Surgical technique for primary perineal hernia repair: a systematic scoping review

Hernia - A perineal hernia is a subtype of pelvic floor hernias, and especially primary perineal hernias are rare. No guideline exists on how to handle this type of hernia. Therefore, the primary...     

Local anaesthesia versus spinal anaesthesia in inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Inguinal hernias are a significant cause of morbidity. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the totality of evidence regarding the effectiveness of local anaesthesia when compared to spinal anaesthesia in individuals undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

Drain placement in retromuscular ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hernia - Drain placement in retromuscular ventral hernia repair is controversial. Although it may reduce seroma formation, there is a concern regarding an increase in infectious complications. We...     

Delayed versus early repair of inguinal hernia in preterm infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of herniotomy in preterm infants undergoing early versus delayed repair, the risk factors for complications, and to identify best timing of surgery.MethodsMedline, Embase and Central databases were searched from inception until 25 Jan 2021 to identify publications comparing the timing of neonatal inguinal hernia repair between early intervention (before discharge from first hospitalization) and delayed (after first hospitalisation discharge) intervention. Inclusion criteria was preterm infants diagnosed with inguinal hernia during neonatal intensive care unit admission. Results were analyzed using fixed and random effects meta-analysis (RevManv5.4).ResultsOut of 721 articles found, six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients in the early group had lower odds of developing incarceration [odds ratio (OR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.55, I² = 0%, p < 0.001]; but higher risk of post-operative respiratory complications (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.13–8.94, I² = 40%, p < 0.001). No significant differences were reported in recurrence rate (OR 3.10, 95% CI 0.90–10.64, I² = 0%, p = 0.07) and surgical complication rate (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.18–4.83, I² = 0%, p = 0.94) between early and delayed groups.ConclusionWhile early inguinal hernia repair in preterm infants reduces the risk of incarceration, it increases the risk of post-operative respiratory complications compared to delayed repair. Surgeons should discuss the risks and benefits of delaying inguinal hernia repair with the caregivers to make an informed decision best suited to the patient physiology and circumstances.Level of evidenceTreatment study, level 3.     

Laparoscopic versus open umbilical or paraumbilical hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

To compare outcomes of laparoscopic repair to open repair of umbilical and paraumbilical hernias.

Methods

We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards. The review protocol was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration Number: CRD42016052131). We conducted a search of electronic information sources, including MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry; ClinicalTrials.gov; and ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing outcomes of laparoscopic repair to open repair of umbilical and paraumbilical hernias. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale to assess the risk of bias of RCTs and observational studies, respectively. Random effects models were applied to calculate pooled outcome data.

Results

We identified three RCTs and seven retrospective cohort studies, enrolling a total of 16,549 patients. Our analyses indicated that open repair was associated with a higher risk of wound infection [Odds ratio (OR) 2.35, 95% CI 1.23–4.48, P = 0.010], wound dehiscence (OR 4.99, 95% CI 1.12–22.28, P = 0.04) and recurrence (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.54–10.71, P = 0.005), longer length of hospital stay (MD 26.85, 95% CI 8.15–45.55, P = 0.005) and shorter operative time [Mean difference (MD) ? 23.07, 95% CI ? 36.78 to ? 9.35, P = 0.0010] compared to laparoscopic repair. There was no difference in the risk of haematoma (OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.22–18.73, P = 0.53) or seroma (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.19–2.32, P = 0.53) between the two groups.

Conclusions

The best available evidence (randomised and non-randomised studies) suggests that laparoscopic repair of umbilical or paraumbilical hernias may be associated with a lower risk of wound infection, wound dehiscence and recurrence rate, shorter length of stay but longer operative time. Results from a limited number of RCTs showed no difference in recurrence rates. The quality of the best available evidence is moderate, and selection bias is the major concern due to non-randomised design in most of the available studies. Therefore, considering the level of available evidence, the most reliable approach for repair of umbilical or paraumbilical hernia should be based on surgeon’s experience, clinical setting, patient’s age and size, hernia defect size and anatomical characteristics. High quality RCTs are required.

     

The role of prophylactic antibiotics in elective inguinal tension-free hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Whether to use antibiotics to prevent surgical site infection in elective inguinal tension-free hernia repair has been controversial. To systematically evaluate the effect of prophylactic antibiotic application in elective inguinal tension-free hernia repair, we identified all published randomised controlled trials of the effect of prophylactic antibiotic application on elective inguinal tension-free hernia repair were collected by computer retrieval from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure; VIP Database; Wanfang Database; China Biomedical Literature Database; and PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. The meta-analysis showed that the total incidence of surgical site infections [P = 0.003] and the incidence of superficial surgical site infections [P = 0.004] in the antibiotic group (AG) were lower than those in the non-antibiotic group (NAG). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of postoperative infections [P = 0.06], deep surgical site infections [P = 0.26] and seroma [P = 0.52] between the AG and the NAG. Based on current evidence, the application of prophylactic antibiotics in elective inguinal tension-free hernia repair can prevent the total incidence of surgical site infections and that of superficial surgical site infections but cannot prevent the total incidence of postoperative infection events, incidence of deep surgical site infections and incidence of seroma.     

Optimal timing for inguinal hernia repair in premature infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe optimal timing of repair for inguinal hernia in premature infants remains a controversial topic. Our objective was to assess the clinical effects of inguinal hernia repair done before or after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched in July 2018. Publications comparing clinical outcomes of the premature infants with inguinal hernia repair before (early) and after (delayed) NICU discharge were identified. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed for quality. Results were pooled using random effects meta-analysis.ResultsOf 640 publications identified, six comparative studies assessing a total of 1761 premature infants were included. Meta-analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in incarceration rate (odds ratio (OR) 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83–5.58, I² = 0%), surgical complications (OR 2.36, 95% CI 0.66–8.41, I² = 0%) and other secondary complications. However, the odds of recurrence and respiratory difficulty was significantly increase in the early group compared to delayed (OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.17–14.45, I² = 0%; OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.10–11.75, I² = 42%).ConclusionsRepair of inguinal hernia in premature infants before NICU discharge may increase the odds of recurrence, but not incarceration or surgical complications.Level of evidenceLevel III     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a systematic review

Background  Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may be an alternative to open mesh repair as it avoids a large abdominal incision, and thus potentially reduces pain and hospital stay. This review aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in comparison with open ventral hernia repair. Method  A systematic review was conducted, with comprehensive searches identifying six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and eight nonrandomised comparative studies. Results  The laparoscopic approach may have a lower recurrence rate than the open approach and required a shorter hospital stay. Five RCTs (Barbaros et al., Hernia 11:51–56, 2007; Misra et al., Surg Endosc 20:1839–1845, 2006; Navarra et al., Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 17:86–90, 2007; Moreno-Egea et al., Arch Surg 137:266–1268, 2002; Carbajo et al., Surg Endosc 13:250–252, 1999) reported no conversion (0%) to open surgery, and four nonrandomised studies reported conversions to open surgery ranging from 0% to 14%. Open approach complications generally were wound related, whereas the laparoscopic approach reported both wound- and procedure-related complications and these appeared to be less frequently reported. Conclusion  Based on current evidence, the relative safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach in comparison with the open approach remains uncertain. The laparoscopic approach may be more suitable for straightforward hernias, with open repair reserved for the more complex hernias. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair appears to be an acceptable alternative that can be offered by surgeons proficient in advanced laparoscopic techniques.     

Comparison of outcomes of ventral hernia repair using different meshes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Hernia - We conducted a network meta-analysis to evaluate potential differences in patient outcomes when different meshes, especially biological meshes, were used for ventral hernia repair. PubMed,...     

Patient-reported outcomes of laparoscopic versus robotic primary ventral and incisional hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hernia - Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROM’s) are increasingly used to assess surgical outcomes in low-risk surgeries such as minimally invasive primary ventral and incisional hernia...     

Gracilis muscle interposition for complex perineal fistulas: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

Aim

Complex perineal fistulas (CPFs) are among the most challenging problems in colorectal practice. Various procedures have been used to treat CPFs, with none being a panacea. Our study aimed to assess the overall success and complication rates after gracilis muscle interposition in patients with CPF.

Method

PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched until January 2022 according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies including children <18 years or <10 patients were excluded, as well as reviews, duplicate or animal studies, studies with poor documentation (no report of success rate) and non-English text. An open-source, cross-platform software for advanced meta-analysis openMeta [Analyst]™ version 12.11.14 and Cochrane Review Manager 5.4® were used to conduct the meta-analysis of data.

Results

Twenty-five studies published between 2002 and 2021 were identified. The studies included 658 patients (409 women). Most patients had rectovaginal (50.7%) or rectourethral fistulas (33.7%). The most common causes of CPF were pelvic surgery (29.4%) and inflammatory bowel disease (25.2%). A history of radiotherapy was reported in approximately 18% of the patients. 498 (75.7%) patients with CPF achieved complete healing after gracilis muscle interposition. The weighted mean rate of success of the gracilis interposition procedure was 79.4% (95% CI 73.8%–85%, I² = 75.3%), the weighted mean short-term complication rate was 25.7% (95% CI 18.1–33.2, I² = 84.1%) and the weighted mean rate for 30-day reoperation was 3.6% (95% CI 1.6–5.6, I² = 42%). The weighted mean rate of fistula recurrence was 16.7% (95% CI 11%–22.3%, I² = 61%).

Conclusion

The gracilis muscle interposition technique is a viable treatment option for CPF. Surgeons should be familiar with indications and techniques to offer it as an option for patients. Given the relatively infrequent use of the operation, referral rather than performance of graciloplasty is an acceptable option.     

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.     

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 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 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     

Laparoscopic large hiatus hernia repair with mesh reinforcement versus suture cruroplasty alone: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hernia - To compare the difference in outcomes in laparoscopic large hiatus hernia (LHH) repair using suture-based and mesh-based repair techniques. A systematic search of articles was conducted in...     

Determining postoperative outcomes after cleft palate repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

A lack of high-level evidence exists on the outcomes of different cleft palate repair techniques. A critical appreciation for the complication rates of common repair techniques is paramount to optimize cleft palate care.