A new caliper: uses in surgery.

A technique using Marlex mesh for the repair of incisional hernias in which the mesh is placed deep to the muscles and the musculofascial layers are closed completely over the mesh is described. Great mechanical advantage is obtained and healing of the wound by primary repair is made possible. This technique has been used in 31 patients since February 1978 with good results. Most of the 31 patients had large defects, and primary closure over the mesh was possible in all of them.     

Repair of high-risk incisional hernias and traumatic abdominal wall defects with porcine mesh

Complex ventral hernias represent a significant challenge to surgeons. We hypothesized that a wide underlay technique in combination with a novel biologic mesh would result in repair with a low recurrence rate. Medical records of patients undergoing ventral herniorrhaphy with XenMatrix biologic mesh were evaluated. All patients were evaluated for hernia recurrence both immediately and after 2 to 3 years. There were 57 patients included in the study. The overall recurrence rate was 7.2 per cent; however, all recurrences were early and were likely technical failures. The average duration of follow-up was 30.6 months with no further recurrences after the early technical failures. The average number of previous recurrences was 1.5. Fascial closure was obtained over the mesh in 84 per cent of patients, with component separation being necessary in 36 per cent of patients. Lack of fascial reapproximation over the mesh was associated with early recurrence (0 vs 55%, P < 0.0001). Complex ventral hernias can be repaired with a low recurrence rate. Our technique in combination with the XenMatrix biologic mesh provides for durable repair. Whenever possible, the fascia should be closed above the underlay mesh, because this technique provides a more durable repair than using the mesh as a "fascial bridge".     

Mesh repair for midline ventral hernia without lateral fixation of the mesh

The Rives-Stoppa repair is the current standard of care for the open treatment of midline ventral hernia. Transfascial, lateral fixation of the mesh has always been considered an important part of this technique. I reviewed cases of patients with a primary or recurrent midline, ventral hernia who had an open repair using the Rives-Stoppa technique with the exception of mesh fixation. Heavy weight polypropylene mesh was sutured to the midline of the posterior rectus sheath with two to three interrupted stitches. Multiple metal clips were attached to the periphery of the mesh for later identification. Physical exams and CT scans were done on all patients postoperatively to assess the integrity of the repair. From November 2008 to January 2010 13 patients had an open repair using a modified Rives-Stoppa technique. All patients had an intact repair based on physical exam and a contiguous rectus abdominis muscle layer based on CT evaluation. Lateral fixation of heavy weight polypropylene mesh is not necessary when performing a retro-muscular repair using the Rives-Stoppa technique.     

Use of Teflon mesh for repair of abdominal wall defects in neonates.

Since 1975, we have employed Teflon mesh sutured to the fascial rim in four newborns with giant omphaloceles, with approximation of skin flaps over the mesh. By stabilizing the anterior abdominal wall, the Teflon mesh has prevented formation of large ventral hernias. The mesh has been retained in place for a year or longer, until the growth of the child permits excision of the prosthesis and fascial approximation without difficulty. A similar technique has been successfully employed in a fifth neonate following transabdominal correction of congenital bilateral eventration of the diaphragm to avoid unacceptable increase in intra-abdominal pressure with primary closure of the abdominal wall. The Teflon mesh appears ideally suited for this technique. It is well incorporated into the fascial rim with minimal foreign body reaction. At the time of secondary repair, the mesh can easily excised from the smooth underlying pseudomembrane covering the bowel. All infants achieved stable abdominal walls by this technique. Three patients have undergone excision of the Teflon mesh and fascial repair at 12, 15, and 36 mo of age without difficulty.     

Technique for repairing inguinal hernias with Marlex mesh

A technique using Marlex mesh for the repair of inguinal hernias is described. In this procedure the transversalis fascia is incised and a 1 inch strip of Marlex mesh is sutured as a cuff over the free edge of the conjoined tendon. The mesh-reinforced conjoined tendon is then sutured to Poupart's ligament. Continuous sutures of polypropylene monofilament are used both to affix the mesh cuff to the conjoined tendon and to suture the reinforced conjoined tendon to Poupart's ligament. Use of the mesh cuff results in a significant mechanical advantage and an exceptionally strong repair. This technique has been used in 72 patients since January 1979, with good results.     

Onlay ventral hernia repairs using porcine non-cross-linked dermal biologic mesh

Introduction

Ventral hernias are common and repair with mesh has been shown to reduce recurrence. However, synthetic mesh is associated with a risk of infection. Biologic mesh is an alternative that may be less susceptible to infection. Typically, the sublay position is preferred for mesh placement but this technique takes longer and has not been shown to have a lower recurrence rate than an onlay mesh. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex ventral hernia repair using a porcine non-cross-linked biologic mesh onlay.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients that had a ventral hernia repair with biologic mesh from January 2009 to March 2012. The operative procedure in all patients was an open repair with primary fascial closure (if possible) with or without external oblique component separation and porcine biologic mesh onlay.

Results

There were 22 patients that had a ventral hernia repair, 19 primary and 3 recurrent. The majority were men, had hernia grade 3 or 4, and developed the hernia after an esophagectomy or gastrectomy for cancer. All but one had primary closure with a porcine biologic mesh onlay. One patient was bridged for loss of domain. A bilateral external oblique component separation was added in 16 patients (73 %). The median hospital stay was 7 days. There were two superficial wound infections, one with exposed mesh, but no patient required mesh removal. A seroma requiring intervention developed in 6 patients (27 %) and resolved with pig-tail drainage. At a median follow-up of 7 months, there has been no hernia recurrence apart from the patient that was bridged.

Conclusions

Porcine non-cross-linked biologic mesh overlay has excellent short-term results in patients at increased risk for mesh infection. No patient required mesh removal, and there have been no recurrent hernias in patients with primary fascial closure. Biologic bridging is not effective for long-term abdominal wall reconstruction.     

Primary inguinal hernia repair utilizing the mesh ‘plug’ technique

‘Tension-free’ mesh repairs, as popularised by Lichtenstein, are being used increasingly in the management of primary inguinal hernia. Introduced more recently, the mesh ‘plug’ technique may enhance further the benefits of such repairs. Twenty six males attending for unilateral, primary, inguinal hernia repair were randomised to have either a Lichtenstein ‘patch’ repair or to undergo a mesh ‘plug’ repair. Ease of technique and operating time were recorded. Patients were given a visual analogue pain-scoring sheet and were asked to record the number of analgesic tablets taken each post-operative day. Patients were reviewed in clinic at 1 and 6 weeks post-operatively, when they were asked their time to return to ‘normal’ activity and time to return to work. Any post-operative complications were noted. The tension-free mesh ‘plug’ repair requires minimal tissue dissection, no herniotomy and is technically straightforward. Patients experienced less post-operative discomfort and returned to ‘normality’ more quickly. The results suggest that the mesh ‘plug’ technique has advantages over the Lichtenstein ‘patch’ repair. A larger trial of this technique should now be undertaken to confirm the results of our pilot study and to assess long term recurrence rates.     

Lichtenstein unilateral hernia repair: results of 961 cases in a day surgery unit

The objective was to evaluate the short and long term results of the open tension-free mesh repair as a day case. A retrospective study of 961 elective inguinal hernia patients over a 5 year period was undertaken. The setting was a Day Surgery Unit of a District General Hospital where surgeons of different levels of skill perform the operations, according to a standardised protocol, using local anaesthesia with sedation and mesh repair. A total of 93% of the patients were discharged and sent home the same day. Morbidity was 4.4%; no mesh required removal; the overall recurrence rate was 2.2% (0.7% for primary hernias and 5.2% for recurrent hernias). The satisfaction rate with the repair was high (>95%). We conclude that the Lichtenstein repair is highly suitable for day case surgery. Standardization of the anaesthetic-hernia repair technique improves the results and the quality of care provided.     

三种疝修补术治疗单侧原发性腹股沟疝的前瞻性随机对照研究

目的 比较开腹无张力填充式腹股沟疝修补术与两种腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术的疗效.方法 将患有单侧原发性腹股沟疝的患者术前随机分成3组:开腹无张力填充式腹股沟疝修补术(开腹疝修补术)组或腹腔镜经腹腔腹膜前腹股沟疝修补术(transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty,TAPP)组或腹腔镜完全腹膜外腹股沟疝修补术(totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty,TEP)组,将临床资料进行对比研究.结果 2006年2月至2009年2月收住院的164例患者参加本研究,其中62例行开腹疝修补术、50例行TAPP、52例行TEP.平均随访(16±8)个月.开腹疝修补术组的平均手术时间明显短于两种腹腔镜手术组(P＜0.01);住院费用也明显低于腹腔镜组(P＜0.01).而开腹疝修补术组的术后疼痛评分明显高于两种腹腔镜手术组(P＜0.01);术后住院时间及完全恢复时间也明显长于腹腔镜组(P＜0.01).3组均无手术严重并发症及术后复发.结论本研究证明三种疝修补术治疗单侧原发性腹股沟疝是安全有效的.TAPP和TEP,术后疼痛轻、恢复快,是值得推荐的外科术式.     

疝环充填式与平片无张力疝修补近期随访研究

目的：研究疝环式充填式与平片无张力疝修补的手术效果。方法：用平片无张力疝修补术修补腹股沟疝369例，用疝环充填式疝修补术修补腹股沟疝62例，对此两种术式的手术时间，术后复发率，术后并发症等进行随访研究。结果：平片无张力疝修补组平均时间38min，术后复发7例；疝环充填式修补组平均手术时间50min，术后复发1例。结论：近期随访表明，疝环充填式与平片无张力疝修补能明显降低术后复发主，疝环充填式疝修补的疗效较平片无张力疝修补更好。     

不同手术方式治疗腹壁造口旁疝24例

目的 探讨造口旁疝的病因、修补方法及临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2006年7月至2010年7月安徽医科大学第二附属医院收治的腹壁造口旁疝64例,手术治疗24例,比较三种手术方式的术后复发率及并发症情况.结果 行Onlay修补术5例,复发1例,复发率20%.行Sublay修补术12例,复发2例,复发率16.66%;出现皮下积液、切口感染3例.行IPOM修补术7例,复发1例,复发率14.28%;出现肠粘连肠梗阻症状1例,出现肠漏1例.三组手术方式相比,IPOM及Sublay修补术造口复发率稍低,但无统计学意义（χ2=0.462,P=1.000）.预防性使用补片病例无一例发生造口旁疝,造口旁疝发生率低于常规手术组（χ2=1.533,P=0.539）.结论 造口旁疝发病率较高,修补术后复发率高,并发症多,至今仍无统一的修补标准.预防性放置补片可有效的降低造口旁疝发生率.     

A prospective randomized study of Lichtenstein open tension-free versus laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal techniques for inguinal hernia repair

Ideal technique for effective inguinal hernia repair is still controversial. Although open tension free mesh techniques of inguinal hernia repair offers good results but the superiority of laparoscopic technique was reported for postoperative pain, discomfort and earlier return back to work. A prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique with the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique. 62 male patients with Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique and 61 male patients with totally extraperitoneal technique were operated and compared postoperatively. The patients were followed-up for 24 months with a median of 18 months. In terms of recurrence, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, complications, hospital stay length, duration of limitation of normal daily activities there were no significant differences between the two groups. Operating time for totally extraperitoneal hernia repair was 16 minutes longer than Lichtenstein open tension free technique. The totally extraperitoneal technique was considerably expensive than Lichtenstein technique, however the duration of returning back to work was shorter in patients repaired with totally extraperitoneal technique. In conclusion in primary inguinal hernia repair Lichtenstein technique should be preferred and the totally extraperitoneal technique should be considered for recurrent and bilateral hernias.     

Review of the management of recurrent inguinal hernia

Background: There is little available evidence on the optimal management of recurrent inguinal hernia, particularly if the original procedure involved the use of mesh. This study was a review of recurrent hernia repair in a district hospital, involving both laparoscopic and open procedures. Methods: The case notes of all patients who had a repair of a recurrent hernia between 1991 and 2000, inclusive, were examined; 171 procedures were included. Where known, the original repair was a nylon darn in 31%, mesh repair in 18%, and laparoscopic repair in 8%. Results: The recurrent hernia was repaired using a Lichtenstein open mesh technique in 63% and by the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) method in 22%. Complication rates were highest after emergency surgery (all had open surgery), where 71% had complications and one patient died. For elective repairs, complication rates were similar after open (13%) and TEP (8%) repairs. The duration of hospital stay was also similar (1.2 vs 1.3 days, respectively), and a single recurrence was seen in each group. Patients with recurrence after primary mesh repair were also managed by both techniques with similar results. Open re-operation for mesh failure was technically straightforward. Conclusions: Most recurrent hernias are still repaired by open techniques. There was no convincing evidence of different outcomes for open and TEP repairs in this review. Even when the original hernia repair involved the use of mesh, further open repair by an experienced surgeon is justified.     

Laparoscopic mesh repair of transverse rectus abdominus muscle and deep inferior epigastric flap harvest site hernias

INTRODUCTION: The transverse rectus abdominus muscle (TRAM) flap is one of the treatment options for breast reconstruction. TRAM flap reconstruction donor site herniation rates range from 1% to 8.8%. Traditionally, these hernias were treated by an open primary repair with or without the addition of onlay mesh. We report laparoscopic approach to treat TRAM and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) harvest site hernias with mesh. CASES: We treated 5 patients, 4 from TRAM and 1 from DIEP flap harvest site hernias during the period of October 2003 to January 2006. Two of these patients underwent previous open mesh repair with recurrence. All of these patients underwent laparoscopic hernia repair using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh. Follow-up ranged 6 to 31 months without any recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic mesh repair of ventral hernias located at TRAM and DIEP flap harvest sites can be performed safely and with a low rate of recurrence.     

Incisional hernia—comparison of mesh repair with Cardiff repair: an university hospital experience

Background: Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal surgery. Various types of repair are recommended for incisional hernia. Suture and mesh repair are compared in the present study. Method: One hundred seventy one patients with incisional hernia underwent Cardiff repair (far and near sutures with reinforcement sutures) which was used as an open suture repair while onlay polypropylene mesh was used in the mesh repair technique. Result: Cardiff repair was performed in 116 patients with no mortality with recurrence in two patients with mean follow up of 7.1 years. Both these patients with recurrence had a defect measuring more than 10 cm in width. Mesh repair was carried out in 55 patients with no recurrence in mean follow up of 37 months. Seroma formation was noted in 7 (12.72%) with mesh repair as compared to 4 (3.44%) patients with Cardiff repair. Conclusion: We recommend Cardiff repair for primary and small to medium size incisional hernias. Onlay polypropylene mesh is ideal for tension-free hernia repair, recurrent incisional hernia and hernia defects wider than 10 cm.     

Modified Rives-Stoppa technique for repair of complex incisional hernias in 59 patients

Incisional hernias develop in 2% to 11% of patients who undergo laparotomy. Prosthetic mesh repair provides more strength, tension-free closure, and decreased recurrence rates as compared to primary tissue repairs. Complications-fistula formation, adhesions, skin erosion, and seroma/abscess formation-however, include increased rates of infection, sometimes requiring complete mesh removal. The Rives-Stoppa repair for complex incisional hernias confers the benefits of prosthetic repair and lower recurrence rates, but decreases certain complications by preventing direct mesh contact with the bowel. A total of 89 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.1) underwent a modified Rives-Stoppa repair for purposes of this review, all the patients who lost to follow-up before 6 months postoperatively were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 59 patients, 32.2% (n = 19) had expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh, and 67.8% (n = 40) had polypropylene mesh. Average range of follow-up was 40.0 months. Hernia recurred in 1 patient (1.7%). Infection requiring explantation of the prosthesis occurred in 3 patients (5.1%). The Rives-Stoppa repair is reportedly the best open technique for complex incisional hernias with comparatively lower recurrence rates. Additionally, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (64.4% of our series), who often require later reoperation for their primary disease, may benefit from this technique of herniorrhaphy where no interface exists between intrabdominal contents and the prosthesis. This lack of interface decreases intrabdominal adhesions and facilitates re-entry if future surgery is needed for inflammatory bowel disease.     

“对位对线”补片放置法在腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术中应用：单中心120例分析

背景与目的 腹腔镜下食管裂孔疝（HH）补片修补术以创伤小、恢复快、并发症少等优势已成为治疗HH的主要手术方法。腹腔镜下的补片放置及固定技术仍然是一个难点。本研究介绍一种新式的HH补片放置方法并探讨其临床应用效果。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月—2020年12月中山大学附属第六医院疝和腹壁外科收治的120例行腹腔镜HH补片修补术患者的临床资料。入组患者均采用“对位对线”的补片放置方法。结果 全组患者的平均手术时间为（112±27）min，术后平均住院时间为（4.5±2.2）d，围手术期无死亡病例。手术后早期并发症包括吞咽困难7例，其中5例2周后缓解，2例手术后4周仍诉有吞咽困难，予以胃镜下行球囊扩张治疗后症状可缓解；手术后尿潴留2例，予以留置尿管对症处理后症状缓解；术后腹腔出血1例，予以急诊行腹腔镜探查止血；术后肠梗阻2例，予以保守治疗后痊愈。随访中位时间为26个月，其中14例（11.7%）失访。随访患者中有5例诉临床症状与手术前相比未得到明显改善，其余患者诉临床症状得到完全改善或部分改善。所有随访病例均无确切依据的解剖学复发。所有随访病例未发现补片相关并发症如补片移位、感染、补片侵蚀食管以及大血管等。结论 腹腔镜HH补片修补术中采用“对位对线”的补片放置方法是安全有效的，此方法操作简单容易实施，便于临床推广使用。     

A Prospective Randomized Study of Lichtenstein Open Tension-free Versus Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Techniques for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Ideal technique for effective inguinal hernia repair is still controversial. Although open tension free mesh techniques of inguinal hernia repair offers good results but the superiority of laparoscopic technique was reported for postoperative pain, discomfort and earlier return back to work. A prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique with the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique. 62 male patients with Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique and 61 male patients with totally extraperitoneal technique were operated and compared postoperatively. The patients were followed-up for 24 months with a median of 18 months. In terms of recurrence, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, complications, hospital stay lenght, duration of limitation of normal daily activities there were no significant differences between the two groups. Operating time for totally extraperitoneal hernia repair was 16 minutes longer than Lichtenstein open tension free technique. The totally extraperitoneal technique was considerably expensive than Lichtenstein technique, however the duration of returning back to work was shorter in patients repaired with totally extraperitoneal technique.

In conclusion in primary inguinal hernia repair Lichtenstein technique should be preferred and the totally extraperito neal technique should be considered for recurrent and bilateral hernias.     

Re-recurrence after operation for recurrent inguinal hernia. A nationwide 8-year follow-up study on the role of type of repair

OBJECTIVES: We analyze, on a nationwide basis, the risk of re-reoperation with reference to previous inguinal hernia repair technique. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Operation for a recurrent inguinal hernia is common and the risk of re-recurrence is high. There are no large-scale data evaluating the surgical strategy and results after recurrent inguinal hernia repairs. METHODS: Prospective recording of all primary and subsequent recurrent inguinal hernia repairs from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2005, in the national Danish Hernia Database, using the reoperation rate as a proxy for recurrence. The re-reoperation rate was analyzed with reference to the technique of primary and recurrent inguinal hernia repair. RESULTS: After 67,306 primary hernia repairs there were 2117 reoperations (3.1%) and 187 re-reoperations (8.8%). The cumulated re-reoperation rate after primary Lichtenstein repair (n = 1124) was significantly reduced after laparoscopic operation for recurrence (1.3% (95% CI: 0.4-3.0)) compared with open repairs for recurrence (Lichtenstein 11.3% (8.2-15.2), nonmesh 19.2% (14.0-25.4), mesh (non-Lichtenstein) 7.2% (4.0 - 11.8)). After primary nonmesh (n = 616), non-Lichtenstein mesh (n = 277), and laparoscopic repair (n = 100) there was no significant difference in re-reoperation rates between a laparoscopic repair and all open techniques of repair for recurrence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair is recommended for reoperation of a recurrence after primary open Lichtenstein repair.     

Erfahrung in der Narbenhernienchirurgie

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernia surgery in Germany is changing from conventional techniques to mesh implantation. The relevance of different factors such as surgical technique, mesh material, and patient-related parameters concerning the outcome following mesh repair is still under debate. METHODS: In a comparative retrospective study of 432 incisional hernia operations on 348 patients we analyzed 11 autodermic hernioplasties, 241 Mayo procedures,and 180 mesh repairs over a 25-year time period.In addition to the quality of life following mesh implantation,the prognostic relevance of demographic, pre- and intraoperative parameters, surgical technique, mesh material, and the surgeon's experience were subjected to both univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 9.7+/-8.8 years, the rate of major complications following mesh repair was 9% in contrast to 3% after the Mayo procedure (p=0.091). The sublay technique revealed less complications compared to the onlay procedure (p=0.016). The total recurrence rate following the overlapping Mayo repair was 37% in contrast to 15% after mesh implantation (p=0.001), with a significant superiority of the sublay technique over the inlay technique (p=0.043). The rate of recurrences and complications after autodermic hernioplasty was 72% and 36%,respectively. After mesh repair, 86% of the patients were better satisfied with the results after Marlex mesh compared to GoreTex (p=0.016). Mesh size was the only significant prognostic factor concerning quality of life following mesh implantation. The complication rate was determined significantly by the patients' risk factors, size of hernia, surgical technique, and the surgeon's experience, whereas the rate of recurrences was significantly influenced by the parameters obesity (BMI >25), size of hernia,and surgical experience. The recurrence rate decreased significantly with the surgeon's experience: a minimum of 16 mesh repairs led to a recurrence rate of less than 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Only the mesh repair revealed acceptable recurrence rates with high patient comfort. The sublay technique is superior to onlay concerning the complication rate, whereas the autodermic hernioplasty and inlay techniques are obsolete. The material of choice is polypropylene. The most important prognostic factor following mesh repair is the surgeon's experience.