biologic materials has shown to significantly decrease recurrence rates even for complex cases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes regarding large incisional hernia reconstruction with components separation technique using rectus muscle plication as a reinforcement method.

Methods

Thirteen patients having large midline incisional hernias and either history of abdominal wall contamination or recurrence in the presence of mesh were treated between January 2007 and December 2011 with closure using components separation technique reinforced by rectus muscle plication.

Results

Average hernia square was 222 cm², and mean follow-up was 24 months. Complications occurred in 6 patients with a mean time to resolution of 59 days. One recurrence was present.

Conclusions

When use of mesh or biologic materials is not desired, rectus muscle plication is a feasible tool as a reinforcement method after large hernia closure with components separation.     

Use of vacuum-assisted closure in open incisional hernia repair: a novel approach to prevent seroma formation

Introduction

Frequent complications in incisional hernia surgery are re-herniation, wound infection and seroma formation. The use of subatmospheric pressure dressings such as the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device has been shown to be an effective way to accelerate healing of various wounds. Here, we describe the application of the VAC device as a postoperative dressing to prevent seroma formation after open incisional hernia repair.

Methods

Three consecutive patients (63, 65 and 60 years of age, respectively) underwent incisional hernia repair. Patient body mass index was 30.9, 26.6 and 29 kg/m², respectively. All hernias were complex with a defect size greater than 10 cm and were repaired using the onlay technique. After suture skin closure the incision was covered with a thin VAC sponge (KCI, San Antonio, TX) that was set at ?125 mm Hg and left in place for 5 days before removal.

Results

An abdominal CT scan performed before discharge from the hospital did not show seroma formation. Physical examination 3 months after surgery was normal with no evidence of seroma (abdominal bulge and/or fluid wave).

Conclusions

This successful preliminary experience in three patients encourages the use of the VAC system in incisional hernia repair, particularly in selected patients with risk factors for seroma formation (e.g., large defects, obesity, patient comorbidities, nutritional status, number of prior abdominal incisions, etc.). Therefore, prevention of seroma formation after incisional hernia repair may be added as a novel application of the VAC device.     

Prevention of Incisional Hernia in Midline Laparotomy with an Onlay Mesh: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the prevention of incisional hernia (IH) during the postoperative period of a midline laparotomy during elective surgery.

Material and methods

A controlled, prospective, randomized, and blind study was carried out. The patients in group A (mesh) were fitted with a polypropylene mesh, to reinforce the standard abdominal wall closure. The patients in group B (non-mesh) underwent a standard abdominal wall closure and were not fitted with the mesh.

Results

In group A, 2/80 his were diagnosed, whereas in group B the number was 30/80. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves show that the likelihood of IH at 12 months is 1.5 % in group A compared with 35.9 % in group B (p < 0.0001), which means that the differences are statistically significant.

Conclusion

Fitting a prophylactic supra-aponeurotic mesh prevents IH independently of other factors.     

Use of dynamic wound closure system in conjunction with vacuum-assisted closure therapy in delayed closure of open abdomen

Aim

Definitive abdominal closure may not be possible for several days or weeks after laparotomy in damage-control surgery, abdominal compartment syndrome and intraabdominal sepsis, until the patient has stabilized. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC therapy^®, KCI, San Antonio, TX, USA) and abdominal re-approximation anchor system (ABRA, Canica, Almonte, Ontario, Canada) are novel techniques in delayed closure of open abdomen. Our aim is to present the use of these strategies in the management of 7 patients with open abdomen.

Methods

Between August 2010 and December 2011, 7 patients with severe peritonitis were stabilized by laparotomy and treated with either ABRA system or ABRA system in conjunction with VAC dressing. VAC dressing applied to 4 patients initially and followed by ABRA. ABRA was applied alone to remaining 3 patients. Demographic data and patient characteristics, timing of VAC dressing and ABRA system were recorded. ICU and hospital stay and development of incisional hernia were also recorded. Stage of open abdomen, width of abdominal defect, extent to damage to fascia, and pressure sores were staged.

Results

The mean duration with VAC dressing before ABRA application was 18 days. The mean duration of ABRA application was 53 days. The average width of the abdominal defect was 18 cm. The average length of defect was 20.8 cm. Delayed primary abdominal closure was accomplished in 6 patients without further surgery. Incisional hernia with a small abdominal defect developed in 2 patients.

Conclusion

Abdominal re-approximation anchor system and VAC dressing can be used separately or in conjunction with each other for closure of delayed open abdomen successfully.     

Atypical incisional hernia following Pfannenstiel incision

Introduction

Herniation following Pfannenstiel incision is rare. Closure of the incision in four layers including the rectii abdominis, is done uncommonly. The authors report five cases of interstitial herniae between the rectus muscles and the anterior rectus sheath, incarcerating omentum and bowel. Four patients underwent repair, two as an emergency. One patient was managed conservatively.

Method

Subsequently all consultant and specialist registrars in obstetrics and gynaecology in the Wessex region were sent questionnaires on their methods of closure of Pfannenstiel incisions and rates of associated herniae. Fifty-three of 74 surgeons responded and only three (5.6 %) routinely closed the abdominal recti. The surveyed surgeons felt post-Pfannenstiel incisional hernia rates were low (0-1 %) though the rate was unknown to 33 % of surgeons.

Conclusion

Complex incisional interstitial herniae of this type have not previously been described. Closure of the rectii abdominis (as originally described by Pfannenstiel in 1900) could minimise the incidence of incisional herniae.     

Wound dehiscence: outcome comparison for sutured and mesh reconstructed patients

Purpose

Treatment guidelines for abdominal wound dehiscence (WD) are lacking. The primary aim of the study was to compare suture to mesh repair in WD patients concerning incisional hernia incidence. Secondary aims were to compare recurrent WD, morbidity, mortality and long-term abdominal wall complaints.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 46 consecutive patients operated for WD between January 2010 and August 2012 was conducted. Physical examination and a questionnaire enquiry were performed in January 2013.

Results

Six patients were treated by vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) before definitive closure. Three patients died early resulting in 23 patients closed by suture and 20 by mesh repair. Five sutured, but no mesh repair patients had recurrent WD (p = 0.051) with a mortality of 60 %. Finally, 18 sutured and 21 mesh repair patients were eligible for follow-up. The incidence of incisional hernia was higher for the sutured patients (53 vs. 5 %, p = 0.002), while mesh repair patients had a higher short-term morbidity rate (76 vs. 28 %, p = 0.004). Abdominal wall complaints were rare in both groups.

Conclusions

Suture of WD was afflicted with a high incidence of recurrent WD and incisional hernia formation. Mesh repair overcomes these problems at the cost of more wound complications. VAWCM seems to be an alternative for treating contaminated patients until definitive closure is possible. Long-term abdominal wall complaints are uncommon after WD treatment.     

Open Abdomen Treatment with Dynamic Sutures and Topical Negative Pressure Resulting in a High Primary Fascia Closure Rate

Background

Open abdomen (OA) treatment with negative-pressure therapy is a novel treatment option for a variety of abdominal conditions. We here present a cohort of 160 consecutive OA patients treated with negative pressure and a modified adaptation technique for dynamic retention sutures.

Methods

From May 2005 to October 2010, a total of 160 patients—58 women (36?%); median age 66?years (21–88?years); median Mannheim peritonitis index 25 (5–43) underwent emergent laparotomy for diverse abdominal conditions (abdominal sepsis 78?%, ischemia 16?%, other 6?%).

Results

Hospital mortality was 21?% (13?% died during OA treatment); delayed primary fascia closure was 76?% in the intent-to-treat population and 87?% in surviving patients. Six patients required reoperation for abdominal abscess and five patients for anastomotic leakage; enteric fistulas were observed in five (3?%) patients. In a multivariate analysis, factors correlating significantly with high fascia closure rate were limited surgery at the emergency operation and a Bj?rk index of 1 or 2; factors correlating significantly with low fascia closure rate were male sex and generalized peritonitis.

Conclusions

With the aid of initially placed dynamic retention sutures, OA treatment with negative pressure results in high rates of delayed primary fascia closure. OA therapy with the technical modifications described is thus considered a suitable treatment option in various abdominal emergencies.     

Dünndarmruptur nach stumpfem Abdominaltrauma bei vorbestehender Inguinalhernie

Background

Intestinal perforation following blunt trauma to the abdomen is a rare but life-threatening complication in patients with pre-existing inguinal hernia.

Material and methods

We examined retrospective case series of patients with intestinal perforation following blunt abdominal trauma.

Results

Within 2 years, three patients with pre-existing inguinal hernia were referred to our clinic following simple falls while cross-country skiing. Upon signs of abdominal tenderness and radiographic evidence of free air, explorative laparotomy with revision of the affected bowel segments was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful in two patients. One developed adhesive ileus and incisional hernia within 1 year.

Conclusions

Intestinal perforation must be suspected in patients with inguinal hernia and signs of diffuse abdominal tenderness following blunt trauma. Urgent explorative laparotomy with revision of the affected bowel segments is mandatory in patients with free abdominal air. Secondary hernia repair may represent the safest and most reliable approach and should be delayed until full recovery from the initial surgery.     

Incisional Hernia in Recipients of Adult to Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background

After receiving a living donor liver transplant (LDLT), an incisional hernia is a potentially serious complication that can affect the patient’s quality of life. In the present study we evaluated surgical hernia repair after LDLT.

Materials and methods

Medical records of patients who underwent surgery to repair an incisional hernia after LDLT in Turgut Ozal Medical Center between October 2006 and January 2010 were evaluated in this retrospective study. A reverse-T incision was made for liver transplantation. The hernias were repaired with onlay polypropylene mesh. Age, gender, post-transplant relaparatomy, the type, the result of surgery for the incisional hernia, and risk factors for developing incisional hernia were evaluated.

Results

An incisional hernia developed in 44 of 173 (25.4 %) patients after LDLT. Incisional hernia repair was performed in 14 of 173 patients (8.1 %) who underwent LDLT from October 2006 to January 2010. Relaparatomy was associated with incisional hernia (p = 0.0002). The mean age at the time of the incisional hernia repair was 51 years, and 79 % of the patients were men. The median follow-up period was 19.2 (13–36) months after the hernia repair. Three patients with intestinal incarceration underwent emergency surgery to repair the hernia. Partial small bowel resection was required in one patient. Postoperative complications included seroma formation in one patient and wound infection in another. There was no recurrence of hernia during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The incidence of incisional hernia after LDLT was 25.4 % in this study. Relaparatomy increases the probability of developing incisional hernia in recipients of LDLT. According to the results of the study, repair of an incisional hernia with onlay mesh is a suitable option.     

Improved Outcomes in the Management of High-Risk Incisional Hernias Utilizing Biological Mesh and Soft-Tissue Reconstruction: A Single Center Experience

Introduction

Repair of incisional hernias is complex in the setting of previous/current infection, loss of domain and bowel involvement, and is often on the background of significant co-morbidities. Reported repair techniques are associated with significant morbidity and led our unit to develop a novel technique for complex incisional hernia repair.

Methods

A retrospective case notes review of all high-risk (Ventral Hernia Working Group grade 2–4) incisional hernia repairs was undertaken. Standardized repair involved resection of attenuated soft tissue and hernia sac (bioburden reduction), component separation (where necessary), intra-peritoneal Strattice? biological mesh insertion, midline fascial closure, and soft-tissue reconstruction, performed in combination with a plastic surgeon as a single-stage procedure.

Results

A total of 58 patients underwent hernia repair between February 2009 and September 2012 (median age 59 years; 59 % female). Eleven patients (19 %) were grade 4, 19 (33 %) were grade 3, and 28 (48 %) were grade 2. Nineteen (33 %) were recurrent hernias, and midline fascial closure was achieved in 52 (90 %). Early complications included 15 (26 %) surgical-site occurrences, three (5 %) respiratory complications, two (3 %) cardiac complications, and two (3 %) urinary tract infections. Follow-up has revealed three (5 %) asymptomatic hernia recurrences and no patients requiring mesh explantation.

Conclusions

This technique was associated with a low risk of surgical site occurrences and hernia recurrence, with no requirements for mesh explantation. Repair of such complex incisional hernias remains challenging, and further randomized controlled trials are required to elucidate the optimal method of closure and mesh type.     

The peritoneal flap hernioplasty for repair of large ventral and incisional hernias

Background

Mesh repair of large ventral or incisional hernias is problematic when primary fascial closure cannot be achieved, as this leaves mesh exposed, bridging the gap. We describe a modified retromuscular sublay repair which overcomes this problem and report a retrospective review of cases to assess outcome.

Methods

Mesh is positioned between transposed flaps of preserved hernial sac and rectus sheath. Patients undergoing this repair by one author (BT) from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2010 were identified, and clinical outcome was assessed by a combination of case-note review, outpatient consultation and telephone interview.

Results

Twenty-one ventral and incisional hernias were treated by this method. Eighteen were incisional (13 midline, three transverse and two oblique incisions), and three were primary paraumbilical hernias. Defect sizes ranged from 25 to 500 cm² and mesh sizes from 300 to 900 cm². Patients were reviewed at 6 weeks, 6 months and at a median of 37 months post-operatively. Three cases of superficial skin edge necrosis, two superficial wound infections and two sizeable seromas developed, but all had resolved within 6 months. One patient developed abdominal wall necrosis requiring mesh removal and eventual abdominal wall reconstruction without mesh, resulting in late recurrence. All other cases achieved excellent long-term outcomes with a high degree of patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

This is a useful method for repairing large ventral and incisional hernias when primary fascial closure is not achievable, combining a sublay mesh repair with autologous tissue transposition across the fascial gap.     

One-Year Follow-up After Open Abdomen Therapy With Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure and Mesh-Mediated Fascial Traction

Background

Open abdomen (OA) therapy frequently results in a giant planned ventral hernia. Vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) enables delayed primary fascial closure in most patients, even after prolonged OA treatment. Our aim was to study the incidence of hernia and abdominal wall discomfort 1 year after abdominal closure.

Methods

A prospective multicenter cohort study of 111 patients undergoing OA/VAWCM was performed during 2006–2009. Surviving patients underwent clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and chart review at 1 year. Incisional and parastomal hernias and abdominal wall symptoms were noted.

Results

The median age for the 70 surviving patients was 68 years, 77 % of whom were male. Indications for OA were visceral pathology (n = 40), vascular pathology (n = 22), or trauma (n = 8). Median length of OA therapy was 14 days. Among 64 survivors who had delayed primary fascial closure, 23 (36 %) had a clinically detectable hernia and another 19 (30 %) had hernias that were detected on CT (n = 18) or at laparotomy (n = 1). Symptomatic hernias were found in 14 (22 %), 7 of them underwent repair. The median hernia widths in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were 7.3 and 4.8 cm, respectively (p = 0.031) with median areas of 81.0 and 42.9 cm², respectively (p = 0.025). Of 31 patients with a stoma, 18 (58 %) had a parastomal hernia. Parastomal hernia (odds ratio 8.9; 95 % confidence interval 1.2–68.8) was the only independent factor associated with an incisional hernia.

Conclusions

Incisional hernia incidence 1 year after OA therapy with VAWCM was high. Most hernias were small and asymptomatic, unlike the giant planned ventral hernias of the past.     

Management of duodeno-pancreato-biliary perforations after ERCP: outcomes from an Italian tertiary referral center

Background

The management of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) perforation is often unknown by many physicians, and there is a paucity of literature regarding the best surgical management approach.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of ERCP-related perforations to the duodeno-pancreato-biliary tract observed at the Digestive Surgery Department of the Catholic University of Rome was conducted to identify their optimal management and clinical outcome.

Results

From January 1999 to December 2011, 30 perforations after ERCP were observed. Seven patients underwent ERCP at another institution, and 23 patients underwent an endoscopic procedure at our hospital. Diagnosis of perforation was both clinical and instrumental. Fifteen patients (50 %) were successfully treated conservatively. Fifteen patients (50 %) underwent surgery after a mean time of 8.1 days (range 1–26 days) from ERCP: ten received a retroperitoneal laparostomy approach, three of them both an anterior and posterior laparostomy approach, and two an anterior laparostomy approach. Duodenal leak closure was observed after a mean (±standard deviation, SD) of 12.6 (±4.6) and 24.6 (±7.9) days after conservative and surgical treatment, respectively (p < 0.001). The overall and postoperative mortality rates were 13.3 % (4 of 30 patients) and 26.6 % (4 of 15 patients), respectively.

Conclusions

Post-ERCP perforation is burdened by a high risk of mortality. Early clinical and radiographic features have to be used to determine which type of surgical or conservative treatment is indicated. Half of patients can be treated conservatively, but in case of sepsis or unstable general conditions, early surgical procedure is indicated as the only possible chance of recovery.     

Non-crosslinked porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix for the management of complex ventral abdominal wall hernias: a report of 45 cases

Purpose

Ventral abdominal wall hernias are common and repair is frequently associated with complications and recurrence. Although non-crosslinked intact porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) has been used successfully in the repair of complex ventral hernias, there is currently no consensus regarding the type of mesh and surgical techniques to use in these patients. This report provides added support for PADM use in complex ventral hernias.

Methods

In a consecutive series of adult patients (2008–2011), complex ventral abdominal wall hernias (primary and incisional) were repaired with PADM by a single surgeon. Patient comorbidities, repair procedures, and postoperative recovery, recurrence, and complications were noted.

Results

Forty-four patients (mean age, 57.5 years) underwent 45 single-stage ventral abdominal wall hernia repairs (3 primary; 42 incisional). Previously placed synthetic mesh was removed in 17 cases. In 40 cases, primary fascial closure was achieved; in 5 cases, PADM was used as a bridge. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) was used for 38/45 cases: 19 closed incisions, 16 cases using the “French fry” technique, and 3 cases with open incisions. Mean hospital stay was 8.2 days (range, 3–32) and mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 1–48). There were 4 (8.9 %) hernia recurrences, 3 requiring additional repair and 1 requiring PADM explantation. There were 3 (6.7 %) skin dehiscences, 4 (8.9 %) deep wound infections requiring drainage, and 5 (11.1 %) seromas (4 self-limited, 1 requiring drainage).

Conclusions

Non-crosslinked intact PADM yielded favorable early outcomes when used to repair complex ventral abdominal wall hernias in high-risk patients.     

Prophylactic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh Reinforcement Reduces the Risk of Incisional Hernia,Two-Year Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Incisional hernias still are a major concern after laparotomy and are causing substantial morbidity. This study examines the feasibility, safety and incisional hernia rate of the use of a prophylactic intraperitoneal onlay mesh stripe (IPOM) to prevent incisional hernia following midline laparotomy.

Methods

This prospective, randomized controlled trial randomly allocated patients undergoing median laparotomy either to mass closure of the abdominal wall with a PDS-loop running suture reinforced by an intraperitoneal composite mesh stripe (Group A) or to the same procedure without the additional mesh stripe (Group B). Primary endpoint was the incidence of incisional hernias at 2 years following midline laparotomy. Secondary endpoints are were the feasibility, the safety of the mesh stripe implantation including postoperative pain, and the incidence of incisional hernias at 5 years.

Results

A total of 267 patients were included in this study. Follow-up data 2 years after surgery was available from 210 patients (Group A = 107; Group B = 103). An incisional hernia was diagnosed in 18/107 (17%) patients in Group A and in 40/103 (39%) patients in Group B (p < 0.001). A surgical operation due to an incisional hernia was conducted for 12/107 (11%) patients in Group A and for 24/103 (23%) patients in Group B (p = 0.039). In both groups, minor and major complications as well as postoperative pain are reported with no statistically significant difference between the groups, even in contaminated situations.

Conclusions

This first randomized clinical trial indicates that the placement of a non-absorbable IPOM-stripe with prophylactic intention may significantly reduce the risk for a midline incisional hernia.

Trial registration

Ref. NCT01003067 (clinicaltrials.gov)

     

Negative pressure wound therapy for children with an open abdomen

Purpose

The utility of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of adults with an open abdomen has been well documented. We reviewed our experience with NPWT in the management of infants and children with this condition.

Methods

The records of all children who were treated with NPWT for an open abdomen between March 2005 and September 2009 at a single children’s hospital were reviewed.

Results

Twenty-five subjects were identified. They included children who developed abdominal compartment syndrome after a laparotomy (n?=?12) or in whom the abdomen could not be safely closed at the time of laparotomy (n?=?13). NWPT was accomplished with the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC®) system in all patients. The median duration for NPWT was 4.5 days. In 16 subjects, the abdomen was closed successfully after NPWT. In 14 children, the abdominal wall fascia was successfully approximated, and two children underwent a patch abdominal closure. But nine subjects died before an abdominal closure could be attempted. Only two (12.5%) children developed enterocutaneous fistulae.

Conclusions

NPWT is a reliable tool for infants and children with an open abdomen. Wound management was facilitated and abdominal wall closure was ultimately achieved in all survivors. Enterocutaneous fistulae developed in two children, however, these were likely due to underlying bowel injury and would have occurred despite variations in management of the open abdomen.     

Prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh placement to prevent incisional hernia after stoma reversal: a feasibility study

Background

Incisional hernias in old stoma wounds occur in one-third of former stoma patients and pose a significant clinical problem. Parastomal hernias can be prevented by prophylactic mesh placement; however, no trial results are available for incisional hernia prevention after stoma reversal. In this feasibility study, we explore the safety of placing an intraperitoneal mesh to prevent incisional herniation after temporary stoma reversal.

Methods

Ten patients who underwent a low anterior resection with a deviating double-loop stoma for rectal cancer received an intraperitoneal parastomal mesh at the time of stoma formation. At stoma reversal, laparoscopy was performed and adhesions were scored. After reversal, the mesh defect was closed. Mesh and stoma complications were closely monitored. Incisional herniation was assessed at the 2-year follow-up after stoma reversal using ultrasonography.

Results

No infections occurred after mesh placement. After a median of 6 months, stomas were reversed. Laparoscopy could be performed in seven patients; all patients had adhesions (median of 25 % of mesh surface). In three patients, the bowel was involved; one required a laparotomy for bowel mobilization during stoma reversal. No adhesion-related morbidity was noted at any time. Except for one superficial wound infection after stoma reversal, no infectious complications were observed. After a median follow-up of 26 months, no incisional herniations were demonstrated.

Conclusions

Prophylactic mesh placement in temporary stoma formations seems safe and feasible and prevents incisional herniation 2 years after stoma reversal.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prophylactic mesh placement for prevention of incisional hernia following midline laparotomy

Purpose

Incisional hernia is a common long-term complication after laparotomy. This study investigated whether prophylactic mesh reinforcement of laparotomy reduced the rate of incisional hernia, with emphasis on trial design and quality.

Methods

A systematic review of published literature was performed for studies comparing incisional hernia presence following conventional closure or prophylactic mesh reinforcement. Studies were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, the Jadad score and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). The primary endpoint was incisional hernia, assessed by meta-analysis.

Results

Seven studies [four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and three prospective trials] included 588 patients; 262 received mesh reinforcement. All studies included elective patients at high risk of incisional hernia. Six incorporated a polypropylene mesh and one a biologic mesh. Four studies were judged high quality by NOS and two of four RCTs were at low risk of bias, although overall outcome assessment from all studies was either poor or mediocre. Mesh significantly reduced the rate of incisional hernia [odds ratio (OR) 0.15, p < 0.001]; the same effect was seen in RCTs only (OR 0.17, p < 0.001). A borderline increase of seroma seen with a fixed effect model (OR 1.82, p = 0.050) was not seen with a random effect model (OR 1.86, p = 0.210, I ² = 45 %).

Conclusion

Mesh reinforcement of laparotomy significantly reduced the rate of incisional hernia in high-risk patients. However, poor assessment of secondary outcomes limits applicability; routine placement in all patients cannot yet be recommended. More evidence regarding the rates of adverse events, cost-benefits and quality of life are needed.